When Audi originally introduced the Audi e-tron for the 2019 model year. And while critics praised the e-tron for its smooth acceleration and lavishness, many questioned its high price tag.  Given what we know now, Audi has considered this feedback . The automaker recently announced that the 2021 e-tron now has a lower starting price. The new e-tron will be more efficient too.

Audi wants to make the e-tron more accessible 

The starting price for the base 2021 e-tron was initially $74,800. But with Audi’s recent price drop, of almost $9,000, the SUV has a starting price of $65,900. Audi has also expanded the e-tron lineup to include the all-electric Sportback model, which is the coupe version of the SUV. 

More importantly, Audi also announced that the e-tron will be more efficient. The 2021 e-tron has an estimated EPA range of 22 miles, which is an 18-mile boost. The Sportback variant has an estimated 218-mile range. This is what Audi had to say about the battery range increase:

As technology progresses, the e-tron lineup has seen its most significant improvements with available battery capacity and efficiency. For a more efficient configuration, thanks to a number of optimizations, the front electric motor is able to be entirely disengaged, dramatically reducing power usage when not needed. Only when the driver demands more power or traction do both motors spring into action, providing the surefootedness of Audi quattro technology and the powerful dynamics Audi is known for.

Audi Newsroom

How Audi accomplished the extra mileage

Audi says it increased the e-tron’s driving range based on consumer feedback. The automaker attributes the e-tron’s extra mileage to the SUV’s new total battery capacity. The standard e-tron and the Sportback models feature a 95-kWh battery pack that produces 86.5 kWh of net energy; that’s about 3 kWh more than the 2019 e-tron. 

While the range increase on the e-tron is an improvement, it still isn’t as impressive as its primary competitor, Tesla. The Model X, for example can get up to 305 miles of driving range. However, the e-tron’s lower price point now gives it an additional advantage over the Model X which starts at $79,990.

There’s a new Premium trim addition too

What’s also exclusive to the e-tron is that the entry-level Premium trim will be available with Audi’s Convenience Plus Package. This package adds a suite of driver assistance features plus a black matte exterior kit. The black matte kit includes a black matte grille, roof rails, and front and rear bumper trim. 

Audi’s future electric plans 

The expanded e-tron lineup reflects Audi’s goal of electrifying 30 percent of its U.S. vehicle lineu[mby 2025. In addition to the e-tron, Audi has also introduced hybridized editions of the Q5, A7, and A8 models. Enthusiasts are also excited about the upcoming all-electric e-tron GT sedan that’s to follow the e-tron Sportback. 

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