Two months of another lockdown can be a pain, especially when you are an automotive journalist. Things seem dull and you just can’t wait to get behind the wheel of a nice car. Finally things started opening up and its back to regular programming. And what a car to do it with, the Audi e-tron electric. The e-tron was announced for India quite a while ago, and it has been a long time coming. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz launched the EQC and Jaguar got in the I-Pace, so the action is hotting up in the luxury EV market India. And it will be interesting to see how the e-tron spices up things, even though it’s a little late to the party. I got to spend a day with the Audi e-tron 55 quattro, and while I got behind the wheel with an open mind, it did surprise me quite a bit. Ok then, review time.
Audi e-tron 55 quattro Exterior
Audi will be offering the e-tron in three variants in India: The e-tron 50 quattro, e-tron 55 quattro and the e-tron 55 quattro Sportback. Dimensions wise, it looks pretty similar to the Q7 and it based on a modified version of the MLB platform. For the numbers, it measures 4,901mm in length, 1,935mm width, 1,629mm height, and has a 2,928mm wheelbase. What I like is that Audi has stuck to familiar styling from its SUV family for the e-tron. It doesn’t look radical and that’s a nice thing. Upfront is a hexagonal front grille finished in chrome. It gets e-tron lettering embossed on the bottom. The green number plate sits flush under the four rings. The digital Matrix LED headlamps look super cool, they also do an animation sequence when you lock or unlock the car, and the 20 inch alloy wheels that ride on 255/50 rubber are a standout. Even the orange brake calipers gets e-tron lettering. The e-tron gets regular ORVMs in India as opposed to the twin camera setup that is offered abroad. That is a good call for our country in my opinion. Audi has given charging ports on both sides of the car on the front fender. They are nicely hidden away and the flap opens at the press of a button to give you access. The rear features LED tail lamps connected by a light strip giving character to the rear. The tail gate gets e-tron and 55 quattro badging on either side and a roof spoiler. Overall the e-tron has tremendous street presence and I really like the way it looks. It blends well with other cars on the road and is still a standout. There were a number occasions during the drive where people were clicking pictures and giving a thumbs up.
