Green Audi joins the catch-up chase

Another manufacturer has joined the pack that are trailing in Tesla’s carbon-free wake , says Matt Allan

Ever since Tesla burst onto the scene selling high-end, highcost EVS the refrain from the car industry has been “wait until the big brands catch up”.

And we have had to wait, Tesla’ s models has been on sale unchallenged for seven years, the Model X for four.

But now others are catching up, Jaguar launched the I-pace last year, we’ ll soon see the mercedes EQC, and here and now, we’ve got the Audi e-tron.

It slots between the Q5 and Q7 and goes head-to-head with the I-pace and EQC as well as targetting buyers considering the larger, pricier Model X.

The e-tron is immediately recognisable as an Audi SUV although with some unique touches. A full-width rear light bar, unique alloy wheel designs, a partially filled-in grille and side streaks highlighting the location of the battery mark it out as more than just another Q5.

Under the skin, the e-tron features a 95kwh battery and a motor on each axle for allwheel-drive. In boost mode, these provide 402bhp and 490lb/ft for up to 60 seconds, before reverting to the normal 355bhp output.

Mash the throttle and the et ron will whizz you to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds - not bad for something weighing 2.5 tonnes. However, it’s not as quick as either the I-pace or Model X, and its official range is not as good.

The range, of course, is a tricky issue and in real-world testing of all three I’ve found 190-200 miles to be a realistic figure.

Although it’s remarkably quick in a straight line, the et ron isn’ t a particularly dynamic

car. While there’s plenty of grip, it feels heavy and unengaging if pushed. You’re far better settling down into a calm easy cruise, at which it excels.

Breezing along an A road or motorway it’s incredibly hushed and smooth, with acoustic glass and standard adaptive air suspension dealing with most of the inconveniences of modern roads.

Inside, it’s the usual Audi story of beautiful materials and construction, with some badging and a lack of physical buttons the biggest clues that this isn’t just another Q5.

Strangely for Audi, though, the e-tron’s interior has a couple of ergonomic missteps. Most obvious is the double touchscreen setup where the lower screen is tucked back and under the main 10.1-inch unit.

It’s a minor quibble though in a cabin that will comfortably seat four adults and beats its rivals for attention to detail and space, with a 660l boot, as well as being a hotbed of technology. The 12.3-inch virtual cockpit is standard, as are the two central screens with hap tic feedback, voice control, Audi’s internet connected services, wireless phone charging and the potential for over-the-air upgrades.

Lauch Edition cars also get “virtual” door mirrors which use cameras and screens in the doors to replace ordinary mirrors. The image quality is excellent but the positioning in the doors doesn’t make for comfortable, confident use.

Whether you go for the £82,000 Launch Edition or more basic version, the e-tron is an impressive machine. It blends a quick, smooth, clean Ev power train with audi’ s usual high production standards.

Maybe it is time for Tesla to worry.