Audi e-tron facelift to get next-gen battery, 600km range

Minor visual updates previewed by camouflaged prototype before official debut later this year.

Published On Sep 28, 2022 08:00:00 AM

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Audi e tron SUV facelift prototype front right quarter

Audi e tron SUV facelift prototype rear left quarter

Audi is planning a mid-life refresh during the latter part of 2022 for the e-tron and e-tron Sportback electric SUVs. They will get subtle styling updates, new-generation batteries – although their capacities are unknown as of now – and benefit from a longer range.

Gets refreshed grille with hexagonal pattern
Will be based on modified version of Audi's MLB platform

New Audi e-tron, e-tron Sportback: expected design update

The EVs are expected to get a refreshed grille design – the shape remains the same, but the details have changed. The outgoing model gets horizontal slats, whereas the upcoming one will get a hexagonal pattern. Additionally, both SUVs will feature redesigned front and rear bumpers as well as a new design for the alloy wheels.

New Audi e-tron, e-tron Sportback: expected platform, powertrains

As mentioned, Audi will give the two SUVs a more efficient electric motor and an upgraded electronics system, which will enable better energy recuperation among other enhanced functions.

Sources told our sister publication, Autocar UK, that the upgraded battery pack will give the e-tron and e-tron Sportback SUVs a claimed range of up to 600km. In contrast, the existing 95kWh battery pack delivers a range of 379km on the WLTP cycle.

An Audi official said, “They will both be significantly upgraded with a number of technical updates that will further increase their competitiveness.”

The official also said that “the Q6 e-tron will compete in a different market segment to the e-tron and e-tron Sportback”. The official added that “it’s smaller – roughly the size of the [conventionally-powered] Q5. However, the dedicated platform will allow it to offer interior and load-carrying space similar to today’s Q7.”

The mid-life update to the e-tron SUVs is planned despite the imminent arrival of the Audi Q6 e-tron, which will also be available in SUV and coupe SUV body styles, and is based on Audi and Porsche’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture. The facelifted e-tron and e-tron Sportback will be based on a modified version of Audi's MLB architecture.

The Audi Q6 e-tron, which is being developed parallely with the electric Porsche Macan, is planned to be unveiled in 2023, as per the source.

New Audi e-tron, e-tron Sportback: India launch

Since Audi sells both e-tron SUV models in India, expect the updated version to arrive sometime next year. However, Audi has not confirmed the India launch timeline for the e-tron and e-tron Sportback facelifted models.

Also see:

Audi e-tron batteries find second life in e-rickshaws in India