NZ’s most complete EV? We try the Audi e-tron

This story first appeared in the August issue of EvTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

I guess you could call it the electric vehicle equivalent of a 21-gun salute.

We are at the Clyde Dam in Central Otago and to mark the launch of Audi’s first full-electric vehicle they have released the sluice gates – sending millions of litres of water per second cascading being the lined-up e-trons.

Don’t worry though, they are not wasted kW falling – this was a planned test brought forward.

Still, it is a grand gesture that underlines how important the e-tron to the Audi brand.

New Zealand is one of the first markets in the world to get the e-tron, according to Audi e-tron product manager for Asia, Pacific, Middle East and India, Dr Brendan Koelher, who attended the Queenstown launch event.

The car has had limited launches in Europe and North America, but we sit ahead of Japan, China, Australia and pretty much everywhere else.

Why? “New Zealand is very much at the forefront of our plans as a company, as very simply the demand is there,” Koehler says.

“The e-tron will be the first in an all-out EV offensive,” Koehler commented.

Still to come are the e-tron Sportback, e-tron GT and a future seven vehicles to make up 10 full BEVs on the range by 2025.

As has long been reported, Audi has pre-sold its first 100 e-trons.

So what can customers expect when they finally get the chance to get behind the wheel.

As mentioned in our previous coverage of the e-tron, Audi and its dealers are investing significantly in infrastructure, with DC first chargers at its dealerships, including the first two 175kW chargers in the country.

They have also trained 40 technicians and 45 sales staff on the vehicle.

Two models are on offer, at $148,500 for the 55 Quattro model, and $157,000 for the advanced model.

The differences between the standard and advanced models are relatively minor.

The Advanced gains 20-inch wheels over 19-inch units, extra rear side airbags, 360-degree camera, a heads-up display, upgraded front armrest and higher quality leather.

S-Line, Luxury and the aforementioned technology and comfort packages can only be added to the Advanced.

The e-tron weighs in at around 2600kg, is powered by front and rear electric motors with a combined power output of 300kW under boost, 260kW normally, and 664Nm under boost, 561Nm otherwise.

The battery is a 95kW actively-cooled unit with 84kW hours of available charge.

Type-two charging is at up to 11kW, while DC is at up to 150kW.

Audi has worked hard to ensure battery cooling allows for maximum charge rates – when you use the 175kW the battery is still running at 50kW when it hits 100%.

Range on the WLTP cycle for the vehicle is over 400km, and it is this figure Audi is pushing.

A unique piece of technology launched with the e-tron is a brake-by-wire system.

The brake pedal is connected to a hydraulic cylinder for feedback but feeds data to a computer-controlled master cylinder – allowing software to favour regeneration over braking and fine-tune how much energy it recoups.

The system is seamless and you would never know it was there in brake pedal feel.

The other first for us is the use of video cameras as rear-vision mirrors.

This is so new it has an exemption to comply with the NZ Transport Agency.

While reducing drag, in the real world it does take some getting used to looking at the rearview in a screen slightly below where you would expect it too.

It’s easy to adjust to on the passenger side – harder on the driver’s side.

The e-tron counter’s Tesla’s massive screen with the brand’s virtual cockpit system.

The driver gets a screen in front of them, one atop the centre console where you would typically expect one, and a screen below this.

The infotainment system included an embedded sim for the Audi Connect system, allowing for live services and 3D Google mapping.

On top of the assist systems is the central driver assistance controller, which continuously computes an exact model of the environment.

The front seats are large and comfortable, while the rear seats are very spacious – more so than the Mercedes-Benz EQC.
Even with the optional panoramic sunroof, headroom is excellent.

Knee space for the centre rear passenger is right due to the position of the climate controls.

The boot, at 660 litres with the seats up, is proper Kiwi-family size.

The e-tron uses a unique gear shifter.

Nudge it into drive and the car moves silently away – drivetrain noise is lower than any other EV we have driven.

Now, the e-tron will go relatively quick if you want to – it will do the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.
7 seconds – but it isn’t “Tesla quick”, as some enthusiasts have pointed out to me.

Koehler acknowledged over lunch that they can and have run the e-tron faster, but were not willing to face the overheating and reliability compromises such performance brings.

On the launch drive we did test the e-tron’s overall performance, but in different ways.

We took it on a typical Kiwi back-country road, which it handled easily.

There is enough ground clearance to get off smooth payment, a lot further than a Model X.

A beach or decent access track should be handled with ease.

Traction and stability was fine, although we were driving on winter tyres.

We then towed a 1.6-tonne trailer with it.

Again this was done with little fuss thanks to the torque of a large diesel on offer, though with the motors calling for over 50kWh per 100km during the towing, range is restricted.

You can easily pull your boat to the local ramp with the e-tron, but to the bach will mean a little more planning.

On the road itself, again on winter tyres, the e-tron is a dream to drive.

Responsiveness in all drive modes is excellent.

You can set the car between Efficiency and Dynamic modes, though to be honest it is best left in Auto to decide itself.

The car is pretty good at assessing your needs and delivering the performance required.

Its ability to regenerate based on its own assessment or your steering wheel paddle input is impressive – although Audi points out coasting is more efficient.

Thirdly, Audi got us on to the snow at the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds for a taste of their annual Audi Ice Experience.

This is where the e-tron impressed in a way no conventionally powered vehicle could.

The two motors can apportion power and torque instantly – to the point that in one move we saw the vehicle shift entirely to front wheel drive during a sharp spin turn.

The regeneration system had an unusual side effect during the slalom.

No need to break between cones, just lift off and let the regeneration do it for you!

Yes, the e-tron comes with a stiff price-tag, but it is not out of the range for this kind of vehicle – and you do not feel you are paying that much of a premium for the battery.

It is an all-round great luxury SUV.

For now though, I will say the e-tron is likely the most complete EV on the market.