The Audi e-tron 50 quattro combines a high level of efficiency, with only the rear electric motor active in most driving situations, while the front electric motor is activated predictively when needed. It also boasts sporty performance, with acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 7 seconds. The entry-level Audi e-tron model also has an electric motor at the front and rear axles, with a combined total of 230 kW and 540 Nm of torque. The response of the electric all-wheel drive is extremely fast, highly connected and very precise. In combination with modern suspension components including air suspension and the low vehicle centre of gravity, it provides excellent dynamics and stability.
“This fully electric vehicle is an exciting addition to the e-tron family. Like the e-tron 55 it’s infused with Audi’s legendary quattro DNA, delivering exhilarating performance and style.” said Audi New Zealand General Manager, Dean Sheed. “The Audi e-tron 50 with quattro technology can conquer any terrain, and with over 300km of range, this vehicles is perfect for the New Zealand lifestyle,” he added.
The battery unit of the Audi e-tron 50 quattro comprises 324 prismatic cells combined in 27 modules. These store up to 71 kWh of energy – enough for a range of more than 300 kilometres in the WLTP cycle. The high efficiency can be attributed to the newly calibrated drive-train and various optimisations to the high-voltage system. The lower gross weight, which also reduces running resistance, contributes to this as does the efficient thermal management system with its standard thermal pump. This system regulates the temperature of the interior as well as the battery and cools the electric motors, the power electronics and the charger. In this way it ensures that the high-voltage components enjoy a long service life and enables fast charging with direct current (DC).
The Audi e-tron 50 quattro can be charged at public charging across the country with fast-charging available up to 120 kW at high-power charging station. This means that the electric SUV is all set for the next long-distance stretch of a journey in approximately 30 minutes. Eliminating any need for customer compromise, Audi offers various charging options for at home or on the go. The vehicles mobile charging system can be used with a 230-volt household outlet or the recommended, 32 Amp industrial plug via Audi’s home charging installation process. Alternatively, the battery can be supplied with alternating current (AC) at a charging capacity up to 11 kW, which will take approximately seven hours.
Like its more powerful older brother, the e-tron 55 which is already available in the New Zealand market, the Audi e-tron 50 quattro also recuperates energy via its two electric motors, preferably the rear one, during more than 90 percent of all deceleration actions. This means that the energy from practically all normal braking manoeuvres is recovered and fed back into the battery. The newly developed wheel brake system with electrohydraulic actuation is activated only above a deceleration of more than 0.3 g. This results in short braking distances in all situations. The standard efficiency assistant also helps the driver to adopt an economical driving style through automatic recuperation and predictive information in the Audi virtual cockpit. The system uses radar sensors, camera images, navigation data, and Car- to-X information to detect the traffic environment and the route. In combination with the adaptive cruise assist, the efficiency assistant can also brake and accelerate the electric SUV predictively.
“With electric mobility and sustainability a big part of Audi’s future, it’s great to be able to offer the e-tron 50 to the New Zealand market. This release is just the start of more electric models arriving in New Zealand and is an exciting step in offering quattro performance in e-mobility,” said Audi New Zealand, General Manager, Dean Sheed.
The Audi e-tron 50 quattro, which was developed in the carbon-neutral plant in Brussels, is available at New Zealand Audi dealerships nationwide, MSRP of $119,900 + ORC, inclusive of a comprehensive 5-year / 150,000km manufacturer’s warranty, 3-year full motoring plan, plus 8-year / 160,000km battery warranty all with transferability at the point of resale. This not only provides customers with absolute confidence in their Audi e-tron, but also peace of mind.
Additional information about the Audi e-tron 50 quattro is available at www.audi.co.nz/e-tron