The Audi e-tron is a large electric SUV/crossover vehicle, which went on sale in the UK in early 2019. It is Audi’s first production electric car, and will spearhead a new range of electric cars from the brand over the next decade.
The e-tron has received positive reviews from the UK automotive media, with scores ranging from good to outstanding. The lowest scores have tended to be from performance-oriented titles like Top Gear and Evo, while the highest scores have come from consumer titles like Honest John and Auto Express.
The Audi e-tron has received particular praise for its smooth and quiet drivetrain, practicality and overall refinement. The main criticisms levelled at it are basically that it’s not as exciting to drive as a Jaguar I-Pace and the optional rear-view wing cameras are a bit gimmicky.
Key specifications
Body style: Large SUV/crossover
Powertrain: electric
Price: From £71,520 on-road*
* excludes £3,500 plug-in car grant
Launched: Winter 2018/19
Last updated: –
Replacement due: TBA
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MEDIA REVIEWS
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media

The Car Expert
“The Audi e-tron has completely wowed simply because it is so normal. For years, we’ve been testing electric cars with spaceship-like qualities, but Audi has taken the features of its fantastic SUV range and seamlessly added all-electric power.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The e-tron is Audi’s first all-electric production car, but it excels with a fantastic blend of performance, comfort and refinement.”
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Model reviewed: e-tron Sportback
Score: 7 / 10
“Whether you opt for this sleeker Sportback over the already quiet and comfortable e-tron SUV will come down to personal taste. You will need to step up to the more expensive specs, but like-for-like, the premium this car commands isn’t as sizeable as you might imagine.”
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Model reviewed: e-tron S Sportback
Score: 8 / 10
“This Audi e-tron S feels a cut above its main rivals when it comes to performance. The changes to the chassis, the integration of the triple-motor set-up and the way it handles for such a heavy car are all mighty impressive.”
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Model reviewed: 55 quattro
Score: 9 / 10
“Audi has already established itself in the SUV market, but the e-tron moves the game on and is a convincing step into the next-generation.”
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Auto Trader
Score: 7 / 10
“The e-tron is a well-made, comfortable SUV that offers a more premium experience than its rivals with a great interior and plenty of features available. If you want a really nicely made electric family car, the Audi e-tron is well worth checking out.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 55 quattro Sportback S line
Score: 8 / 10
“On standard air springs, the Audi E-tron Sportback has been allowed to breathe and float more than, say, a Jaguar I-Pace or Tesla Model X so rides comfortably. Body movements never get out of hand, though. In fact, it’s an enjoyably well-sorted, relaxing drive. The quietness suits it.”
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Model reviewed: S5 quattro
Score: 9 / 10
“Where the Audi e-tron really impresses is in ride comfort and rolling refinement.”
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Score: 9 / 10
“Audi has delivered a car with all the hallmarks of its conventionally-engined models: smart styling, outstanding quality and a level of engineering that sets it apart both from the masses and from its rivals.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Sportback
Score: 8 / 10
“While it’s not the most exciting option the Sportback does turn the heat up a little when compared to the e-tron SUV and at its heart remains a good car – with a class-leading interior and buttoned-down driving experience.”
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Score: 8 / 10
“On motorways, you’ll find the Audi e-tron like any other car – except for its effortless ability to overtake.”
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Car Keys
Score: 9 / 10
“The amazing thing about the Audi e-tron is that it’s so normal, which is a surprisingly strange thing to be happy about. Audi has ensured that the e-tron feels as like its regular Q SUVs as possible, so the transition for drivers won’t be as difficult.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: e-tron Sportback range
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The striking Audi e-tron Sportback is an upmarket electric SUV with a range of up to 278 miles”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Audi’s first production electric car impresses with its acceleration, comfort and practicality.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi e-tron is a posh, practical, electric large SUV. It has an impressive turn of speed but not the range you’d expect from a traditional petrol or diesel SUV.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 55 quattro 95 kWh
Score: 8.5 / 10
“Another step for electric vehicle technology, the Audi e-tron takes what Audi is good at and turns it into an electric vehicle with decent range and performance.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: Sportback 55 quattro S line
“Despite it’s lower and sleeker roofline, with the rear seats folded down this five-seater five-door hatchback coped exceptionally well when crammed with luggage.”
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“It really is a prime example of the sort of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ – or leap ahead through technology – for which the German car firm has become rightly renowned over many decades.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 55 quattro SUV
Score: 6 / 10
“Audi has achieved what it has set out to do with the e-tron and that’s to guide its customers into the world of electric motoring with a car that will be familiar to them – just as Mercedes has done with its conventional EQC electric SUV. Just leave those wacky camera ‘mirrors’ off.”
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Evo
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s smooth and refined, but the Audi e-tron is very heavy and can’t match a Jaguar i-Pace for entertainment.”
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Green Car Guide
Score: 10 / 10
“The Audi e-tron does lots of things very well. It delivers a very polished and enjoyable driving experience, with strong performance. The interior is bristling with all the very latest Audi technology. And all this comes in a spacious and practical SUV body style.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 10 / 10
“The new Audi e-tron offers the space and comfort of one of the brand’s typical full-size models.”
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Model reviewed: 55 quattro
“Putting concerns about cost and range aside, the e-tron is a no-less-than-brilliant entry into the electric vehicle market for Audi. It’s great to drive, if not quite as impressive as the Jaguar I-Pace, and it’s up to the firm’s usual high standards in every way. As a car to live with every day, there probably isn’t a better electric car on the market.”
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Parkers
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi’s first electric model sets an interesting benchmark”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: (range review)
“The Audi e-tron is another fast and planet-friendly family wagon but lack of wing mirrors let it down.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Very, very good… but not for everyone.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Sportback 55 quattro
Score: 8 / 10
“While dynamically the Audi e-tron Sportback is no rival for the Jaguar i-Pace, it is in refinement and luxurious appointment. It’s expensive, but this is a lovely relaxing car in which to do long distances, although you’ll need to drink a lot of coffee while waiting for it to charge.”
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Score: 8 / 10
“Effortless cruising ability, quality feel and, yes, even its studied normality will make the Audi e-tron the ideal electric car for some. But it doesn’t come cheap, falls short on range – and you do wonder whether it couldn’t be just a little bit more exciting.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“A very conventional Audi, built to persuade regular SUV buyers to make the EV jump.”
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Model reviewed: 55 quattro
Score: 8 / 10
“A car designed to make precisely no statement about electrification at all.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi e-tron doesn’t feel as sporty as its closest rival, the Jaguar I-Pace, and it has a shorter range. However, it’s the classier of the two inside and refinement is sensational.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.1 / 10
“Its reasonable range means it will be considered as a family’s main car by many buyers, although as with all EVs, it will take considerably longer to refuel than a conventional petrol or diesel car. Its eerie refinement, decent practicality, excellent performance and luxurious ride will find it many friends, too.” Rated a BEST BUY.
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SAFETY RATING
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2019
Eco rating
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
The Audi e-tron has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. Check back soon.
Security Rating
Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi e-tron has received
2021
- What Car? Awards – Best Large Electric Car for Comfort + Best Coupé SUV for Comfort (e-tron Sportback)
- carwow Awards – Best Large Electric Car (e-tron Sportback)
2020
- What Car? Awards – Best Large Electric Car over £70,000
Similar cars
If you’re interested in the Audi e-tron, you might also like to consider these alternatives
BMW iX3 | Jaguar I-Pace | Mercedes-Benz EQC | Tesla Model X