Overview

Such is the pace of change in the electric car market, when the Audi E-Tron was first launched in 2019, this upmarket SUV found itself up against very few rivals. With so many newer offerings going on sale to eat its lunch, this high-tech model was replaced after just four years by the Q8 E-Tron.

The E-Tron was the first fully electric car sold by Audi and in its time, competed against the Jaguar I-Pace, Mercedes-Benz EQC and Tesla Model X among others. And although it was a technical tour de force inside, with optional screens for door mirrors and a plethora of digital displays, its battery and motor technology was soon overtaken by the smaller Q4 E-Tron, which offered far more range and better efficiency.

The E-Tron slotted between the Q5 SUV and more luxurious Q7 models, and it’s significant that the Q8 E-Tron that replaces it continues to do so with more efficient motors and larger capacity batteries.

In terms of E-Tron variations, the coupe-shaped Sportback version followed in 2020, and is covered by its own review. For the SUV covered here, there were three drivetrains available: the entry-level model, badged ’50’ with 312hp; the higher-powered ’55’ with 402hp; and the shortlived ‘E-Tron S’ with 505hp.

Compared with its rivals, though, range isn’t terribly impressive, with a claimed 254 on offer. This is all the more disappointing considering the battery packs available were 71 or 95kWh in size. Real world range? In our hands we managed a more realistic 170-180 miles. Luckily you can top it up on an ultra-rapid public charger.

There are many E-Tron positives, though, which you can read in this review. But up there is that it’s very evidently an Audi inside and out, so it will immediately feel familiar to anyone not familiar with EVs and who may be feeling intimidated by the prospect. It’s also comfortable and safe.

But is that enough for anyone considering buying one used now? Does the E-Tron offer enough to tempt you into EV driving? Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know, including its practicality, comfort, how much it costs to run, what it’s like to drive – and whether we recommend buying one.