AUDI E-TRON SPORTBACK 55 QUATTRO by Melvyn Hamid
The all electric E-Tron is the absolute pinnacle of what an electric vehicle should be . Stylish , practical and a load of serious fun . Sophistication in every detail , with a number of configurations to choose from and two models - the e-Tron and the e-Tron Sportback with two battery / power options ...
50 Quattro , 50 ( Kwh ) 313ps / 230 kw , Automatic and range up to 188 miles . 55 Quattro , 95 ( Kwh ) 408ps / 300kw , Automatic and range up to 241 miles
The Car : Although the idea of an electric car still isn ’ t for everyone , the e-tron ’ s decent range on a full charge makes it a real possibility to use day to day without the fear of conking out . It has some clever tricks up its sleeve : Charging ports on both sides of the car , specially designed alloys to cut through the air as efficiently as possible - reducing drag . It has air suspension that can be raised by up to 50mm for extra ground clearance when needed and it can tow up to 1800kg . The Audi CCS charging inlet means the e-tron is able to be slow , fast and rapid charged from public points , ( depending on the network and type of charge unit ) which is perfect for any situation .
The Tech The cabin boasts a whole load of tech and luxury with options from a 360-degree camera , Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system , a full leather interior , dual full HD touch screens in the centre console - the upper being 10.1 inches and the lower is 8.6 . They have lifted the design from the new A6 , A7 and A8 models so it ’ s standard across the range , it sits within the familiar virtual cockpit digital dial system . The ambient lighting really brings the car to life at night with 30 colours to choose from , you can set the mood and get that feeling of driving one of the concepts from the movie TRON , pretty cool to say the least .
The exterior gives you the familiar face , with more aggressively styled bumpers and headlights using Audi ’ s new digital matrix LED technology . It takes its spot on the family tree between the Q5 and Q7 and in my opinion is better looking with its sleek aerodynamic coupé design and futuristic touches , thanks in part to the availability of ‘ virtual exterior mirrors ’, which use a camera to project a live video feed on the forward part of the doors inside , these take a bit of getting used to but are a cool feature for that futuristic feel .
The ability of the quattro four-wheel drive system and its torque-vectoring system to individually apportion power to each rear wheel helps to provide a decent amount of purchase on smooth surfaces too .
In summary : This quick , classy and quiet electric SUV builds on the solid foundations you ’ d expect from Audi . I could happily drive this car on a daily basis and I ’ m sure my kids would love me to , as it puts a smile on their faces just as much as mine . The drive is truly awesome , for such a big lump this thing really doesn ’ t hang about , the instant ( but weirdly silent ) power when putting your foot down is exhilarating . I think the brand have the design of this car nailed . The infrastructure for electric vehicles in the UK is a little behind were it needs to be , but it ’ s just a matter of time . I absolutely love the car , it completely erased my ‘ electric car range anxiety ’ with its accurate power / mileage instruments . I trusted it almost immediately .
This beast gives the Tesla X and Jaguar ’ s I-Pace something to worry about . E-tron prices start at £ 59,185 E-tron Sportback 55 Quattro prices start at £ 79,900
For more information or to book a test drive , contact Melvyn Hamid on 0151 357 8066 Cheshire Oaks Audi Longlooms Rd , Ellesmere Port CH65 9LF
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