Car Review: Audi E-Tron SUV

Audi reveals their all new 5 passenger electric SUV. The team from Audi shares that being first doesn’t always mean being the best. The E-Tron SUV is raising the bar in a community that’s still scrambling to get in the game.

In the ever changing digital world we live in, it’s no surprise we want our vehicles to adapt to the changes. From talking to our homes to autonomous driving, our vehicles are evolving into more than an object that takes us from A to B. And with this heightened functionality there is always a price to pay. After getting over the sticker shock of a fully loaded vehicle, one must also think about the expenses that follow. There’s insurance, maintenance and gas. But the automotive industry is making great strides in ensuring gas costs are a thing of the past.

The electric vehicle is not a new concept, by any means. In fact the first mass produced electric vehicle was very well received by consumers. But like most things, it took a while for others to see the value, potential, and marketability in an all electric vehicle.

Audi introduced it’s family of electric and hybrid vehicles, dubbed ”E-Tron”, starting in 2009. The plug-in hybrid, Audi A3, was released in 2015 in the U.S.

Three years later, after teasing the industry with their concept version at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Audi unveils their all electric 5 passenger SUV.

The first all electric vehicle in the E-Tron family, the Audi SUV, produced in Brussels, is estimated to get 250 miles per charge. With both AC and DC charging, the SUV uses roughly 150 kW DC high-speed public charging stations to get up to an 80% charge in roughly 30 minutes. At home, you’ll get a full charge overnight, using your standard 240V plug. With the growing number of public charging stations nationwide, consumers shouldn’t have a problem keeping this vehicle charged while on the go.

Audi is also offering 1000kW credit for new E-Tron buyers for 4 years. Their partnership with Electrify America, is working towards building zero emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure, which includes more charging stations nationwide.

Audi created a cooling system dedicated to keep the battery at optimal temperature. This feature helps ease the concern drivers may have of the battery system overheating during extended driving times.

Audi also boasts:

All-new electric quattro® all-wheel drive
Exhilarating acceleration from dual electric motors
Long-range capability with 95 kWh battery

Virtual side view mirrors

They’ve even partnered with Amazon, to expand on a new industry standard. Baked into the Audi system is a seamless and transparent user experience for Alexa’s most basic functions. The vehicle is also equipped with its own LTE (cellular) capabilities, so leaving your phone at home isn’t a complete disaster.

With its closest competitor being Tesla, the new Audi E-Tron SUV is making it’s mark in history and we’re seeing a new standard in electric luxury vehicles market.

The unveiling of the SUV had the technical design and production of a Super Bowl half time show. Guests of Audi were treated to a night time drone air show, a dinner cruise and exclusive after party. With many in the industry eagerly excited to see the new vehicle, it was no surprise when the crowd erupted into a loud roar as the vehicle rolled out. We’ve all been waiting for this moment.

Here are pictures from the event: