Audi’s flagship electric SUV, the e-tron, is up for a facelift in the latter half of 2022 alongside its e-tron Sportback sibling, bringing subtle visual tweaks but important updates on the technical front. The two different prototypes keep the camouflage wrap on parts of their body that are likely going to change in 2022, while being fitted with small diameter aero-style wheels and snow-tires.
The redesigned front bumper will feature a
new Singleframe grille with a honeycomb pattern, and different intakes. The
camouflage on front/rear fenders, and side sills, could hint at a new style for
the plastic cladding. Headlights and taillights are expected to integrate the
latest tech from Audi’s parts bin, while retaining an identical outer shape.
Finally, the lower part of the rear bumper will also be tweaked.
Since this is a facelift, interior changes
will likely be limited to new trim options, updated software, and more ADAS
systems fitted as standard. As a reminder, the e-tron was originally unveiled
in 2018, followed by the e-tron Sportback in 2020. The most important changes
in the facelifted e-tron will occur under the skin. According to a report from
a few months ago, the updated SUV could offer a 600 km range thanks
to the adoption of new generation batteries, more efficient electric motors,
and an improved energy recuperation system. If this number is confirmed, it
will signal a huge improvement over the up to 441 km WLTP range of
the current model which is considered to be one of its main weaknesses over the
competition.
The e-tron is Audi’s first fully electric
production model and probably the last to share the older MLB platform with
ICE-powered offerings since newer models will be riding on the MEB (Q4 e-tron,
Q5 e-tron) and PPE (Q6 e-tron, A6 e-tron) dedicated electric architectures.
