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The electric SUV space is about to be crowded, with the Audi e-tron 2019 officially making its debut in production. Revealed in San Francisco, California, the all-electric five-seat vehicle promises the luxury and gadgets you'd expect from an Audi, but with the eco-friendly performance of an EV. Of course, there is a big question that we have before 2019 to mid-2019.
It's an Audi SUV – with a touch
At first glance, Audi's DNA is obvious, even though aerodynamics and a new electrified design language mark the crowd's e-tron. At the front, the brand's Singleframe grille dominates the nose, although its frame is finished in platinum gray, which, according to Audi, will be its signifier for electric vehicles. The LED headlamps flank it, embellished with four DRL horizontal struts that, according to the automaker, are meant to remind you of the load indicators.
This is not the only sign of unusual propulsion. The black inserts on the sides are intended to remind you where the battery is, for example, while the LED taillights – connected to a light strip similar to that of the A7, A8 and Q8 – are designed for a full battery icons . Even the diffuser design aims to subtly emphasize the fact that there are no exhaust pipes.
The manual work of Audi is however not quite visual. Making an electric SUV gliding through the air is essential if you want to maximize reach, and many details are designed with this in mind. Standard 20-inch wheels, for example, have an ultra-low rolling resistance of 255/50, while the underbody aluminum plate not only protects the battery but reduces drag. Even the screw points are set back, creating tiny eddies that, according to Audi, guide the flow of air.
The adaptive air suspension according to the speed is mounted in series on the e-tron, lowering the SUV to higher speeds or depending on the driving mode. With it – and adjustable dampers – the EV can adjust its height up to 3 inches.
Quattro comes as standard
Audi is known for its Quattro all-wheel drive, and the e-tron offers it with two asynchronous electric motors (ASM). The automaker is not yet giving the final power and torque figures – they will be getting closer to the arrival of SUVs in US dealerships – but together they are good for 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds and maximum speed from 124 mph. The maximum torque comes in just 250 milliseconds.
In regular driving, at moderate speed, the e-tron promotes the efficiency of the rear engine. However, in the manner of its mechanical quattro with its ultra-tech gas SUV system, the second axle can be engaged predictively, as the car notices a decrease in grip. The torque is distributed with a slight rear bias, but by selectively balancing forward and backward power and by briefly applying the left and right brakes, the e-tron can control which wheel gets the maximum force .
The four-level electronic stabilization control – which includes "sport" and "offroad" modes – can be turned off, and there are seven modes of selecting Audi Drive, ranging from comfort to dynamics. In off-road mode, ground clearance is increased by 1.4 inches; You can add an extra 0.6 inch by pressing the "Raise" option.
The progressive steering is equipped as standard with a speed dependent ratio that varies depending on the steering angle. The five-armed suspension is mounted at the front and back. A trailer hitch can be installed, with the e-tron having a towing capacity of up to 4,000 lbs.
Battery and scope
Audi opted for a battery of 95 kWh, with a nominal voltage of 396 volts and composed of 36 cellular modules each containing twelve pocket cells. Each module has its own aluminum case, roughly the size of a shoebox, and the e-tron distributes them on two levels, mounted low in the SUV to keep the center of gravity low.
For cooling, Audi has introduced a series of extruded aluminum flat profiles, divided into rooms. They are thermally connected to the battery cell modules with a thermally conductive gel. With the "substantial" aluminum bottom plate, the entire battery and cooling assembly contributes about 1,543 pounds to the weight of the e-tron.
Audi doubles the battery warranty of the e-tron by extending it to 8 years or 100,000 miles. The rest of the car is guaranteed 4 years / 50,000 miles.
The big question, of course, is how much this 95 kWh battery will take you. Audi says its official range estimated by the EPA will be unveiled only to the US release of the e-tron next year. On the European test cycle – which works differently than American tests and is generally considered less painful – the battery is estimated at 400 kilometers, or about 249 miles. We will have to wait until next year to see what this means for the American range.
To be in charge
Audi may not have its own Supercharger network like Tesla, but the builder does not leave the e-tron without options. For starters, a 9.6-kW (240-volt / 40-amp level 2) AC charger will be included in the SUV's trunk. This will allow you to use a 120 volt household outlet or a 240 volt NEMA 14-50 outlet for a much faster charge.
That's more than most EV manufacturers – in general, the travel charger is a 110-volt unit only, although Tesla includes a 240-volt charger in its cars – but there is also an installation service fixed charger. Audi is paired with Amazon for its "Audi Home Charging powered by Amazon Home Services" option which, for a single fixed cost, will cover both the purchase of a Level 2 charger and its installation.
This will support the usual planning for billing according to different electricity tariffs, as well as for the pre-conditioning of the cabin. For example, setting a start time can ensure that the e-tron is loaded at that time and that the HVAC system has cooled or warmed up inside as it should. There will also be a zone control: it will operate the heated seats or the heated steering wheel.
Meanwhile, there is a growing recharge network in the United States, "Powered by Electify America". According to Audi, in July 2019, the charging infrastructure should have nearly 500 fast charging sites, development "- in 40 states and 17 metropolitan areas. By the end of 2019, there should be 300 highway locations and 650 subway locations. Highway loaders will, on average, be 70 miles apart, but not more than 120 miles at most.
The chargers themselves will be able to provide up to 350 kW for faster recharges, and e-tron buyers will receive 1,000 kWh of Electrify America recharge credits. According to Audi, this equates to more than 2,000 kilometers of driving.
