2022 Audi e-tron

Audi e-tron Design & Style

At first glance, one could easily mistake the e-tron for its gas-powered SUV siblings, the Q5 and Q8. But that’s part of the e-tron’s allure. It’s great for those who want a luxury crossover EV without pretentiously futuristic and polarizing looks, as seen at Tesla and BMW. The e-tron remains distinguishable from its competition with its signature chiseled profile and huge grille that match the firm’s design language. 

Those who do want some added pizzazz can opt for the new optional Black Optic exterior appearance package or the top-spec Chronos Edition. Beware, however, if understated looks are your thing. The Mercedes-Benz EQC 400, set to arrive in the coming months, also sports subdued styling like that of the gasoline-powered GLC crossover.

Audi e-tron Performance

With its dual-motor arrangement, the e-tron churns out a combined 355 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque during normal driving conditions, but up to 402 horsepower arrangement and 490 pound-feet when in Sport mode. Zero-to-60 mph takes just 5.5 seconds according to the manufacturer, which is just as quick as many gas-powered sports cars today.

This might be one of the least powerful setups in the segment, especially when compared to its direct competition. The Mercedes EQC 400 will offer 516 horsepower and BMW iX is similarly powerful. and even the Tesla Model Y’s estimated base figure of around 480 horsepower. It best the Jaguar’s 394 horsepower, but the I-Pace has more torque at 512 pound-feet.

The inbound S models will be faster, serving up 469 horsepower and 717 pound-feet and reducing that zero-to-60 mph sprint to 4.3 seconds with “Boost Mode” engaged. The beauty of the extra power is that there isn’t much of a compromise on range, despite using the same 95.3-kWh battery. Range for the S variants drops to just 208 miles, versus the standard model’s 222 miles.

Audi e-tron Charging and Range

The e-tron’s is fueled by electrons stored in a 95-kWh battery. Charging that battery from depleted status to full takes about nine hours on a Level 2 (240-volt) charger and around 80 hours on a standard wall outlet and Level 1 charger. But with access to a DC fast charger, up to 80% charge is achievable in around 30 minutes. 

With up to a total of 222 miles of range, the e-tron and e-tron S returns an EPA-estimated 74 MPGe. That figure is nearly identical to the Jaguar i-Pace’s 222 miles and the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400’s 220 miles. But the e-tron is beaten by the inbound BMW iX’s range of up to 324 miles on the top-specification model and by the Tesla Model Y’s 330 miles. Helping to alleviate range anxiety, however, is Audi’s complimentary inclusion of access to Electrify America’s network of DC fast chargers for the first two years following initial enrollment.

Audi e-tron Comfort and Convenience

A German luxury SUV, the e-tron offers no shortage of comfort and convenience features. Its standard kit and options list is just as abundant as one expects from a vehicle at its price point and is on par with an upper-tier Q5, which is dimensionally similar inside and out. Those who are familiar with some of Audi’s—and even Volkswagen’s—familial offerings won’t feel out of place inside an e-tron. 

While its interior dimensions also match those of its direct competition, those looking for the most space will find it in the Tesla Model Y. That vehicle offers a couple of extra cubic inches in the leg, head and shoulder room departments. The Model Y also offers a tiny third row of seating, as will the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400. As expected, the rakish Sportback variants compromise on interior volume for extra style points.

Audi e-tron Cargo & Storage

The standard e-tron’s cargo volume is average for its segment, offering around 28.5 cubic-feet in the rear with the seats up, and up to 56.4 cubic-feet with the seats down. The competition from Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar offer similar figures, though the e-tron features slightly larger compartments, but only by a few feet.

Those prioritizing interior space will want to consider the BMW iX and the Tesla Model Y, where cargo volume jumps up to around 35 cubic-feet with the seats up and around 77 cubic-feet with the seats down. As expected, the e-tron Sportbacks offer the least amount of cargo at 27.2 cubic-feet and 54.5 cubic-feet. But in actual everyday use, the difference is almost negligible.

Audi e-tron Infotainment & Connectivity

All Audi e-tron models come standard with the brand’s now ubiquitous 12.3-inch digital “virtual cockpit” instrument display, accompanied by the same dual-touchscreen center console arrangement found on other high-end Audi models. The top display measures 10.1 inches and the lower one at 8.6 inches. On the Chronos edition, the virtual cockpit also handles other optional high-tech features such as night vision.

If you’re familiar with the setup in other Audi vehicles, you’ll feel right at home in the e-tron. But some of the system’s drawbacks still carry over. Despite the touchscreen’s haptic vibration feedback, adjusting basic settings can be difficult while driving, such as the radio or HVAC, as there’s no way to physically distinguish the functions from one another. It requires taking your eyes off the road for a brief moment. Additionally, the glossy screens are a magnet for fingerprints and prone to glare.

Audi e-tron Safety

The Audi e-tron and its variants maintain a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This is not only thanks to its stiff structure, reinforced cabin cell, and excellently designed crumple zones, but its low center of gravity from the battery pack.

That battery pack also allows the e-tron to maintain a five-star rollover resistance test, similarly to Tesla models, as it sits in between the two axles and in the e-tron’s floor. Complementing the high NHTSA rating is a Top Safety Pick+ honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The IIHS also praised the e-tron’s frontal crash and active-safety systems, which include forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alerts and lane departure warnings. Adaptive cruise control comes standard on the higher trims.

Is the Audi e-tron Worth it? Which e-tron is the Best Value?

The Audi e-tron is definitely worth it if you’re looking for an easy transition from a gas-powered midsize crossover SUV to an all-electric one. Its traditional styling and instrumentation layout will make any seasoned Audi fans feel right at home. The only major difference is the propulsion of the vehicle and the additional planning needed to accommodate charging times that are considerably longer than just filling a tank of gas.

We feel the standard e-tron is still the sweet spot, offering a perfect blend of performance, range, practicality and usability. Despite the package and trim adjustments for the 2022 model year, the $67,095 MSRP (including a $1,195 destination fee) carries over. The sleeker e-tron Sportback sacrifices its trunk space for more style, but at the expense of a higher price tag of $70,295.

Those yearning for more power can opt for the e-tron S, where sportier performance, appointments and wheels take form, but at a considerable premium with its starting price of $85,995.

How much does the Audi e-tron cost to insure?

The e-tron’s Insurance costs are similar to many of its competitors. According to our data, a typical 30-year-old female driver with clean record can expect an average annual premium of $2,624, though this averages all 50 states. That compares to $2,304 for the Ford Mustang Mach-E, $2,761 for the Jaguar I-Pace and $2,577 for the Tesla Model Y Long Range. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, visit our car insurance calculator.