Audi E Tron
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a luxury SUV that runs purely on electricity? The Audi e-tron might be the perfect choice for your next car. This premium electric SUV combines Audi’s famous build quality with cutting-edge electric technology in a spacious, family-friendly package. It’s designed for drivers who want to go electric without compromising on comfort, refinement, or the prestige that comes with the four rings badge.

From its commanding road presence to its whisper-quiet cabin, the e-tron delivers everything you’d expect from an Audi SUV. The sleek exterior hides advanced electric motors and a substantial battery pack that provides real-world usability. Inside, you’ll find the same high-quality materials and intuitive technology that Audi is renowned for. It feels like a conventional luxury SUV in every way, except for the lack of engine noise and exhaust emissions.

The e-tron competes directly with rivals like the BMW iX3 and Mercedes EQC in the premium electric SUV segment. What sets it apart is Audi’s attention to detail and the seamless way it integrates electric power into the traditional SUV experience. While the initial purchase price reflects its premium positioning, you’re investing in proven German engineering and a car that feels genuinely special every time you drive it. The e-tron proves that going electric doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury or capability.

What's the Audi e-tron Like to Drive?

The Audi e-tron is engineered for smooth, refined performance rather than outright speed. The dual-motor setup delivers instant torque and all-wheel drive capability as standard. The entry-level 50 quattro produces 313 horsepower, while the 55 quattro variant offers 402 horsepower for more spirited acceleration. Both versions provide the instant power delivery that makes electric cars so appealing in everyday driving situations.

Where the e-tron truly excels is in its composure and ride quality. The air suspension soaks up road imperfections beautifully, creating a serene driving experience that rivals the best luxury SUVs on the market. The steering is precise and well-weighted, giving you confidence on winding roads. The regenerative braking system feels natural and can be adjusted to suit your driving style. This isn’t a car that shouts about its performance, but it delivers effortless progress with the kind of refinement that Audi does better than most manufacturers.

Inside the Audi e-tron: Comfort & Features

Step inside the e-tron and you’re greeted by one of the finest interiors in its class. The dashboard features Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital display and dual touchscreen setup for infotainment and climate controls. The materials throughout feel genuinely premium, with soft leather, real wood trim, and solid-feeling switches and controls. Everything operates with the precision and quality you expect from Audi’s flagship electric model.

The front seats are supremely comfortable with excellent support and plenty of adjustment options. The cabin is exceptionally quiet thanks to the lack of engine noise and excellent sound insulation. This makes conversation easy and adds to the relaxing driving experience. The climate control system pre-conditions the cabin while the car is plugged in, so you step into perfect temperatures. Standard equipment includes smartphone connectivity, premium audio system, and advanced driver assistance features that make long journeys more comfortable and safer.

The Audi e-tron succeeds in delivering a thoroughly premium electric SUV experience that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Its greatest strength is how normal and refined it feels to drive and live with daily. The interior quality is exceptional, the ride comfort is superb, and the electric drivetrain delivers smooth, quiet performance that suits the luxury positioning perfectly. The trade-offs are a high purchase price and slightly less impressive range compared to some newer electric rivals. However, for buyers who prioritise proven build quality, luxury appointments, and the reassurance of the Audi brand, the e-tron makes a compelling case. It’s ideal for affluent families who want to make the switch to electric power without sacrificing the comfort and prestige they’re accustomed to. The e-tron proves that electric luxury SUVs can be every bit as desirable as their petrol counterparts.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Audi e-tron?

As a premium electric SUV, the e-tron has higher running costs than mainstream alternatives, but they’re reasonable for the luxury segment. The most significant advantage is the elimination of fuel costs, replaced by electricity charges that are typically much cheaper per mile. Home charging overnight on a standard tariff costs a fraction of filling a petrol tank, and many owners benefit from cheaper overnight electricity rates.

The main consideration is the substantial purchase price, which reflects the advanced technology and premium positioning. However, electric cars benefit from lower company car tax rates and exemption from congestion charges in many cities. Insurance costs are moderate for the class, though replacement parts can be expensive. Car finance options help make the e-tron more accessible, with attractive PCP deals often available. When you factor in the lower maintenance requirements and strong residual values, the total cost of ownership becomes more competitive with equivalent petrol or diesel luxury SUVs.

Is the Audi e-tron Practical for Everyday Use?

The e-tron excels as a practical family SUV despite its electric powertrain. The 660-litre boot is generous and easily swallows the weekly shopping or holiday luggage for a family of four. The rear seats fold flat to create an even larger cargo area when needed. Clever storage solutions throughout the cabin provide plenty of space for daily essentials, while the front boot (frunk) offers additional secure storage for charging cables.

Inside, there’s ample space for five adults, with particularly good rear-seat legroom and headroom. The high driving position gives excellent visibility, and the large doors make getting in and out easy for all passengers. For families considering used Audi cars, the e-tron represents excellent value in the electric luxury segment. The only limitation is the charging infrastructure dependency for longer journeys, though the 324-mile range covers most daily driving scenarios comfortably. It’s perfectly suited for affluent families who want to go electric without compromising on space or comfort.

The Audi e-tron stands out in the competitive premium electric SUV market by offering a genuinely luxurious experience with zero emissions. It successfully packages Audi’s renowned build quality, sophisticated technology, and refined driving dynamics into an electric vehicle that never feels like a compromise. The spacious interior, impressive range, and whisper-quiet operation make it an exceptional choice for discerning families.

You choose the e-tron because you want an electric SUV that doesn’t shout about being different. It delivers all the comfort, quality, and prestige of a traditional luxury SUV while offering the benefits of electric driving. For those ready to embrace electric motoring without sacrificing refinement, the e-tron represents an excellent entry point into premium electric mobility, especially with cars under £50,000 becoming increasingly available on the used market.