E-Tron steps into the future

weighs 2,490kg. Standard, adjustable pneumatic suspension carries this heft and gives the E-Tron composure in the conditions an average South African driver would encounter.

We tested this up and down the zig-zagging Jebel Hafeet mountain pass, which is like Franschhoek pass in the Western Cape but turned up to level 20. We tested it some more on dirt and, as one does in the desert, through a selection of light sand dunes. In off-road mode, the default ground clearance of 172mm is raised by 35mm plus a further 15mm with the additional lift function initiated. Oh, and remember, you have the traction of Quattro all-wheel drive at your disposal since the electric motors power the front and rear axles. You will notice the inclu- sion of plus-minus paddles on the steering wheel. Why, since there is no gearbox per se in the mix? Those serve to adjust the intensity of the regenerative braking system from true freewheeling to a level that negates having to use the middle pedal altogether.

Making the transition from internal combustion to electric power should be quite seamless from a driving perspective.

To pilot, the E-Tron faithfully imparts the surefooted, well-insulated and confidenceinspiring textures you would get in a Q5 or Q7. It just happens to go about its business without noise or pollutants. The practicalities of living with an electric car in our market are still tricky of course, and will be until suitable infrastructure is established. But the wheels are turning, slowly but surely. Expect to pay upwards of R1.4m for the E-Tron when it arrives later this year.