Audi e-tron
the centre console.
Paddle shifters are fitted on the steering wheel but those control the level of battery regeneration under braking.
They are effective too and on our runs in the e-tron managed to add some seven miles to the range on a four mile downward stretch.
Audi is claiming a full charge range of 248.5 miles for the e-tron under the new WLTP testing programme and if our experience is anything to go by around 200 miles appeared to be easily achievable.
The e-tron is also the first EV to be capable of using 150kw fast chargers meaning it can replenish 80 per cent of battery power in 30 minutes - and there are charging points on either side of the vehicle.
Realistically the e-tron performs in similar fashion to the I-PACE – although on paper the Jaguar beats the e-tron in both range and performance – but the Audi feels the better car.
Air suspension and an impressive amount of sound insulation make the e-tron almost totally silent on the road.
It’s a proper five seater and boot space runs from 605 to 1,755 litres with an extra backpack of space available in an under-bonnet compartment.
Onboard, the e-tron is almost completely digitised with Audi’s double display screen in the centre of the dash and a ‘virtual cockpit’ 12.3-inch instrument panel for the driver.
The cars we tried also came with a full colour head-up display – as well as orange brake callipers matching the colour Audi is using in the e-tron badges on the front wings.
On the road the e-tron is great to drive and supremely well composed on all surfaces – and that goes for harsh terrain as well.
It feels – and is – big and solid and more robust than either the Jaguar or the Tesla.
The suspension copes excellently and can alter ride height by more than three inches depending on conditions.
However, the jury is out on the virtual door mirrors and although they are as adjustable as a conventional set up I could not get a completely convenient view – and that’s an issue in traffic.
The positioning of the screen was fine on the passenger side but was too low for my liking on the driver’s side.
Whether that would change as familiarity crept in remains to be seen and while they may have advantages when it comes to aerodynamics, they are more a gimmick – although optional on basic models which come with regular mirrors.
Nevertheless, a talking point they will be and while the virtual system is good for bragging rights only time well tell if they will become the norm.
That apart, the e-tron is a very impressive offering and Audi is very serious about its electric plans.
An e-tron GT was revealed in concept form at the recent Los Angeles auto show and an e-tron Sportback is already slated to go into production next year after the SUV arrives in March.
In total there are some 12 Audi EVs in the pipeline by 2025 and those will encompass every type of car from compacts to luxury models.