Audi e-tron & e-tron Sportback

Audi South Africa confirms E-Tron range introduction for Q1 2022

Audi South Africa has announced that it will be introducing three model line-ups to its local E-Tron offering with the goal to change the way South Africans view electric cars. Included in this roll-out will be the entry-level E-Tron in SUV and Sportback-guise as well as the E-Tron GT sedan.

Kicking-off Audi South Africa’s EV line up will be the E-Tron SUV in the 50 and 55 state of tune. The 50 employs a 71,2 kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers 230 kW and 540 N.m of torque to the Quattro system which results in a 0-100 km/h time of 6,8 seconds and a claimed electrical range of 341 km on a full charge. The 55 houses a 95 kWh battery with an output of 265 kW and 561 N.m to the Quattro system which gives the EV SUV a 0-100 km/h time of 6,6 seconds and a claimed range of 440 km on a full charge.

Those that desire more dynamic presence from the E-Tron will be able to purchase the Sportback variant in 55 and S trims. The 55 offers the same performance figures as the SUV but with a higher claimed range of 453 km while the S uses this same battery with a 370 kW and 808 N.m output giving it a 5,1 second 0-100 km/h time but a lower claimed range of 378 km.

Catering to the EV purists, Audi South Africa will also be introducing the current flagship E-Tron GT and RS E-Tron GT. The base-level trim utilises a 93,4 kWh battery to provide all four wheels with a power output of 350 kW and 630 N.m of torque. In boost mode, these figures are temporarily pushed up to 390 kW and 640 N.m which grants it a 0-100 km/h time of 4,1 seconds. Electrical range as claimed comes in at 488 km.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/audi-south-africa-e-tron-range/
 
Audi E-tron range extended by software update

Audi's all-electric crossover gains an extra 12 miles of range from motor and battery optimisation

Some Audi E-tron models have gained a longer range after the installation of an over-the-air update.

The revised software was first introduced in 2019 with the launch of the E-tron Sportback, but the update will now be rolled out to other models produced for the 2019 and 2020 model years.

Audi says the E-tron 55 quattro has gained a range extension of up to 12 miles (20km) - an increase of 5% - meaning the model is now capable of traveling 274 miles on a single charge.

The update enables the model’s battery to deliver higher net usable power, meaning the car can now benefit from 86kWh of its 95kWh battery when driving.

Audi also claims the update optimises the control of the electric motor at the front of the car, disconnecting it in situations where the car requires less power.

 
How Audi gave its e-tron customers more driving range with a simple software update
  • Audi South Africa plans to launch the e-tron GT in South Africa by the end of February 2022.
  • e-tron models can receive software updates to ensure maximum battery life and range.
  • Audi plans to stop building petrol and diesel engine vehicles by the year 2033.
Audi South Africa will be making its foray into the electric vehicle (EV) space in the first quarter of 2022 with the official launch of the e-tron in South Africa in various configurations and body styles.

The e-tron line-up was initially due for local introduction this year; however, stock challenges and industry logistics hiccups due to the global semiconductor chip crisis meant that local EV fans had to wait a little longer to experience the electric rush that Ingolstadt has offered for some time already.

The Audi e-tron was launched in 2019 in limited numbers in particular markets in SUV body style. Later on, a Sportback version of the SUV followed. The Q4 e-tron and e-tron GT followed these, and now the company is ready to roll its EVs out to more markets worldwide.

Earlier this month, Audi surprised its United Kingdom-based e-tron owners by offering a quick software update that increased their vehicles' driving range from a full charge of its battery.

 
2022 Audi E-tron and E-tron Sportback set for major upgrade

Electric SUV to get new look, bigger battery, better electronics and more efficient motor

Audi plans to upgrade its E-tron and E-tron Sportback electric SUVs with a new-generation battery, affording them longer ranges, as part of their facelifts during the latter half of 2022.

The update is aimed at extending the shelf life of the flagship siblings until at least 2025, when they’re set to be replaced by an all-new SUV, possibly called the Q8 E-tron.

Both variants of the updated E-tron – the SUV and rakish-roofed Sportback – have now been spotted in prototype form, revealing that any technical tweaks will arrive alongside subtly overhauled styling, with a new-look grille, revised bumpers and redesigned headlight clusters among the updates.

