A beefed-up e-tron with all the best bits
Fully electric SUV combines design and performance, with up to 402 horsepower
It used to be a surprise, maybe a shock even, to hear about an automaker embarking on integrating electrification into its lineup, especially if that automaker is known for its performance and sportiness. However, in today’s automotive climate it’s more shocking to find a manufacturer that isn’t trying to add some form of sustainable model to its lineup.
So, it’s no surprise that Audi is jumping on the dual bandwagon of all-electric and SUV; not just buzzwords in the industry at the moment, but seemingly a way of life for all.
Sure, we all know about the A3 e-tron by now, but this all-new all-electric SUV is taking Audi’s electrification to a whole new level and will be the first fully electric vehicle in the automaker’s lineup. The 2019 Audi e-tron, which is set to go on sale later this year, combines all of Audi’s best bits (and we’re talking Quattro here) but in a beefed up kind of way.
The Quattro system in the e-tron crossover is unique in that the dual motor controls each wheel individually to deliver power when and where it’s needed to not only help with control in trickier situations, but also maximize efficiency and battery range, which hasn’t officially been announced yet, but should hover somewhere in the 320-kilometre area, which is good for a vehicle that nicely slots itself between the Q5 and Q7.
Now, about that Audi performance. Don’t worry, the e-tron hasn’t eaten it all up. The 95 kWh lithium-ion battery that powers two electric motors make a combined power output of 355 horsepower and 414 lb-ft of torque. But Audi engineers had a trick up their sleeve when they created the Audi e-tron, and if you pop the transmission into “sport” you can oh-so briefly unlock 402 ponies and 490 lb-ft of torque.
Audi has always had an eye for exterior designs and in keeping with a family look, as well. The 2019 Audi e-tron is no different, however, the subtle differences are just enough to make you look twice and know that it’s something unique in the Audi family tree. The angular front headlights and thicker front grille give away its nature, as do the dual charging ports — one on either side of the vehicle for ultimate convenience no matter where you are parked.
Electrification isn’t for everyone, we get that and so does Audi. Which is why you’ll also find the all-new 2019 Audi R8 Spyder on display, as well.
This supercar features an all-new front end that instantly makes you think of the automaker’s R8 LMS GT3 and R8 LMS GT4 racers, which is brilliant. Angular bits and pieces abound on the outside, and it’s taken the R8 into a more modern and futuristic-looking space.
But it’s not design you want to read about with a car like this. No, you want to know performance numbers. Well, Audi didn’t disappoint here either. For the 2019 Audi R8, the German engineers decided the outgoing R8 just wasn’t peppy enough. So, they’ve given it more. More of everything.
The 5.2-litre V10 in the R8 Performance model pushes out 612 horsepower (that’s up 10 from the previous generation) and 428 lb-ft of torque (30 pounds more). Sadly, the heavenly gated shifter is no longer available as Audi offers the R8 only with automatic now. But that’s OK because it’s their 7-speed DSG, and row them right and you can hit 0-100 km/hr in just 3.1 seconds and get the R8 all the way up to a top speed of 329 km/hr.
Practicality can be luxurious, and the 2019 Canadian International AutoShow Audi booth is proof of just that.