New Audi e-tron 2021 pricing and specs detailed: Mercedes-Benz EQC rival gets ready to rumble

Audi Australia has confirmed pricing and full specification for its first all-electric SUV, the e-tron mid-sizer, which will officially launch in September.

Available in traditional wagon and coupe-style Sportback body-styles, the e-tron comes with two powertrain options, 50 and 55.

The 50 wagon kicks off the line-up at $137,700 plus on-road costs, while its 55 counterpart charges $9000 more. The Sportback versions command an $11,000 premium.

For reference, the rivalling Mercedes-Benz EQC is priced from $137,900 plus on-road costs and is available in a single variant (EQC400), while the BMW iX3 is due in Australia sometime next year.

Both of the e-tron’s powertrain options have two electric motors that enable the on-demand e-quattro all-wheel-drive system, which only engages the rear axle when required.

The 2445kg 50 produces up to 230kW/540Nm on eight seconds of overboost, while the 2555kg 55 develops up to 300kW/664Nm. They sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in 6.8 and 5.7 seconds respectively.

Interestingly, the e-tron has a braked towing capacity of 1800kg, making it one of very few all-electric vehicles that can legitimately tow.

The 50 has a liquid-cooled 71kWh lithium-ion battery that provides 336km (wagon) to 347km (Sportback) of driving range (WLTP), while the 55 has a 95kWh unit good for 436km (wagon) to 446km (Sportback) in between charges.

Speaking of which, the 50 and 55 can be charged from zero to 80 per cent in six and 8.5 hours respectively when using their standard 11kW AC onboard charger (Type 2).

Plug the latter into a 150kW DC fast charger (CCS) and it will take less than 30 minutes to get the same result. The former can do the same but maxes out at 120kW.

Either way, both batteries have charging ports on either side of the vehicle and are covered by an eight-year/160,000km warranty. Critically, they are 100 per cent repairable, meaning individual modules can be replaced if need be.

2021 Audi e-tron 55 First Edition

Audi Australia’s three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty otherwise applies, although the e-tron does come with six years of free scheduled servicing and roadside assistance, which are above and beyond its usual aftersales package.

The e-tron also comes with six years of free unlimited charging via ChargeFox’s growing network of public stations, although a fair-use policy applies. Alternatively, wallboxes can be installed in homes and workplaces via Audi Australia infrastructure partner, JetCharge.

Of note, the e-tron is the first series-production passenger vehicle to have cameras in place of side mirrors. Their live feed is viewed via the 7.0-inch OLED touchscreens embedded into the front doors, above their doorhandles. As an individual option, they cost $3500.

Standard equipment in the 50 and 55 wagons includes adaptive air suspension, LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, power-folding side mirrors with heating, aluminium roof rails (wagon only) and a hands-free power-operated tailgate.

Inside, 10.1- and 8.6-inch touchscreens, satellite navigation, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay support, digital radio, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a wireless smartphone charger, four USB ports, keyless entry and start, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and Milano leather upholstery feature.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep and steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, surround-view cameras, front and rear parking sensors, and tyre pressure monitoring.

2021 Audi e-tron 55 First Edition

The 50 and 55 Sportbacks also get an S Line body kit, 21-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display, front sports seats and Valcona leather upholstery.

First Edition versions of the 55 wagon and Sportback are also on offer, although they are limited to just 70 units.

Costing $159,600 and $169,950 respectively, they further add black exterior trim, 21-inch Turbine alloy wheels, orange brake callipers, side-mirror cameras, rear privacy glass, a 705W Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 16 speakers, four-zone climate control and ambient lighting.

Options-wise, the full-time 50 and 55 variants are available with a Premium Plus package that costs $9700 and $6700 in wagon and Sportback forms respectively.

It bundles in Maxtrix LED headlights, 21-inch alloy wheels with a 15-spoke design, side-mirror cameras, rear privacy glass, a head-up display (SUV only), a 705W Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 16 speakers, four-zone climate control, a power-adjustable steering column and ambient lighting.

The 50 and 55 wagons can also be had with a $2950 Premium Interior package that includes front sports seats and Valcona leather upholstery.

2021 Audi e-tron 55 First Edition

For reference, the five-seat e-tron’s cargo capacity is 660L (wagon) or 615L (Sportback) in the rear and 66L up front, with the latter basically designed for storing the aforementioned 11kW AC onboard charger.

According to Audi Australia, 100 e-trons have already been pre-ordered. That said, online reservations will begin on Friday, June 19.

The 55 is expected to be more popular than the 50, with a 70/30 sales split predicted, while the Sportback is forecasted to outsell the wagon 60:40.

2021 Audi e-tron pricing before on-road costs