Let’s clear something up. This isn’t the first Audi e-tron model that I’ve driven. As part of my day job, I’ve been handed the keys to the entire Audi e-tron line up (I’ve reviewed both the e-tron S Sportback and the e-tron GT), so I’ve actually spent many “24 hours” with these vehicles.

Come to think of it, this is actually the 7th e-tron model I’ve been in, and the 5th that I’ve driven. It is the first non-press/management Audi e-tron model that I’ve had the privilege of driving, and it just so happens to be a 50 Quattro, aka the most basic variant you can buy in Singapore today, and the only one that I’ve yet to sample.

One thing all of the e-tron models have in common is that they draw attention regardless of wherever you decide to head to.

And yes, that includes this AudiOnDemand, base e-tron 50 Quattro SUV.

This Is Not A Review.

I’ve already properly evaluated the Audi e-tron offerings as part of my day job. We already know these cars are mechanically very capable, but there’s more to the e-tron experience than just that.

There’s a sense of invincibility when you are perched behind the wheel. It could be the knowledge that you’re driving a car that costs more than most BTO apartments, supplemented by the presence of the prominently displayed Audi badge. It certainly bolsters your confidence, but not in the typical, high-end-car-snarky sort of manner.

At least for me, it is an experience that should be shared. There’s no point showing off if you have an e-tron – you just want your passengers to feel that you are on the ‘cool’ side of the ecological spectrum, making conscious decision to go green but without sacrificing power and performance.

And Audi further reinforces this experience by not fixing what isn’t broken, opting to package their usual Germanic quality with their tried-and-tested MMI system in their e-tron cars.

The instantaneous 308 bhp rounds out the ‘feel-good‘ characteristics that have been engineered into the car. It may have the least power amongst its stablemates, but instant power delivery means it can keep pace with all but the fastest cars in the road.

Even This Base Model Is Excessive.

There’s a tradeoff though – and that is a sense of excess even in the base model. The car is large physically, so navigating through an older carpark in a mature estate really reminds you of just how out of place the car really is.

But what’s wrong with excess? If you have the funds and space for such a vehicle – power to you, as these cars are genuinely fantastic all-rounders. However, and objectively speaking, the vast majority of us will never have the budget or the need to own such a vehicle.

I definitely felt conflicting emotions driving such a vehicle, especially since I live in an estate that also has two room rental apartments. Even if the car isn’t mine. We can certainly get by with a lot less on a day-to-day basis. But there is always a place and time that you’d need a little more.

And that’s where us commoners could do with a having an e-tron in our lives.

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