Imported Audi e-tron said to hit China’s market in mid-November

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- The long-waited the Audi e-tron, the first BEV model of the German luxury car brand, is said to hit China’s market on November 18 as imported model first. According to the information Audi announced at the 2019 Auto Shanghai, presale prices of the e-tron range between RMB700,000 and RMB830,000. Clearly, Tesla will get a new powerful rival then.

Before its official participation into China, let's review some highlights of this glamorous BEV model. Although similarly sized, the e-tron still bears some differences from the Audi Q7. For instances, the e-tron's grille is narrower in vertical direction and the teardrop-shaped headlights are very special.

To satisfy the consumers in different countries, the developer installs charging ports on both sides of the vehicle's front—the fast-charging port is located on the right side.

As a full-size SUV, the Audi e-tron represents a sporty exterior design characterized by strong-yet-sleek aerodynamic bodywork. The smooth panels cover surfaces from front to rear with several grooves helping optimally direct airflow, such as the lines on the bonnet. Besides, the aerodynamic efficiency is improved partially thanks to its rear-view mirrors that digitally replace traditional wing mirrors with cameras—the world's first application in mass-produced models. 

Stretching across the tailgate is the taillight cluster that features arrow-like light bars at both ends, displaying a multi-layered and dynamic animation.

The Audi e-tron is 4,901mm long, 1,935mm wide and has height of 1,616mm. Its wheelbase measures 2,928mm. Users can fit 660L of luggage in the boot, expanding to 1,725L with the rear seats fold down.

As for the interior, the high-quality materials and craftsmanship featuring electrified cues, such as the subtle voltage light that illuminates dashboard, are used to create a spacious, quiet and comfortable seating room. Without combustion engine, the cockpit instantly becomes more silent and bigger, because more space is offered to the passenger room.

The Audi e-tron is armed with two electric motors that unleashes a combined power of up to 408hp and 664 N·m of peak torque, enabling the SUV to sprint from standstill to 100km/h within 5.7 second. The e-tron will be engineered for both AC and DC charging via the widespread SAE Combined Charging System (CCS), and can utilize 150kW DC high speed public charging stations that provides to 80% charge in about 30 minutes. At home, 9.6 kW AC charger (Level 2, 240-volt/40 amps) is designed to deliver a full charge overnight. The range of over 248 miles (around 400 kilometers) – in line with the WLTP standard – sets the benchmark in its class.

Reportedly, the pioneer BEV model from Audi will be locally produced at FAW-Volkswagen's Changchun plant next year (photo source: Audi).