Tesla's Competition: The Audi E-Tron Electric SUV

Tesla faces new competition from the new Audi e-tron electric SUV

2019 is expected to be the year of the electric SUV. And Audi’s president and engineers wouldn’t have it any other way.

The first-ever all-electric Audi e tron SUV has officially arrived. On Monday night in San Francisco, the German automaker took the covers off of the 5-passenger all-wheel-drive SUV. It’s the latest development in the brand and the struggling luxury electric car market.

What powers the e-tron are two electric motors. The 95 kWh Audi e tron battery gives the SUV 400 km of range, which, based on European testing, roughly compares to 248 miles of range on a full charge.

Subjective data acquired from several U.S. road trips in one of Audi’s e-tron prototypes produced ranges around 270 miles on a complete charge, according to Scott Keogh, Audi president. The current numbers for the U.S. market are still pending.

A 175-mile trip on one full battery charge from Craneway Pavilion in San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe was included in the testing. The trip started at sea-level and ended at an elevation of 7,000 feet.

Keogh says that the vehicle made it to Lake Tahoe with approximately 12 miles of battery left upon arrival, which puts the range at right around 187 miles.

Keogh was very impressed with the 7,000-foot climb. He admitted that the engineers allowed the e-tron to be charged completely before they made their return trip.

During the ride home, the engineers turned the AC to full-blast and put the radio on. However, when it came back to Craneway Pavilion, there were only 94 miles of range left. In total, the range comes out to be about 269 miles.

The battery can be charged in half an hour for up to 80% capacity using 150 kWh DC fast chargers which are available to the public.

The range of the vehicle is about the same as its competitor, the Tesla Model X, which with a full battery charge is about 295 miles of range.

Audi states that the e-tron SUV can recapture energy from most braking applications which are estimated to be about 90%. One-third of the battery range for the e-tron comes from regeneration.

At a top speed of 124 mph, the SUV propels from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds according to Audi.

Instantly recognizable by all appearances, the e-tron is a well-proportioned, muscular, and stout four-wheeler. One of the most popular Audi e tron specs includes functional interior touchscreens. Amazon Alexa, one of the latest new technological conveniences, will also be built into the SUV.

Before federal tax credits and savings, the Audi e tron price begins at around $74,800. A more prestige model is about $81,000. A few limited “Edition One” e-trons will be available to select buyers for $86,700. The vehicles will be delivered sometime during the second quarter of 2019.

Why Should Tesla Be Worried?

This e-tron is ready for the next generation with their new luxury electric SUV, which most certainly has Tesla worried. It’s every bit the same as the Tesla Model X in terms of estimated battery range, estimated performance, equipment, and price.

And unlike Tesla, Audi is an experienced, well-funded global manufacturing company. They rolled out 680,000 Q-model SUVs in 2017. Tesla rolled out significantly fewer vehicles than Audi last year – about 46,535 Model X vehicles to be exact.

Tesla’s production has continued to struggle due to its mass-produced Model 3 sedans.

It’s difficult for Audi customers to ignore spending less than $90,000 for an e-tron with all of the bells and whistles compared to Tesla’s Model X. It may set you back a bit more if you plan to purchase other extras, however, the costs are not yet known. What is certain is that when additional features are made available, customers will most certainly not shy away from them, especially if they can afford them.

Before state and tax incentives, the difference is quite clear when you compare the $86,700 “Edition One” e-tron to the standard Model X P100D, which costs around $140,000.

This Audi e tron review pretty much speaks for itself. 2019 is expected to be an exciting year for Audi’s new electric SUVs.