In the time period that I had the Audi e-tron 50 Quattro, it was the de facto entry-level variant in Audi’s e-tron sub-brand. But barring the barebones seats and the basic alloy wheels, there’s really little to distinguish between itself and an e-tron higher up the food chain.
And this gap between the trim levels is only set to narrow, especially with the introduction of the facelifted and renamed Q8 e-tron models. The car featured came with a combined 308 bhp and an estimated range of 328 kilometres. Audi’s updates will see a drop in power, but an increase in range and surprisingly, a faster 0-100km/h time.
But this article isn’t about the Q8 e-tron 50. So let’s turn our attention back to the pre-facelift car.
Basic Mechanical Specification
It may be the least capable mechanically in the e-tron SUV lineup, but it is by no means compromised. You still get Audi’s famed Quattro all-wheel drive system, which, when combined with excellent traction control, guarantees good grip regardless of the road or traffic condition.
And it is not like the car feels asthmatic in any way. Sure, I’ve had the privilege of testing the spicier variants of the e-tron SUV. The additional power definitely makes you feel good, with greater levels of torque instigating some rear-end twitchiness when you really get on the throttle.
Keep in mind that these are SUVs, and their styling hints at a life in the city, driven cautiously to and from important business meetings (you’ll still need a decent paying job to afford a base e-tron). You’ll do just fine with the 50 – any more power can’t really be effectively used on the streets anyways. Also, the e-tron S will probably attract more frowns from your peers. Possibly out of jealousy, but frowns nonetheless.
In 50 guise, you’d have access to power from a front-mounted 134 bhp motor, and a rear-mounted 174 bhp motor. This is good for a combined 308 bhp, and these draw their power from a 71 kWh battery pack. Audi estimates that it’d do 328 kilometres on a single charge, and my real-world driving seems to confirm that.
Space and Comfort
On the inside, the majority of the cabin is identical to higher-specified variants of the e-tron SUV lineup. Material quality is excellent throughout, and the cabin generally feels like a pleasant place to be in. There are clearly provisions in the door cards for the Virtual Mirror option, though I’m glad this car doesn’t come with them.
Whilst functional in theory, I find the lack of depth perception to hinder my ability to manoeuvre this behemoth in confined spaces. I appreciate that space is brilliant all round, and you’d be comfortable even if you find yourself sitting in the middle seat of the second row.
The front seats are basic, but functional. EVs tend to be more vigourous off-the-line, and its all-wheel drive system means you’d be able to hurl this 2.4 ton SUV with haste into any sequence of corners of your choosing without consequence. In doing so, you expose the weakness of these chairs, which lack sufficient support when driving in a spirited fashion. You may want to opt for more supportive units if you intend to engage in such driving regularly.
But apart from that, there’s little to criticise on the inside. There’s plenty of space all round for both passengers and cargo, and it helps that the frunk is a usable size too.
Is This The Electric SUV For You?
There really isn’t another electric SUV of its size on the market today. The BMW iX3 and iX aren’t really its true rivals, as they are smaller and larger than the e-tron SUV respectively. Volvo also has an electric SUV, but just like the iX3, it neatly slots into the class below the e-tron.
Despite its lack of competition (for the time being anyways), this is by no means a compromised car. Audi quality, solid overall range and superior levels of comfort and silence make this a solid buy if you’re in the market for a large luxury electric SUV. Just make sure you option yours with higher end front seats.
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