Class: Electric Vehicle
Miles driven: 183
Battery capacity: 95 kWh
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | A |
| Power and Performance | A |
| Fit and Finish | A |
| Fuel Economy | A |
| Value | B |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A |
| Tall Guy | A |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 335 horsepower |
| Engine Type | 2 electric motors |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 60% city, 40% highway
EPA-estimate MPGe: 78 city/77 hwy/78 combined
EPA-estimated driving range: 218 miles
Consumer Guide range estimate (ideal conditions): 218+ miles
Base price: $65,900 (not including $1195 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($695), Chronos Edition Package ($17,500), e-tron Beam ($475), Privacy Trunk Cover ($340), delete Audi Box (-$250)
Price as tested: $85,755
Quick Hits
The great: Impressive dynamic performance, roomy and luxurious accommodations
The good: Generally logical infotainment controls, better than rated range
The not so good: Limited in-cabin small-item storage
Tom Appel
For Audi, e-tron is not just an electric crossover, it’s an electric-vehicle subbrand, and that makes things a little confusing. Consumer Guide spent some time with the 2022 e-tron, a midsize electric crossover that slots in size between the brand’s gasoline-powered Q5 compact- and Q7 midsize crossovers. The e-tron is available in “standard” and swoopier Sportback body styles. High performance S versions of both e-tron body styles can also be had.
Also available in standard and Sportback body styles is the Q4 e-tron compact crossover. Plus, Audi sells a high-performance sedan called e-tron GT. A caffeinated version of the GT, the RS e-tron GT is also offered.
Our test e-tron came well equipped with the $17,500 Chronos Edition Package. That package includes, among many other things, premium Bang & Olufsen audio and specific interior and exterior trim elements. The orange brake calipers seen in these photos come as part of the Chronos Package.
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The e-tron is powered by a pair of electric motors which combine for 355 horsepower. A 95-kWh battery provides an EPA-estimated 218 miles of range. The high-performance e-tron S boasts 429 horsepower and 208 miles of range. All e-tron models come only with AWD.
During a mild summer test period, our test e-tron reported estimated charge ranges of 218-255 miles, but seemed to be traveling even farther per charge than that.
As is the case with most premium electric vehicles, the e-tron provides plenty of smooth power, and is easily up to the task of merging and passing. The ride is both firm and compliant, and very much in keeping with the traditional Audi driving experience. Kudos, too, for the firm and sporty steering feel.
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The opulent cabin feels especially roomy, and offers plenty of big-guy space in both seating rows. One gripe: This author remains annoyed that Audi does not see fit to offer AM radio in the e-tron. You can read about why here.
Given our recent glitch-ridden experience with BMW’s similar-size iX electric crossover, we’re pleased to report that Audi’s flagship EV crossover was trouble free during our evaluation. If the e-tron is a preview of future electric Audi models, we feel pretty good about going EV.
John Biel
The e-tron is a lively driver with snappy acceleration and pleasing ride and handling characteristics. Cornering lean is controlled well.
While indicated charge declined by 25 percent during a 59.4-mile test drive, indicated range was down by only about 20 percent. However, even then range in this model is not any sort of barrier breaker.
Seating is comfortable and supportive, and front-seat occupants do not lack for room. The rear seat will hold two adults—a bulging center console squeezes leg room from anyone who’d think of sitting in the middle. Depending on front occupants’ seat location, rear passengers can have relaxed legroom. Headroom is a little “closer” as the roof tapers down in back but riders up to about 6 feet tall should still fit there.
Interior materials are plush and attractive. Cabin storage space is about average, with a decently sized glove box but a small-capacity console cubby, modest door pockets, net pouches on the backs of the front seats, and cup holders in the console and rear-center armrest. Two plus touches are a shallow covered bin in the rear armrest and a storage box to the left of the steering column that holds the owner’s manual, freeing up some space in the glove box.
Rear cargo space is adequate for a midsize SUV but liftover is on the high side. Some secure space is available under the load floor and net pouches are provided at the rear corners to hold incidentals. Rear 60/40-split seats fold at a slight rise from the load floor, but with no gaps from one surface to the other.
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2022 Audi e-tron Gallery
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