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The Audi e-tron SUV isn't just your run-of-the-mill all-electric vehicle that's aimed at eco-friendly drivers, as Editor Julian finds out.
20 Dec 2018
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What exactly is the Audi e-tron?
The Audi e-tron is the brand's first all-electric SUV. It targets a niche market of drivers who are well-heeled, eco-friendly and spend no less than 30 minutes styling their hair. 'e-tron' will be the new moniker for all things electric for Audi. The next two upcoming models that will bear this badging will be the e-tron Sportback and the e-tron GT, which will be officially introduced as production-ready cars in the late 2019 and 2020 respectively.
What are you? Like 15? Of course it does! Just because it's fully electric doesn't mean it's any less capable. In fact, there's a lot going for the Audi e-tron. It is capable of operating as a family vehicle, a drag race champion and even a road-trip advocate. But it remains to be right at home in a city landscape like Singapore, thanks to its generous full-charge range of 400km.
So it can win me trophies for drag races?
The Audi e-tron will win you several boasting rights as well as envious thumbs up from passers-by and road users, but it won't exactly win you trophies for races, even with its 5.7-second century sprint capability. However, should you decide to go for a drag race, which is what adults do, make sure you give the car a good wash before and after the race. This way, you won't look like an imbecile behind the wheel of something that isn't supposed to be filthy. It's an Audi e-tron, not a Land Rover Defender.
Think you missed the point when I mentioned it's an all-electric SUV. It has a 95kWh lithium-ion battery pack that's packed into 36 modules within the wheelbase. Hence, you just need to feed it with a charge of up to 11kW and it's ready to rock and roll in about eight hours. If you're in a rush, the car is capable of handling fast charging up to 150kW, which will allow it to cover 80% of its battery life in just half an hour. But listen, it's an Audi you're driving. Try not to rush. Be cool.
Why does it seem like I'm going to experience range anxiety?
That's because you haven't driven the car yet. No, I'm being serious. You'll need to get behind the wheel of one to fully understand that range anxiety isn't something you'll experience on a daily basis with the electric Audi. That's because the car has a range of approximately 400km. If home is in Pasir Ris and office is in Jurong, it means you could easily drive the car to and fro for almost seven days without having to charge it.
Yes, there's a choice of 10 colours you can pick from, including our favourite Siam beige. Go knock yourself out.
What else can the Audi e-tron do for me?
Apart from boasting rights, the Audi e-tron can survive in the desert. During our time in Abu Dhabi, we did some off-roading to experience just how adaptable the new SUV is. While it'll do just about anything you require it to do on sand dunes, don't expect it climb rocks and mountains. Like I said, it's an Audi e-tron, not a Land Rover Defender. Oh and yes, the Audi e-tron, like all Audi cars, will take you places in a stylish and quiet manner like no other SUVs in the market can. Just make sure you have your hair game on.
Sounds like I need to treat this car like a princess?
To each is own, I suppose. Personally, I don't see the need to. Not even if it's a one-off Pagani Huayra Lampo. The Audi e-tron is meant to be driven. Drive it.
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