Test Audi e-tron 55 quattro: the onslaught of electricity!

While the electric market is now well launched, Audi is finally entering the game with a large SUV. Spacious, powerful and quiet, these are the main ingredients of the Audi e-tron 55 quattro!

When we think of an electric car, we often think of an extravagant car, with a futuristic style. But today, things have changed a lot. Like Peugeot and its e-208 completely similar to the thermal version, Audi offers a vehicle fully in tune with the times. In terms of style, therefore, this new Audi e-tron is not extravagant. Nice, if we like SUVs, they are quite versatile, especially with classic mirrors. By adopting all the current codes of the manufacturer, one does not suspect at first sight of its kinematics. We thus find the famous Singleframe grille, which is distinguished by its gray shutters typical of the model, and its LED Matrix lights. Personally, I have always been very attracted by her butt, which is reminiscent of the impressive Q8 and which above all adopts a very elaborate light signature. Moreover, although similar to the latter, its dimensions position it rather between a Q5 and a Q7. With its 4.9m long and stocky appearance,

Is it welcoming?

On board, and remembering its staggering price (I'll tell you about it a little later), we are not amazed by settling in. Admittedly, it is full of screens (5 including 2 touch) but that does not change much from the rest of the premium range . If you don't worry, it is overall rather pretty and ergonomic, it is above all the presence of a lot of plastic, not necessarily very beautiful, which repels me. Even though in the lower parts it is not very serious, I do not really understand the choice for the upper parts. Directly in contact with the hands and the eyes it is not really attractive. Otherwise, the few wood / chrome effect inserts, the pretty leather and especially the few touches of Alcantara nicely counterbalance all this.

Good point, however, we enjoy a very nice feeling of space, both front and rear. With five real seats (for once!), Even if the central seat is far too straight and hard, it will have enough to comfortably carry a whole bunch of passengers of all sizes. The 660-liter trunk will prevent you from playing Tetris for too long when you go on vacation.

With all this gear, High Tech fans will be delighted. The design of the screens and the Virtual Cockpit is always very nice and the ease of handling flawless. While we are quickly amused by the 3D mode of the 360 ​​camera or the handwriting, I was disappointed by the absence of a display totally dedicated to electricity; with for example the animations that we are used to seeing or the power of recharging and better monitoring of our consumption over time. Pity !

It's nice ?

If the exterior and interior design does not change too much from a “lambda car”, it is above all the driving that should shake up some customer habits. This Audi e-tron has two watchwords, smoothness and power, something to satisfy everyone.

While during my first laps of the wheels I found it a little soft, whether in acceleration (to maintain autonomy without too much effort) or in handling, I was almost amazed once I found the dynamic mode. . This radically changes the machine and we quickly understand the interest here of having the batteries under the floor. The center of gravity thus lowered, the grip of roll becomes almost invisible thanks also to the excellent air suspensions. If we ignore the poor braking - with 2.6 tons to stop and the regeneration system, obviously that does not help - my only regret is again the lack of feeling in the steering. With the precision of the handling, it is not very serious but this floating steering wheel side spoils the pleasure of driving a little in my opinion.

Even if he puts you in the seat with the boost mode unlocking for a short time (8s) 408 hp (instead of the usual 360 hp), without an ounce of slippage, he also knows how to be gentle as a lamb on a daily basis. Because its primary goal is not to hit 0 to 100 km / h in just 5.7 seconds all the time, but to be the ideal ally for all your journeys. As comfortable in town as on the motorway or small departmental roads, and even off the beaten track (thanks to a ground clearance of 22.2 cm maximum) this "Q6" suggests a few good walks in its company. Its handling is perfect, with the impression of having 4-wheel steering, the handling is so exemplary, as is its comfort, which is intended to be very good in all circumstances. We appreciate its fluidity, and its practical engine brake without being too intrusive allows you to keep your thermal reflexes. Its major asset, to do all this with cathedral silence thanks to its two electric motors but also the excellent soundproofing.

We do not too often forget to mention the rearview on the cars tested, for once this Audi e-tron deserves that we linger a little more. Yet a fan of technology, and not resistant to novelties, I am not yet convinced by virtual mirrors. They are a sensation with passengers and other users and I was very happy to have them on my test model, but they did not allow me to be completely comfortable in use. When our eyes get used to the location of the screens, however, it is not always easy to locate other cars in a traffic jam or maneuvering because of too much zoom. On the other hand, it should be noted that the quality, day and night, is striking.

Is it greedy?

Ah the annoying question, autonomy ... If the 95 kWh battery is monstrous (only Tesla does better with 100 kWh), the weight of the machine (2.6 tons) and its performance do not allow it to travel as much km than hoped. Announced with a WLTP range of 411 km, consumption which easily oscillates between 25 and 30 kWh / 100 km will rather allow it to easily perform 300 km in real life, or even 350 km while being careful. Fortunately, with ultra-fast recharging (up to 150 kW) it is possible to recover 80% of autonomy in less than an hour; superchargers delivering such power are still rare at the present time, count more 5 / 6h with a 22 kW wallbox at home or 1h / 1h30 on a fast terminal.

(FYI, in recent weeks, the e-tron and e-tron Sportback coming out of assembly lines have seen their useful capacity go from 84 to 86.5 kWh, enough to gain 25 km of WLTP autonomy).

It's expensive ?

On the price side, the bill may hurt. With a base price of € 83,880 for the 55 quattro and a few options such as metallic paint (€ 1,250) or virtual mirrors (€ 1,850), our test model in the Avus Extended finish comes to 115,000 €. It then becomes the most expensive of its direct competitors, Mercedes EQC and Jaguar i-Pace. But with its entry-level version, 50 quattro of 313 hp and 71 kWh, this time it ranks first in the class with a price of € 72,300 (against € 79,249 and € 79,990 respectively).

With technology already perfectly mastered, Audi is entering the big leagues with this Audi e-tron 55 quattro. Very powerful and versatile, it will appeal to a wealthy clientele whose still relatively low autonomy is not a barrier to purchase.