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New Models

2019 Audi e-tron quattro revealed, set for Australia next year

First mass-market EV by German marque puts out 300kW and offers 400km of range.


After a long run of teasers and previews, the Audi e-tron quattro electric crossover has officially been revealed, as it gears up to take on the new Mercedes-Benz EQC and upcoming BMW iX3.

Measuring 4901mm long, 1935mm wide, and 1606mm tall, the e-tron quattro is 238mm longer, 37mm wider and 51mm lower than an Audi Q5. Its 2928mm wheelbase, meanwhile, is 96mm longer than the Q5 and 66mm shorter than the larger Q7.

Power comes from two electric motors developing combined outputs of 300kW and 660Nm, with 0-100km/h claimed to take "fewer than six seconds" on its way to a top speed of 200km/h.

Those motors draw from a 95kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with driving range rated at "over" 400km on the 'realistic' WLTP testing procedure.

Using the standard 11kW charging solution, the e-tron quattro can be fully charged in around 8.5 hours. An optional 22kW charging system will be available from 2019, while a 150kW DC fast-charge station can replenish around 80 per cent capacity in "less than half an hour".

In terms of design, there's clear influence from the 2015 e-tron quattro concept, along with bits and bobs borrowed from Audi's latest models including the all-new Q3 and Q8.

Angular LED headlights sit up front, incorporating an e-tron-specific LED daytime-running light signature with four horizontal 'struts'. There's also a Platinum Gray single-frame grille with horizontal and vertical slats, though the unit itself is "largely enclosed" given the electric powertrain doesn't require the same amount of airflow as a combustion engine. Matrix LED lights are optionally available.

There's a continuous shoulder line extending from the headlights to the tail-lights, accompanied by numerous character lines along the bonnet and fenders that give the e-tron quattro a wide, muscular stance.

Down back, the LED tail-lights are connected through the centre via an LED strip that is a common design feature across models like the A6, A7 and A8, while the vertical struts on each side echo the daytime-running light signature.

Twelve body colour options will be available, including the exclusive Antigua Blue you see here, accented by contrasting sill and wheel arch trims to lend an off-road-style look.

Additional design features include an e-tron logo on the charge flap and optional orange brake calipers. A set of aero-optimised 19-inch wheels are standard, wrapped in low rolling resistance 255/55 tyres.

The underbody is also fully-clad to reduce drag, and includes an aluminium plate to protect the battery pack.

Inside, the e-tron quattro is rather conventional, featuring a cabin that wouldn't look out of place in any of Audi's latest flagship models – think A6, A7 and A8.

The driver is faced with several displays, including the Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster with additional e-tron content, and the dual-touchscreen centre console design (10.1-inch top, 8.6-inch bottom) that digitises the climate controls under a conventional infotainment display.

Vehicles optioned with 'virtual exterior mirrors' feature additional displays in the front doors, displaying a live camera feed in place of conventional wing mirror units.

A range of interior trims and colour schemes are available – including open-pore ash wood exclusive to the e-tron – along with optional features like wireless smartphone charging.

Behind the front row, Audi is claiming the e-tron quattro offers segment-leading passenger and cargo space. Thanks to the electric drivetrain there's no centre tunnel, which means all three second-row passengers benefit from a flat floor.

The luggage area measures 660L with the second row in place, including a 60L compartment under the floor. Folding the back seats increases capacity to 1725L, accessed via an electric opening and closing tailgate.

Dual-zone climate control with rear air vents is fitted as standard, with a four-zone system optionally available. The latter also includes an air ioniser to maintain "premium air quality".

Audi claims the near-silent drivetrain and well-insulated cabin make for "an almost perfect sense of calm", with markets like North America and Asia getting a loudspeaker in the front right-hand wheel arch to play sound designed to warn other roads users the vehicle is approaching.

As we've come to expect from Audi, the e-tron quattro is loaded with driver assistance and active safety technologies.

The Tour Assist package incorporates adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane-assist and traffic sign recognition systems to provide semi-autonomous driving capability. Other available features include a 360-degree camera system, rear cross-traffic assist, lane-change and exit warning, an automated park assistant, and all-round sensors.

Audi will build the e-tron quattro at its CO2-neutral manufacturing facility in Brussels, with a European market launch scheduled for the end of 2018, with pricing to start around €80,000 ($130,325).


Australia

Although Australian pricing is still to be determined, Audi has confirmed it will launch the e-tron quattro here by the middle of 2019.

Stay tuned to CarAdvice for all the latest, and click here for more images.

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