Fighting for leadership in the electric-car market: a review of the Audi Q2 L e-tron and Audi e-tron

Over the past few years, the production of electric vehicles by leading automotive brands has been growing steadily. It’s hard to find an automaker that doesn’t have an electric model in its lineup. The deteriorating environmental situation and rising prices for traditional fuels are only fueling demand for electric cars.

The German automaker Audi AG could not remain on the sidelines of these global trends, so in 2019 it launched the Audi E-Tron electric car, which is now available for purchase in Ukraine. A shorter version is also available—the Audi Q2 L E-Tron SUV. Since its market launch, the electric car has gained popularity. Let’s take a look at the technical specifications of this vehicle, which you can purchase from Bex Auto on favorable terms.

Exterior Design of the Electric Vehicle

The German brand Audi has always taken the appearance of its products seriously. That’s why the Audi E-Tron electric car features a well-thought-out, elegant design that carries on the automaker’s traditions. The car’s exterior is a blend of the Q7 and Q5 models.

The electric vehicle is 4.9 meters long, while the Audi Q2 L E-Tron version measures 4.2 meters. To improve the body’s aerodynamics, it features smooth curves, a rounded hood, flared wheel arches, and black, contoured door trim. 

To enhance the exterior’s appeal, the electric car is equipped with narrow LED headlights, a chrome radiator grille with eight corners, and an imposing bumper with a three-section air intake. The Q2 L E-Tron version features a solid, slatted air intake, and LED headlights are included as standard.

What’s Inside

The Audi Q2 L E-Tron and Audi E-Tron electric car models feature interior trim typical of the German automaker. The base trim includes:

• heated, adjustable, and massaging front seats;
• seat memory function for the driver and front passenger;
• seats upholstered in exquisite, eco-friendly Valcona leather;
• natural wood trim.

The Audi E-Tron’s dashboard includes everything needed for comfortable driving. Information on all the car’s operating parameters can be conveniently monitored on the 10-inch Virtual Cockpit LCD display. The control unit analyzes data received via a laser sensor and rearview cameras and monitors blind spots.

Ultrasonic sensors help monitor the car’s position on the road, and in the event of an emergency, the emergency braking function comes to the rescue. The multimedia entertainment system features a 12-inch MMI navigation plus display, with the climate control located directly below it.

The front doors are equipped with OLED displays for high-precision monitoring of the rearview mirrors. Users note that this feature needs refinement, as the car’s dimensions appear significantly smaller when the headlights of vehicles behind it cast overly bright glare. As a result, the virtual headlights may make it difficult to assess the current road conditions, and the placement of the displays also makes it harder to catch peripheral movements.

The electric car’s interior is spacious and comfortably accommodates the driver and four passengers. It’s also worth noting the good sound insulation, window shades, and the option for passengers to control the climate system. Folding down the rear seats doubles the standard trunk capacity of 660 liters.

Additional Features

In addition to the technical specifications mentioned above, the Audi E-Tron offers the following features:

• a range of 350 km on a single battery charge;
• a feature that automatically navigates to the nearest charging station;
• panoramic sunroof;
• voice control;
• quick-opening trunk;
• in-cabin air quality sensor.

The Audi Q2 L E-Tron has a slightly shorter range—265 km. It can reach a top speed of 150 km/h. Both versions underwent a series of tests in accordance with the Euro NCAP standard prior to launch. Based on the test results, the electric vehicles were awarded the highest safety rating.

To protect the driver and passengers from injury in the event of an accident, the interior is equipped with protective mechanisms for the head, chest, and limbs. The emergency braking feature and excellent lane-keeping capabilities allow for confident maneuvering in heavy city traffic and help prevent accidents.

Technical Specifications of the Audi E-Tron

The electric vehicle was built using the MLB Evo modular platform, equipped with air suspension. It was developed by specialists at Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, of which Audi is a subsidiary. The Audi Q2 L E-Tron SUV is built on the MLB platform, which is identical to the one used in the e-Golf hatchback.

Asynchronous electric motors with lithium-ion batteries are positioned one on each axle of the all-wheel-drive platform. The battery capacity is 95 kWh for the Audi E-Tron and 40 kWh for the Audi Q2 L E-Tron. The manufacturer guarantees trouble-free operation of the battery for eight years or 160,000 kilometers.

Standard 11 kW chargers with connectors for various electrical outlets can be used to charge the battery. A full charge takes 44 hours from a 220-volt outlet and 8 hours from a 380-volt outlet. However, at special charging stations using fast-charging mode, the battery can be fully charged in just 30 minutes, though the driving range will be reduced in this case.

The Audi E-Tron crossover is equipped with a 22 kW charger, which cuts the charging time in half. Thanks to electro-hydraulic regenerative technology, the driving range on a single battery charge has been increased. This system recovers energy during braking to provide additional charging.

On the Ukrainian market, the Audi Q2 L E-Tron and Audi E-Tron electric cars are available with two electric motors delivering a combined output of 480 horsepower, and their torque is 660 N·m. When using Overboost mode, the electric car can operate for one minute, which is enough to accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. The electronic system limits the top speed to 200 km/h.

Advantages and Disadvantages of These Electric Vehicle Models

The Audi Q2 L E-Tron and Audi E-Tron electric cars face competition from popular models such as the Tesla Model S, Mercedes EQC, and Jaguar I-Pace, which have proven themselves well in the market. They can successfully compete thanks to the following advantages:

1. an elegant and well-designed exterior;
2. a spacious and functional interior with amenities for the driver and passengers;
3. ample trunk space;
4. fast charging;
5. good range and a regenerative braking system.

Among the drawbacks, users note that the Audi E-Tron doesn’t handle off-road driving well, and the model’s price is too high for this market segment. Some safety system features also need improvement.

Price of the Audi Q2 L E-Tron

A brand-new Audi Q2 L E-Tron straight from the dealership will set you back about $35,000. However, at Bex Auto, you can purchase the 2019 model for just $27,600. The delivery cost includes customs clearance, transportation, certification, and registration. After purchase, you won’t have to deal with paperwork—the car is completely ready to drive.

Bex Auto showrooms are located in major Ukrainian cities, and our company’s operating principles exclude the use of intermediaries in transactions. This allows us to sell electric vehicles at prices that are affordable for ordinary buyers.

Looking for a car? We will select and deliver it to your request: Audi cars, car selection service.