Along with the new battery, the E-trons are earmarked to receive more efficient electric motors and an upgraded electronics system that will enable greater energy recuperation among other enhanced functions.


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Audi e-tron range pricing and features confirmed for South Africa

The Audi e-tron range will soon be heading to South Africa with the launch of two model lines. The mainline e-tron in SUV and Sportback guise together with the GT sedan will lay the groundwork of electrification for the German manufacturer.

Kicking off the offering is the Audi e-tron 55 Advanced with a price-tag of R1 990 000. The S-line increases this to R2 045 000. The Audi e-tron 55 Sportback will be available in S-Line only at R2 115 000 While the top-of-the-range performance S variant will set you back R2 425 000.

Standard on the Audi e-tron range is four zone climate control, adaptive air suspension, contour ambient interior lighting, electric front seats with heating, comfort key with sensor controlled luggage compartment release, lane change and rear traffic assist, rear view camera, parking aid plus, Matrix LED lights with dynamic light design & turn signals, Audi connect emergency call, navigation and infotainment, Audi virtual cockpit plus, Audi smartphone interface, Bang and Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound, and MMI navigation plus with touch response. Standard charging options include the e-tron charging system “compact”, household plug type M, industrial plug CEE 32Amps, Mode 3 charging cable for public charging (AC 22kW), on-board charger 11kW (AC), vehicle inlet CCS type 2 and an Audi wall bracket for convenient charging at home. A special e-tron 55 launch edition model is currently planned and will be communicated closer to retail.

The Audi e-tron range will be available for sale in the first quarter of 2022 and will include the five-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan and a battery warranty of eight-years/160 000 km.

 
Audi announces pricing and specification for e-tron range in South Africa

• Audi released official pricing for its e-tron line-up in South Africa.

• The e-tron range will launch locally in early 2022.

• The e-tron family consists of several body styles with different specification levels.

Audi South Africa has released official pricing for its e-tron family of electric cars ahead of the national launch in 2022. As it stands, customers can order their e-tron through ten Audi dealerships. These are situated in Johannesburg (three), Pretoria (three), Cape Town (two), and Durban (two). Audi also confirmed that e-tron owners would be able to charge their vehicles at these dedicated e-tron dealerships equipped with charging infrastructure ranging from DC 50 to 70kW.

Currently, South Africa has more than 280 universal charge point connectors, but Audi will support customers when they make use of public charging stations in the following ways:

  • A complimentary Audi branded RFID charge card for use with the Gridcars charging network.
  • Complimentary first year membership to Gridcars charging network and charging portal.
  • A once-off charging voucher to allow for a convenient first-time charge at a public charging point.
Should e-tron owners decide to have charging infrastructure installed at their homes, a home check will be conducted by an approved service provider - complimentary - to determine the necessary upgrades or installations needed.
  • e-tron 55 advanced - R1 990 000
  • e-tron 55 S line - R2 045 000
  • e-tron 55 Sportback S line - R2 115 000
  • e-tron S Sportback - R2 425 000
  • e-tron GT - R2 715 000
  • RS e-tron GT - R3 300 000
All e-tron models are sold with a five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan and an eight-year or 160 000km battery warranty.

 
Audi e-tron Prices in SA, Orders Open

What Audi e-tron models will be offered in South Africa?

As of early 2022, buyers will be able to choose between 3 core e-tron models including the e-tron SUV, e-tron Sportback and e-tron GT.

The e-tron 55 SUV (advanced and s line) offers a total output of 300 kW and 664 Nm and uses a 95 kWh battery system to deliver a range between 369 and 440 km according to WLTP. Zero to 100 kph is claimed in 5.7 seconds.

The e-tron 55 Sportback packs the same battery and output as the above e-tron 55 SUV but features a slightly better range of between 372 and 453 km.

If you want more oomph, you might want to consider the e-tron S Sportback with 370 kW and 973 Nm. I twill dash from zero to 100 kph in just 4.5 seconds and offer a range of between 347 and 378 km.

