Item: Audi e-tron 55 quattro
Rating: 4
Author: David Lewis

The Audi e-tron 55 quattro is an all-electric, luxurious, 4×4, family-sized SUV

Introduction to the Audi e-tron 55 quattro

The Audi e-tron 55 quattro is Audi’s first 100% electric car (BEV). It looks fairly similar to a conventional Audi on the outside, but inside it runs entirely on battery power.

It’s well-built, exudes Audi quality, has a decent range, and can accommodate 5 adults and their luggage in comfort.

Scroll down to read and watch video reviews from well-respected motoring journalists.

Positives

Audi build quality
Luxurious inside
Plenty of room
4×4
Very quiet inside

Negatives

Would be more agile and have better range if it weren’t so heavy (2,490 kg)

Audi e-tron – Range

This Audi electric car has a range of roughly 233 miles on a single charge.

Where does that put the e-tron in relation to the direct competition? The Jaguar I-Pace has an average range of 268 miles, and the Tesla Model X is around 260 miles, depending on the version.

So the Audi e-tron range is down a bit with its 95 kWh battery pack. Jaguar has managed to get more range per kWh out of its 90 kWh battery, partly because the I-Pace is lighter (2,133 kg).

The Model X has a larger battery at 100 kWh, though it’s also a heavy car at either 2,459 kg or 2,487 kg, depending on the exact specification you choose.

Audi e-tron – Price

The Audi e-tron 55 quattro costs from £67,990, including the government grant.

That’s a big chunk of change and puts it firmly in the executive / high earner bracket.

But is it worth it? In terms of how much you pay per mile of range, the Audi e-tron price / mile ratio beats all the versions of the Tesla Model X.

However, the Jaguar I-Pace is considerably more cost-effective. The I-Pace costs around £8,000 less than the Audi e-tron and goes further on a single charge.

If you have your heart set on an Audi, and can afford it, go for it. This Audi electric car is a very polished all-rounder.

Audi e-tron – Virtual Door Mirrors

You can specify ‘virtual door mirrors’ on your e-tron. These are pretty radical.

Rather than the traditional wing mirrors that we are all used to, among the Audi e-tron’s optional extras are camera-based mirrors.

Actually, they are not mirrors at all, but rather cameras that stick out – facing backwards – which then show you the view on little screens inside the car. Car designers love these camera-based, virtual door mirrors, as suddenly they can create new designs for an item that has been largely static for decades.

Drivers, on the other hand, are somewhat divided about the technology. In the Audi e-tron quattro, the internal screens are placed lower than you would want them and can also suffer from screen glare.

Who is the Audi e-tron 55 quattro for?

This Audi electric SUV is a high performance, luxurious, 4-wheel drive, spacious, 5-seat EV.

Could it be your next family car? Of course. The e-tron is superb. It provides the quality and reliability that Audi is famous for, but at the same time moves you into the electric car experience. You can ferry your family and plenty of belongings around in great comfort. No more smelly diesel to contend with. As it’s all-wheel drive, you know you are unlikely to get stuck in a muddy field or on a snowy road. The e-tron also comes with air suspension which makes the ride very pleasant.

What about charging? If you go on a long trip and need to charge halfway, the Audi e-tron SUV has extremely fast DC charging built in. It’s charging rate is 150 kW via a CCS connector. Many public and motorway chargers are currently limited to 50 kW, but more and more charging points are now being upgraded which will allow the e-tron to charge at its full 150 kW potential.

Will this Audi electric car be bought / leased as a company vehicle? You betcha. The e-tron is highly desirable, and its range on a single charge is sufficient to cater for the vast majority of daily trips. If you’re a high-ranking executive and up for a new car, time to take your Financial Director out for a drink.

If you would like more information about EVs in general, please see our main Electric Cars page.

For specific details about the Audi e-tron 55 quattro itself, see the main Audi UK e-tron website.

Otherwise, please scroll down to the Reviews section below for independent analyses.