The Audi E-tron has been in the pipeline for an India launch, something we had reported at the all-electric SUV’s global unveil, last year. However, Audi’s first electric model has not had it easy going so far, being plagued by multiple production delays. Audi has reportedly had issues with battery supply and production has been scaled back. In turn, buyers in markets abroad are faced with a longer wait, by up to six months, to get their E-trons.
Interestingly enough, Audi is pushing to launch the E-tron in India as per the original schedule of end-2019. Given the SUV’s estimated Rs 1.5 crore ex-showroom price point and its niche battery-powered status, Audi anticipates limited demand for the model in India and will have enough stock to meet our market’s requirements. The model will primarily be a technology demonstrator in India, targeted at early adopters.
A five-seat SUV that sits between the Q5 and Q7 in terms of size, the E-tron is powered by two motors – a 125kW at the front and 140kw at the rear – that provide all-wheel-drive, with a total of 408hp and 664Nm of torque being transmitted to the wheels. Audi claims it achieves 0-100kph in 5.5sec (at fill power in boost mode), and goes on to a top speed of 200kph.
The 95kWh battery pack can be charged via regenerative braking tech and a wall charger. The E-tron can charge to 80 percent capacity within 30min via a DC fast-charger or through a home AC current with either a 230V or a faster 400V system.
While Audi claims a range of about 400km (on the WLTP test cycle), our test drive of the E-tron showed that most owners should easily see a range of over 300km.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
