Audi is all set to make its entry in the Indian luxury EV segment with the e-tron, which will launch on July 22. It was Audi's first bespoke EV product to launch globally and will be the first one to launch in India as well. It is expected to go up against the likes of the Mercedes EQC and the Jaguar I-Pace, currently the only other two luxury EV offerings in the Indian market.
The e-tron gets a 95kWh Lithium-ion battery which produces 355bhp and 561Nm of torque and reaches an electronically-restricted top speed of 200kmph. The e-tron also covers a 0-100 run in 6.6 seconds. However, Audi has a surprise package hidden in the form of a Boost mode, making the e-tron cover a 0-100 run in just 5.5 seconds, while also pushing the power figures to a staggering 402bhp and 664Nm of torque for a short burst of 8 seconds. It also gets AWD, courtesy one electric motor on the front axle and one on the rear.
The e-tron can cover between 369 to 441 kilometres on a full charge according to the WLTP test cycle. As far as charging is concerned, the e-tron can either be charged with a 11kW AC charger, or a 150kW DC fast charger. The 11kW AC charger will give the e-tron a full charge in approximately 8.5 hours, whereas the same on the DC fast charger will take 30 minutes.
The e-tron comes with a 10.1-inch MMI touch screen infotainment system which is upgradable to an 11.6-inch touch screen, 360-degree camera, park assist, voice command function, adjustable heated front seats with lumbar support, Sonos sound system, climate control, wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ESC stabilization control, and ambient lighting along with many other features.
While the launch date of the e-tron is confirmed, its prices are yet to be announced. We expect it to be priced slightly higher than its rivals at Rs 1.2-1.4 crore (ex showroom). We got to drive the e-tron recently but our opinions are embargoed. Stay tuned for our review of the e-tron on the official Evo India YouTube channel and on our website on July 5.