As for the stylish e-tron GT, it delivers 350 kW and 630 Nm and makes use of a 93.4 kWh battery to deliver a range of between 433 to 472 km. the e-tron GT will sprint from zero to 100 kph in 4.5 seconds.

But that’s not all because there will be a more potent RS e-tron GT on offer too with no less than 440 kW and 830 Nm which will provide rapid acceleration from zero to 100 kph in only 3.6 seconds. Range is claimed at between 433 and 472 km for this derivative.

Audi e-tron prices in South Africa (November 2021)

e-tron 55 advanced – R1 990 000

e-tron 55 S line – R2 045 000

e-tron 55 Sportback S line – R2 115 000

e-tron S Sportback – R2 425 000

e-tron GT – R2 715 000

RS e-tron GT – R3 300 000

All Audi e-tron models will be sold with a 5-year/100 000km Freeway Plan and 8-year/160 000km battery warranty.

 
Here's how much you'll pay for Audi's 5 new electric cars in South Africa

Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are set to significantly increase the number of electric vehicles available in South Africa during the course of 2022.

In Audi’s case, well-heeled South Africans can look forward to five new battery-powered model derivatives from within three model ranges, namely e-tron, e-tron Sportback and e-tron GT.

Audi South Africa announced the prices of these five models on Thursday, and buyers can expect to pay between R1.99 million and R3.3 million for their chosen e-tron model (see full price list below).

The importer has also opened up the order books, and customers are able to place their orders through any of Audi’s 10 e-tron dealerships around the country. Johannesburg and Pretoria each have three outlets while Cape Town and Durban have two. The dealerships will also have fast-charging facilities that are open to the public.

Customers will also receive one-year’s complimentary membership of the Gridcars network, which currently has over 280 universal charge point connectors around the country.

The Audi e-tron range will hit showrooms during the first quarter of 2022, and prices include a five-year/100 000km Freeway Plan and a battery warranty that’s valid for eight years or 160 000km.

Audi e-tron pricing

e-tron 55 advanced R1 990 000

e-tron 55 S line R2 045 000

e-tron 55 Sportback S line R2 115 000

e-tron S Sportback R2 425 000

e-tron GT R2 715 000

RS e-tron GT R3 300 000

 
The Refreshed 2023 Audi E-Tron May Actually Be Worth Buying: Report

Audi's original battery-electric SUV could gain a much-needed range boost next year.

The current E-Tron starts at about $67,000 including destination. For that money, you’re getting an EPA-estimated range of 222 miles. As you likely know, there are a number of EVs on the market that can match or well exceed the E-Tron’s projected range for less dough. Audi has more compelling all-electric offerings on the horizon, like the E-Tron GT and Q4 E-Tron, and that’s left the original E-Tron a rather unconvincing proposition.

That could change soon, however. Right before the holiday last week, Autocar reported, citing sources within Audi, that the E-Tron’s range will be significantly extended in tandem with a facelift scheduled for next year. Based on the WLTP regulatory cycle — a standard that’s a bit more generous than the EPA’s — the current E-Tron is rated for 249 miles. The 2023 model will supposedly bring that to 373 miles, which should handily be enough to get the SUV over the EPA’s 300-mile mark. The Sportback model is due to receive a similar tech upgrade as well.

What’s more, Audi will reportedly achieve this without increasing the car’s 95 kWh battery capacity. A move to newer-gen batteries and more efficient electric motors and software are pegged to squeeze more usability out of the E-Tron and its aged MLB platform.

That’s key, because while Audi has more irons in the fire, built on more advanced architecture designed for EVs from the get go, the E-Tron is going to continue to represent a pillar of its all-electric offerings in the short term until something better comes along.

 
WATCH | What it's like driving Audi's electric e-tron 55 SUV ahead of its SA launch in 2022

• Audi's new e-tron family will launch in South Africa in 2022.

• Ahead of the launch, we spent time behind the wheel of the e-tron 55 S line.

• The e-tron is Audi's first all-electric SUV.

South Africa is waiting in anticipation for 'early 2022' when Audi will launch its all-electric family. When it happens, the e-tron range will be the youngest all-electric offering in the country, and also the broadest. The offering will include the e-tron, e-tron Sportback, and e-tron GT.

