Audi has finally taken the wraps off its first-ever all-electric vehicle, the e-tron SUV. The e-tron is Audi’s answer to the Tesla Model X, the
Jaguar I-Pace and the recently revealed
Mercedes-Benz EQC.
In terms of design, the e-tron looks similar to Audi’s current Q range of SUVs. Like the flagship
Q8, the e-tron features Audi’s latest octagonal single frame grille, which is mostly enclosed to aid aerodynamics. Compared to the Matrix LED headlamps on regular Audi models, the units on the e-tron receive four horizontal ‘struts’ on either side. This feature is likely to be limited to Audi’s all-electric vehicles.
Audi promises ample space for five passengers and their gear on the e-tron thanks to a wheelbase of 2928mm, which is only 16mm shorter than the latest version of the Audi A6. The overall cargo capacity of the Audi e-tron is rated at 660-liters.
Audi has already confirmed the e-tron for India. It will be launched in the 2019-20 fiscal year. Expect the electric SUV to be brought here as a CBU (completely built unit), which would result in it being priced well over the Rs 1 crore mark. In Germany, its prices start from €79,900 (~ Rs 67.85 lakh). Rivals like the EQC and the I-Pace have not been announced for the Indian market yet, while Tesla is expected to enter the country with the Model 3 sedan in the near future.
