Audi e-tron, e-tron Sportback India launch on July 22

The Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback are set to be launched in India on July 22, 2021. The all-electric SUV and SUV-coupe will rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQC and Jaguar I-Pace in our market.

• e-tron will likely be priced around Rs 1.20 crore (estimated, ex-showroom)
• Power output ranges from 312hp to 435hp in the variants available globally 
• Gets a dual-touchscreen setup in the cabin.

Audi e-tron: design and features

The e-tron follows typical Audi design cues. Up front, there’s a large grille, flanked by sharply-cut LED headlights. While the standard SUV gets a more upright silhouette, the e-tron Sportback is marked out by a roofline that slopes downwards after the B-pillar, ending in a sharply raked hatch. At the rear end, both the models get a full-width light bar connecting the LED tail-lamps. 

On the inside, the German marque’s latest design language means that the dual ‘MMI touch’ system takes centre stage, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen placed up top for infotainment, and an 8.8-inch touch display placed lower down for climate control and other functions. Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital instrument cluster is also on offer.

Though the equipment list of the India-spec model is yet to be revealed, the e-tron for international markets gets creature comforts like matrix LED headlights, cruise control, powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable steering wheel and leather upholstery. Notably, cameras can also be specced to replace the wing mirrors on global versions of the e-tron. 

Audi e-tron: powertrain 

Globally, the e-tron is available with a variety of powertrains. The entry-level 50 quattro makes 312hp, 540Nm and gets a 71.2kWh battery pack.

The 55 quattro is good for 360hp and 561Nm in the standard drive mode, but it also gets a ‘boost’ function that ramps up the output to 408hp and 664Nm for a quick burst of acceleration. Meanwhile, the potent e-tron S puts out 435hp, 808Nm and 503hp, 973Nm in the regular and ‘boost’ drive modes, respectively. Both the higher power variants of the e-tron get a 95kWh battery pack.

Depending on the powertrain and driving conditions, Audi’s EV is certified for a range between 282km and 441km on the European WLTP driving cycle. The larger-capacity e-tron battery can be charged from 0-80 percent in 8.5 hours using an 11kW AC charger, or in just 30 minutes using a DC fast charger rated at 150kW.

Audi e-tron: price estimate

Being a full import, the Audi SUV will be expensive. Expect the company to launch the e-tron around the Rs 1.20 crore price point (estimated, ex-showroom, India), with the Sportback commanding a slight premium. The e-tron, then, will be positioned in the territory of the Mercedes EQC and Jaguar I-Pace, both of which also cost over a crore. 

Also see:

Audi e-tron review, test drive

Audi e-tron S, e-tron S Sportback revealed