Wheels24 recently had the opportunity to drive the e-tron 55 Quattro S line as part of Audi's pre-launch experience. As the entry to the range, the e-tron 55 is the first introduction prospective clients will make with this offering and thus has to make a bold statement. It gets off to a good start with a 1 629mm height, 4 901mm length, and 2 0143mm width (side 'mirrors' included).

The size places the e-tron between the Q5 and Q7, leaving it with ample room for five passengers and their luggage. And speaking of the loading area, Audi claims a good 660 litres of boot space with the rear bench in the upright position. When it goes on sale in 2022, the e-tron 55 Quattro S line will retail for R2 045 000, with a five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan and an eight-year or 160 000km battery warranty as standard.

 
Nearly new buying guide: Audi E-tron

If you want to go electric in familiar luxury, this is a great option

At its launch in 2019, the E-tron was marketed under the somewhat jumbled slogan “Electric has gone Audi”.

As the brand has rolled out more EVs and committed to shunning combustion in 2033, electric has gone… more normal, and we can approach used E-trons with a bit more familiarity.

At the entry level, we have the 50 Quattro 71kWh version, which packs 308bhp and can go from zero to 62mph in 6.8sec. The next step up is the 55 Quattro 95kWh variant, with 403bhp and a 5.7sec 0-62mph time.

Then there is the E-tron S – or, more specifically, the S Vorsprung Quattro 95kWh. This range-topping model gets 503bhp and a 4.5sec 0-62mph time, making it the quickest of the bunch.

Officially, the 50 Quattro can cover 198 miles with a full battery, although you’re more likely to get 150 miles or so in real-world driving. The 55 Quattro has a WLTP rating of 254 miles and the E-tron S 223 miles.


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RoadTrip | Taking to the valley of wine and roses in Audi's all-electric e-tron 55

• The RoadTrip team undertakes a sojourn to Route 62 in Audi's forthcoming e-tron 55.

• The e-tron 55 is one of six all-electric Audis to be launched in South Africa this year.

• Driving range on this all-electric SUV is between 369 and 440km.

However, what remains impressive is the pace at which manufacturers, now committed towards an emissions-free future, are moving forward. While the e-tron 55 offers a compelling (but high) entry-point into the all-electric future of Audi, it does so without losing any of the quality of packaging and materials the brand has become renowned for.

Besides remaining every bit as comfortable and versatile as the largest member of the established Q family of Audi, the operating range of the e-tron 55 - the highest I noted during my time with the vehicle was 380km - unlocks more possibilities one may have initially considered.

With forthcoming products, including those from Audi, already set to break through the psychologically significant (in my opinion) 500km mark, it may just make a full week of daily commute duties possible - or indeed, a weekend away at a valley filled with wine and roses.


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Audi brings 150kW charging to SA

Audi adding many more chargers – for all to use.

Electric cars have arrived in South Africa. Finally. But charging infrastructure remains a problem.

And as the electric vehicle fleet grows, a lagging charging infrastructure could trigger ownership frustration. Not the kind of frustration any brand wants with the calibre of customers able to afford any of the current electric vehicles – all of which, are rather expensive.

Audi has taken a proactive approach and partnered with GridCars, a local charging infrastructure company that also partnered with Jaguar to create the initial Powerway across SA. This new partnership will see Audi fund the expansion of 33 new charging stations, with a total of 70 connectors.

More charging stations, with greater potency, are crucial in absorbing the demand from new electric vehicle owners in South Africa. Customers don’t want to wait an unreasonable time to recharge, and with most local electric vehicle sales being luxury cars with large batteries, high-capacity chargers are necessary regarding convenience.

Four of the 33 new chargers in this project between Audi and GridCars will be of the 150 kW configuration. And all the chargers will be open for multi-brand vehicle use.

Although the final locations are unconfirmed, the four 150 kW units will be placed along highway routes. A 150 kW charger can replenish approximately 340 km of battery range in only half an hour.

To support these four high-capacity 150 kW chargers, there will also be five 80 kW stations, strategically placed on the country’s most used highway routes. GridCars and Audi have not confirmed the location of four of those five, but we do know that one will be at Richmond, on the N1 between Johannesburg and Cape Town.


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