Audi e-tron Australia bound, Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40 EVs delayed

Already in New Zealand since 2019 when it was also initially expected in Australia, the electric Audi e-tron is now due in Australia later this year.

Fast chargers are starting to be installed at key Audi dealerships in Australia in anticipation of the e-tron’s third quarter arrival, just as they were in New Zealand ahead of the e-tron’s arrival there.

Delays in getting the Audi e-tron to Australia have been attributed mainly to demand elsewhere – not the COVID-19 pandemic which will contribute to reported delays in launching Volvo’s XC40 plug-in and its Polestar 2 brand, both due in Australia this year but now put back to 2021.

Pricing for the e-tron is expected closer to launch, although New Zealand prices for two models at NZ$148,500 for the 55 Quattro and NZ$157,000 for the advanced model give some comparisons.

Also coming from Audi are the e-tron Sportback, e-tron GT and a further seven EVs to make up the brand’s full battery electric vehicle (BEV) range by 2025.

The 55 Quattro e-tron has a 95kWh actively cooled battery, dual electric motors providing more than 400km range delivering 265kW power (more in boost mode) and 664Nm torque.

A 50 Quattro is also expected to be offered with 300km range from its 71kWh battery.