Audi This autumn e-tron overview – Automotive Weblog
We get behind the wheel of the This autumn e-tron – Audi’s entry-level, all-electric automotive…
Launched in 2021, the Audi This autumn e-tron battles it out within the vastly aggressive mid-sized SUV sector.
Its many rivals embrace the Tesla Mannequin Y, Kia EV6, BMW iX1, Mercedes-Benz EQB, Volvo XC40 Recharge and Polestar 2.
Priced from £51,325, it additionally competes with its Volkswagen Group cousins (they share the identical platform) – the Skoda Enyaq and VW ID.5.
Accessible in each SUV and sleeker Sportback variations, the This autumn e-tron comes with a 76.6kWh battery and two energy ranges – the ’40’ (rear-wheel drive single electrical motor) or the top-spec ’50’ quattro (two electrical motors driving all 4 wheels).
The ’40’ delivers 201bhp and accelerates from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds, whereas the ’50’ has 295bhp on faucet and may hit 62mph in 6.2 seconds.
Each variations have a 135kW cost capability, which may get you from 5% to 80% in as little 29 minutes. Like all EVs, it can additionally cost up in a single day you probably have a house wallbox.
Relying on physique model and energy output, the This autumn e-tron has a claimed vary of 292 – 328 miles.
Naturally, the This autumn e-tron is generously geared up, however as ever with Audi, there’s nonetheless a prolonged listing of choices, plus three packs (Know-how, Know-how Professional and Security Package deal Plus) along with the fundamental three trim ranges (Sport, S Line and Black Version).
We highway examined the Audi This autumn e-tron 50 quattro in S Line trim. Our automotive was a Sportback, which is mechanically an identical to the extra standard SUV model, apart from the sharply raked roofline for further kerb enchantment. Maybe extra importantly, its slippery physique additionally delivers a barely longer vary.
Inside it’s very Audi. In different phrases, it’s a mix of prime construct high quality, state-of-the-art tech, consolation and area.
As with all SUVs, there’s a excessive driving place, whereas the dashboard structure is refreshingly standard with a user-friendly mix of 10.25-inch digital driver’s show, a 11.6-inch central touchscreen, separate (bodily) local weather controls and a multifunction steering wheel.
Audi’s infotainment system is as slick as ever. What’s extra, it makes use of ‘haptic suggestions’ (there’s a slight clicking sensation while you contact it), which is significantly better than the irritating touch-sensitive system utilized by different VW Group manufacturers reminiscent of Volkswagen and Seat.
Visibility is sweet and the place there are deficiencies, the multitude of cameras and sensors make up for it. Oh, and kudos to Audi for sticking with a rear wiper, a vital lacking from opponents such because the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
On the highway, the Audi This autumn e-tron 50 quattro is probably not as blisteringly quick in a straight line as some rivals, nevertheless it’s nonetheless swift sufficient for on a regular basis driving.
The journey is a tad stiff, besides, it manages to remain comfy and refined with little or no wind and highway noise making it into the cabin.
In actual fact, our check automotive – which was fitted with 20-inch wheels and optionally available adaptive suspension – solely bought caught out on poorer surfaces.
The This autumn disguises its weight properly, for a reasonably heavy automotive (greater than two tonnes), because of a low centre of gravity, but in addition mild and correct steering with a fairly tight turning circle. It’s solely when stopping from pace that you simply sense how exhausting the brakes are working.
Push it on tougher roads and it could be a stretch to name it essentially the most partaking of drives, however no less than it manages to stay comparatively flat in quicker corners, plus it grips properly and traction is great.
There are numerous drive modes (Effectivity, Consolation, Auto, Dynamic and Particular person) and choosing Dynamic does make it really feel barely sharper and extra responsive, however that’s so far as it goes.
We additionally like the best way you may also regulate the extent of brake regeneration by way of the paddles on the steering wheel, plus there’s a B-mode on the gear selector, for maximising power recuperation.
Primarily based on every week of blended driving, we’d estimate our This autumn e-tron has a real-world vary of round 270 miles. Nonetheless, when you go for the entry stage mannequin, your vary is more likely to be nearer to 230 miles.
The This autumn e-tron’s inside is spacious and there’s sufficient room for six-footers to take a seat comfortably within the rear which isn’t at all times the case with sportier SUVs.
Add 535 litres of bags area within the boot (15 litres greater than the SUV model) and 1,460 litres with the rear seats folded, and it’s a really sensible proposition.
Lastly, and as with most trendy EVs, the This autumn e-tron is loaded with the most recent know-how and solidly constructed, reaching a most 5 stars in Euro NCAP’s crash exams.
Verdict: Good-looking, comfy, sensible and straightforward to drive, the Audi This autumn Sportback e-tron oozes badge enchantment and is likely one of the finest 100% electrical SUVs in its sector.
