Audi e-tron is Audi’s first entry into China’s new energy market. The first is the size of the flagship mid-to-large SUV, which shocked both the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes-Benz EQC.

Platform architecture

The Audi e-tron, which was born on the MLBevo platform, is a model that has changed its gasoline vehicle frame into an electric vehicle. You can think of it as an electric version of the Audi Q7. Although the later Q4 e-tron and Q5 e-tron adopted Volkswagen’s MEB platform, they could not avoid being called Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.6 repackaged versions. Therefore, the Audi e-tron is more noble in terms of platform architecture. Because it is imported in bulk and assembled in China, it is cheaper than the BMW iX of the same level in China. Octagonal air intake grille, matrix whole LED light set. The S-line’s sports package gives it a front face like a fuel car. This family-style design that we are used to makes it lack the innovation that a new energy vehicle should have.

Basic configuration

The Chinese version of the Audi e-tron is 1,640 mm tall, 12 mm higher than the imported version. But don’t worry. The Audi e-tron has a five-level adjustable air suspension that can adjust height, length, and width according to the driving mode. The wheelbase of 2928 mm has no change compared with the imported version. The charging ports of the Audi e-tron are on both sides of the left and right front fenders. The left side is AC slow charging, and the right side is DC fast charging. Slow charging takes nine and a half hours to charge fully. Fast charging can charge from 30% to 80% in 40 minutes. The energy of the battery is 96.7 kWh. However, the power and torque are reduced compared to the imported version.

Interior

Matte chrome plating, wood grain veneer, piano paint, and soft slush molding double stitching create a strong sense of German sophistication. The three-screen interior is the same as the design of the Audi A8, Q8, and Q7. The storage compartment of the center console adopts a hollow structure. The storage capacity will be better if it is designed as a bridge-type center console.

The three-spoke functional steering wheel adopts Audi’s latest family-style design language, with matte chrome decorative blocks and black piano paint materials to enhance the sense of class. There are shift paddles on the left and right sides. The shift plates of electric vehicles are mostly used for energy recovery, and the Audi e-tron is no exception. The shift wave plate on the left can be set from -0.1G to -0.3G at most and vice versa on the right.

Screen

The 12.3-inch full LCD instrument still has the four functions of the virtual cockpit: vehicle information, audio and video entertainment, Bluetooth phone, and navigation interface. The energy meter and speedometer size can be controlled through the VIEW button. The 10.1-inch central control screen above is mainly used for audio-visual entertainment navigation and 360-degree panoramic image function display. Of course, air suspension height adjustment for driving mode control, mileage mode selection, and manual and automatic adjustment of energy recovery are all operated through it. The 8.6-inch central control screen underneath is mainly used to manage the automatic air conditioning in three zones.

Seat

The front seats have 12 electric adjustments made of leather and Alcantara. There is no problem with comfort, but ventilation, heating, and massage functions all require expensive options. The wheelbase of the Audi e-tron is 2928 mm, and the Chinese version has not been lengthened, so the legroom is relatively average. There is an independent air conditioner in the rear row. Except for a 12-volt cigarette lighter underneath, there is no USB or type-C charging socket, and the two charging sockets in the front row are both TYPE-C.

Accelerate performance

The e-tron 50 quattro has an AC asynchronous motor on each front and rear axle. This car is four-wheel drive. The total power is 230kW, and the total torque is 540Nm. Compared with the imported 55 quattro, this power parameter has declined. It accelerates from 0-50km/h in 3.4 seconds and from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds. This doesn’t sound like what a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive European car should be. The acceleration performance of the e-tron is not too radical in terms of adjustment. Even if you press the pedal to the end, you will not be too dizzy. The linear acceleration performance gives it a driving quality close to a fuel vehicle’s. This sense of gradual acceleration will not be significantly attenuated even when overtaking in the mid-to-high-speed section.

Moreover, this car’s sound insulation and noise reduction are very good, and its speed is faster without realizing it. The energy recovery in the central control screen is manual and controlled through the shift wave plate on the left-hand side. The deceleration meter value has three levels, from -0.1 to -0.3. Adjust the energy recovery to the third level, which is the strongest, and will not give you the uncomfortable feeling of deceleration. At this moment, when you release the electric pedal, the vehicle will gradually decelerate, but it will not stop. It will at least maintain a 9-10km/h speed for you.

Battery life and charging

The NEDC range of the Audi e-tron is 465 kilometers. Mine is the Audi e-tron 50 Quattro selection model, a mid-range version. When I picked up the car, the battery was 100%. I drove it for three and a half days. I drove the vehicle 308.6 kilometers, and the meter showed the battery life was still 173km. After this calculation, this car exceeds its NEDC cruising range. This surprised me. Not only that, the official charging time is 40 minutes for 30%~80%, but we tested it last night and charged it for 28 minutes, and the battery was charged from 34% to 82%. This charging efficiency is too fast. Gasoline prices have risen, and many consumers are beginning to embrace new energy and replace electric vehicles. The Chinese version of the Audi e-tron is good in texture and luxury. But 465 to 500 kilometers cruising range. Requires optional configurations and a conservative Internet of Vehicles system. There are still some gaps compared with electric vehicle brands such as NIO, Xpeng, and Li Auto. However, as long as the discount price is right, the Chinese version of the Audi e-tron is still recommended.