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An electric crossover hits the EV nail on the head

A udi’s e-tron electric utility vehicle

leads the charge, so to speak, in what will become a range of models from the Volkswagen group (of which Audi is a member) that shuns internal-combustion propulsion.

At the moment, there are only a handful of electric vehicles on the market, and even fewer still that occupy the popular crossover/ wagon segment. More are on the way, although likely at a much slower pace as the COVID-19 pandemic severely hampers overall vehicle sales and therefore the precious flow of R&D income that funds EV technology.

Going forward, continued low fuel prices and frazzled/ skittish/ cash-strapped buyers are likely to hamper any sort of rally of EV sales. Still, there are buyers with the means and the desire to own the latest and greatest tech.

The five-passenger allwheeldrive e-tron is roughly the size of the Q5 and looks just a good, thanks to the design team that attached the brand’s signature trapezoidal grille to the front end.

This appears to be done more for conformity than practicality (electric cars typically don’t have grilles), but the e-tron does blend in with the regular gasolinepowered traffic. Ditto for the remaining sheetmetal, including muscular fenders and a roofline that tapers into the sloping liftgate. Other than a couple of small e-tron badges, the stylized 20-inch wheels are the only visual clues that this Audi stands apart from the rest of the fleet.

The ultra-techno interior is similar to other premium Audi models. Two largesize touchscreens — one angled upward from the dashboard and the other located directly below in the floor console — operate the various climate, infotainment, navigation and communications systems. As well, the freestanding “virtual cockpit” information screen and gauges behind of the steering wheel can be customized to suit driver preferences.

Pushing the starter button activates the e-tron’s two independently functioning (asynchronous) electric motors — one for the front axle and one for the rear — that collectively produce 356 horsepower and 414 poundfeet of torque. When set to Sport mode, the output rises to 402 horses and 490 pound-feet. There is no geared transmission, but instead a single-speed controller.

According to Audi, the e-tron in Sport mode can accelerate to 60 mph from rest in 5.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 124 mph.

The hefty battery pack — located beneath the cabin floor — weighs 1,543 pounds. At full charge, it provides about 225 miles of maximum city/highway range.

Note that the optimum distance between recharges will be significantly reduced in cold weather and when towing. Yes, you can outfit the e-tron to pull 4,000 pounds.

Using a fast-charge DC outlet brings the batteries to 80 percent capacity in about 20 minutes. Alternatively, an available 240-volt home unit can recharge the car to full capacity in nine hours. Unless you have a day or so to spare, don’t bother with 120-volt household current. Consider the 240-volt charger a necessity.

Along with regenerative braking, all e-trons use some range-extending tricks. The Drive Select control can reduce the air suspension system’s ride height by about an inch for a smoother profile to slice the air. If you decide to head off road, it can be raised up to two inches.

In addition, a heat pump captures waste energy from the various electrical components and uses it to heat or cool the cabin, and can extend the e-tron’s range by up to 10 percent.

Pricing begins at $75,800, which gets you the Premium Plus trim equipped with a panoramic sunroof, a 16-speaker Bang and Olufson sound system, and leather-covered seats (heated and cooled in front).

The Prestige trim level comes with active-safety technology — such as emergency braking to prevent rear-end crashes — plus a head-up display (useful information is projected onto the windshield) and premium leather seats with front-seat massage.

Should you choose to wait a bit longer, Audi will introduce the Sportback (hatchback) version as a companion to the wagon body style for 2021.

Outside of possible government rebates, the dramatically higher price for the e-tron compared to the similarly sized Q5 will no doubt discourage many buyers from going electric, especially during trying economic times. If the latest clean-andgreen technology is your thing, however, the e-tron is among the best of the emerging bunch.

PHOTO: AUDI The e-tron’s ride height can be lowered to cheat the wind and get more battery range, or it can be raised up to two inches for ground clearance. The e-tron is an all-wheel-drive EV with an electric motor at the front and one at the rear.

PHOTO: AUDI The e-tron’s interior has very few buttons. Most of the controls have found their way to the two touch-screens. Note that for a $75,800 base price, including destination charges, that active-safety systems are optional.

PHOTO: AUDI The battery pack — all 1,543 pounds of it — is located at floor level. The e-tron is about the same size as Q5, which means there’s no third-row seat.