We get behind the wheel of the This fall e-tron – Audi’s entry-level, all-electric automobile…
Launched in 2021, the Audi This fall e-tron battles it out within the massively 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.
Obtainable in each SUV and sleeker Sportback variations, the This fall 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 fashion and energy output, the This fall e-tron has a claimed vary of 292 – 328 miles.
Naturally, the This fall e-tron is generously outfitted, 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 street examined the Audi This fall e-tron 50 quattro in S Line trim. Our automobile was a Sportback, which is mechanically similar to the extra standard SUV model, apart from the sharply raked roofline for further kerb attraction. Maybe extra importantly, its slippery physique additionally delivers a barely longer vary.
Inside it’s very Audi. In different phrases, it’s a mixture of high construct high quality, state-of-the-art tech, consolation and area.
As with all SUVs, there’s a excessive driving place, whereas the dashboard format 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 whenever you contact it), which is a lot better than the irritating touch-sensitive system utilized by different VW Group manufacturers akin to Volkswagen and Seat.
Visibility is nice 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 necessary lacking from rivals such because the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
On the street, the Audi This fall e-tron 50 quattro might not be as blisteringly quick in a straight line as some rivals, but it surely’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 street noise making it into the cabin.
In truth, our check automobile – which was fitted with 20-inch wheels and elective adaptive suspension – solely obtained caught out on poorer surfaces.
The This fall disguises its weight effectively, for a reasonably heavy automobile (greater than two tonnes), because of a low centre of gravity, but additionally gentle and correct steering with a fairly tight turning circle. It’s solely when stopping from pace that you simply sense how laborious the brakes are working.
Push it on tougher roads and it will be a stretch to name it probably the most partaking of drives, however at the very least it manages to stay comparatively flat in sooner corners, plus it grips effectively 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 way in which it’s also possible to 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.
Based mostly on every week of blended driving, we’d estimate our This fall e-tron has a real-world vary of round 270 miles. Nevertheless, in case you go for the entry stage mannequin, your vary is prone to be nearer to 230 miles.
The This fall e-tron’s inside is spacious and there’s sufficient room for six-footers to sit down 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 fall e-tron is loaded with the newest expertise and solidly constructed, reaching a most 5 stars in Euro NCAP’s crash checks.
Verdict: Good-looking, comfy, sensible and straightforward to drive, the Audi This fall Sportback e-tron oozes badge attraction and is likely one of the finest 100% electrical SUVs in its sector.
