Audi sets the sparks flying

After a slight delay, Audi’s first allelectric model is finally on sale.

The e-tron was scheduled for sale in November but a software issue held things up. Everything’s tickety boo now though, Audi says, and the e-tron is available for order immediately.

With the plug-in grant, the five seat SUV costs from £67,990 (full price is £71,490). Rivals for the e-tron include the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X.

If you want to be one of the very first e-tron owners you’ll have to shell out even more. An initial run of 30 Launch Edition cars are available for £82,240 (excluding electric car grant).

These come with black highlights for the front grille surround and window trim, privacy glass on the rear windows, and 21in alloy wheels. The e-tron’s conventional door mirrors also make way in the Launch Edition for camerabased units that transmit images of the world outside to two interior OLED displays.

The e-tron has a maximum range of 241 miles on the more realistic WLTP measurement, and can recharge to 80% capacity in 30 minutes, using a 150Kw fast charger.

There are charging points on both front wings to provide maximum convenience.

The e-tron uses a 95kWh battery and two electric motors, providing all-wheeldrive and acceleration from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds.

The interior features the same twinscreen set-up that debuted in the new A8, reducing the number of physical buttons.

All e-trons have a huge level of standard equipment, including Audi smartphone interface, Audi phonebox wireless charging, MMI navigation plus and internet-based Audi connect infotainment services are included, as are assistance systems including the Audi parking system plus with 360-degree display and rear-view camera and lane departure warning.

Air suspension is also fitted as standard, along with 20-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights.