Audi is expanding the E-Tron’s range with a second
model that features a smaller battery pack and a more affordable price. The new
E-Tron 50 Quattro will take its place underneath the existing 55 model in 2020,
featuring a 71kWh battery pack instead of the 95kWh unit.
The smaller battery pack also means that the more
affordable version of the Audi E-Tron can cover up to 300 km on a
full charge per the WLTP standard, 55 miles less than the existing model, and
is also lighter by around 120 kg.
The new entry-level version still features a pair of
electric motors, but power is down to 308 HP and 540 Nm of torque,
compared to the 402 HP and 490 lb-ft of the E-Tron 55. 0-100 km/h takes
7 seconds flat and top speed is electronically limited to 189 km/h.
Audi says that, in order to achieve the highest
efficiency possible, only the rear electric motor is used in most driving
scenarios, with the front one activated when needed. The new base version of
the E-Tron also comes with air suspension to ensure excellent stability and
handling.
Compatibility with rapid charging remains, but the
new E-Tron 50 can accept up to 120kW instead of the 150kW of the 55 and an 80
percent charge can be achieved in around 30 minutes. Customers will be offered
an optional connect charging system with smart functions, such as off-peak
hours charging for their homes.
Audi’s standard efficiency assistant helps the
driver adopt a more economical driving style by showing predictive info on the
digital instrument cluster. The system also uses the radar sensors, cameras,
navigation data and Car-to-X info in order to detect the traffic environment
and the route. Production of the new base Audi E-Tron 50 Quattro is set to begin
this year alongside the 55 model in the company’s factory in Belgium, with
pricing details to be announced at a later.
