Comfort and safety are, and should always be, high-priority. Audi are known to make among the safest and most comfortable cars and the e-tron stays true to that idea. Besides, the quality of finish is impeccable and everything feels premium to look at and to touch. The huge centre touchscreen and touch controls together with the wood trim on the dash and aluminium elements look fantastic. It’s easy to be spoiled when the surroundings are made this way, besides, the cabin sound insulation — with no engine sound at all — makes for a serene environment and helps maintain the calm even during rush hour.
Heading out of town the next day for a shoot, I see the e-tron has all the goodies for the job: connectivity, voice controls, easy access to info. The virtual cockpit has every detail I need, including charge level and the plentiful available range. The Bang & Olufsen premium sound system is a joy to have, and the huge sunroof has a lovely impact on cabin ambience; whether in the morning sun or under the glow of old street lights.
As I hit the dirt, it’s “allroad” mode. The ride quality and the ride height are impressive. The air suspension has multiple levels of lift, depending on the mode selected. The Audi e-tron, in “dynamic”, lowers to its minimum ride height, apt for taking on the relatively less dense traffic on the roads out of town and attacking bends. Above that is “comfort”, with “efficiency” seeing a level two raise — enough for most speed humps and road irregularities. The “allroad” and “off road” modes raise it further for maximum ability when the going gets tough. Our shoot locations demand a lot from the cars often and, as a litmus test, the e-tron shone. Safe to say, it can handle more than its fair share of the rough stuff, coming back untouched.
Back to the charge level; an important aspect. The week was almost over and, after heading uphill to feed some furry friends and returning home, the e-tron’s range was down to 100 km. A relaxing weekend beckoned. The dramatic projection from the headlights as the car powered off caught the attention of the children again.
It’s been a revelation. Yes, infrastructure has been a concern for many, but I was glad to find more than a few apps that offered charging points. That’s less range anxiety, even for someone as paranoid as I usually am. Besides, the three-level recuperation function works wonders. All in all, electric cars are settling in just fine as we move to sustainable and renewable sources of energy and mobility. The Audi e-tron is a stand-out in terms of big-badge luxury and practicality. It does it all, and takes everything in its stride. It seems that we are indeed ready to charge ahead.