The 350 kW potential of shippers, however, is more focused on the future. In the case of the new e-tron, a fast charge up to 150 kW DC will be supported, and Audi claims that it will be enough to recharge up to 80% for about 30 minutes. Come to the Audi e-tron GT – and the Porsche Taycan – the power of 350 kW will develop.
Recovery is the key
Audi's electric motors also function as generators, converting the braking force into power, which extends the overall reach. In fact, asynchronous motors can operate without any magnetic drag torque, allowing more efficient cabotage. When recovering power, Audi suggests that 30% of the range of the e-tron could be provided through regeneration.
Take your foot off the accelerator and the freewheel recovery feeds the batteries. Press the brake, meanwhile, and the e-tron automatically decides whether to use recovery or physical brakes. According to Audi, the former is sufficient to handle 90% of all braking scenarios, with friction brakes adding strength only when needed.
The e-tron offers three levels of energy recovery, controlled using the paddles located behind the steering wheel. At the lowest setting, raising the throttle allows the SUV to slide without further braking torque. At its maximum, conversely, you get one pedal driving: the e – tron slows down significantly when you release power. In both cases, an icon on the dashboard invites the driver to lift depending on the navigation system, as well as information about the radar and camera regarding the route to be followed.
This sounds complex, but we have already seen in practice how it can work. Last August, we joined Audi in a pre-production e-tron prototype to descend the infamous Pikes Peak course, following how SUV EV could use recovery. It turns out that it is a lot.
No hair shirt interior
Luxury car buyers do not compromise on the quality of the interior, even if they help save the planet, and the e-tron does not stay inside. Intelligent mirrors based on cameras will not be offered in the United States. you can blame the regulations for that. However, other technologies are not lacking – or, in fact, the type of materials that you will typically find in a premium sedan or SUV.
The dashboard covers the full width of the cab and flows into the door trim. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus is equipped as standard with an updated version of the existing digital pilot instrumentation, its display being free behind the wheel; The latest MMI Touch system distributes infotainment over two large touch screens. The 10.1-inch top panel handles settings specific to media, navigation, and e-tron; the lower 8.6-inch screen handles HVAC and text input.
As in the A8 and Q8, there is natural voice recognition, with cloud-based processing using the integrated LTE connection of the e-tron, which can also host a WiFi hotspot. Navigation is installed as standard, with predictive destinations based on previous trips. The routes take into account the charging points available along the way, including charging time in the ETA calculation and taking into account the current state of the battery.
In the center console, an induction telephone charges and a small "floating" speed selector. Valcona leather and natural wood trim are options, while the seats have seams reminiscent of the card paths. A panoramic glass sunroof is standard, as is the four-zone automatic climate control; an air quality package eventually adds ionization and aromatization. The e-tron uses a heat pump to convert the residual heat of the electrical components into energy that can be used for the HVAC system.
Front massage seats can be installed, with heating / cooling. An ambient lighting system is also available, with adjustable color LEDs, while the high-end Bang & Olufsen 705-watt sound system with 3D sound is standard. A power liftgate – triggered hands-free with a foot gesture – reveals 28.5 cubic feet of space for luggage; drop the seats in the second row and expand to 57 cubic feet. A second front trunk – or "frunk" in EV language – houses the travel charger and the vehicle tool kit.
Not quite autonomous, but getting closer
As you can imagine, the Audi e-tron offers all the latest driver assistance and active safety systems from the manufacturer. Driver assistance, for example, adds an adaptive cruise control capable of automatically responding to lane markings, roadside structures and temporary boundaries in construction zones. It automatically adjusts the speed based on the best battery life, as well as upcoming turns and circles. It can even install intelligently in off-center driving if the multi-lane roads are too narrow to allow side-by-side positioning.
There is also assistance at the intersection, assistance for the rear traffic and warnings for lane change and vehicle exit. 360-degree cameras can be installed, generating not only a top-down view, but also a 3D model of the environment that can be moved and enlarged. This goes hand in hand with the Park Pilot Assist System, which can navigate parallel and perpendicular parking spaces, forward or backward.
Price and availability
In the US, the Audi e-tron 2019 will start at $ 74,800 (plus a $ 995 destination before any incentive) for the Premium Plus model. 20-inch wheels, Audi side-assist with cross-traffic alerts, navigation, 16-speaker B & O audio system, power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, and leather seats, among others. Options include a 19-inch wheel. Shipments to the United States will begin in the second quarter of 2019.
The 2019 e-tron Prestige, at $ 81,800 (plus $ 995 destination), adds a head-up display, a driver assistance kit, massage seats, double glazed door closers, Valcona leather and leather and package on the quality of the air. It also includes rear window sunshades and memory for the front passenger seat. Options include 21-inch wheels with all-season tires.
Finally, there will also be a first edition 2019 e-tron, of which Audi will produce only 999 cars. This will combine a gray Daytona exterior with 21-inch black two-tone wheels, Alu-Optic trim and vibrant orange brake calipers to match the orange highlights; there will also be special LED lamps. Inside, you'll find Valcona black leather with contrasting gray stitching and Volcano Gray natural wood inlays, as well as the night vision assistant and the cold weather group with improved pre-conditioning. Its price is set at $ 86,700 (plus a destination of $ 995).
The 2019 e-tron might not arrive until the middle of next year, but Audi is opening today its configuration and booking system. There is a $ 1,000 refundable reservation fee to place your spot online.
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