2019 Audi E-tron Quattro

February 1, 2019

Sebastian Blanco

As this month’s cover story makes clear, the 2019 Audi e-tron is not an electric screamer. It doesn’t redefine ludicrous 0-60-mph acceleration times every time you step on the accelerator. In fact, if you’re used to a high-performance Tesla Model X, the e-tron feels decidedly neutered.

The overall e-tron package combines Audi’s elegant and attractive exterior (that intentionally fits the brand’s current design language), slightly tweaked for the electric powertrain, with an incredibly quiet cabin, even while cruising at 75 mph.

If you’ve been in an Audi Q6 or Q7 lately, then almost everything about the e-tron’s interior will feel familiar. The Virtual Cockpit, along with two large HMI (human-machine interface) touchscreens contribute to a bit of a “tech overload” feeling.

But once you have the settings the way you like them, using the infotainment system is easy.

The quattro e-tron felt completely at home both on the long stretches of highway we drove during the global media launch in Abu Dhabi, as well as a few off-road desert paths Audi suggested we tackle during the car’s global media introduction.

Power from this electric car was never an issue, and the cleverly placed front parking assist camera, below the bumper, is especially useful when driving over rocks (or, more likely, parking-space dividers). The camera also is a useful technology partner for when you need a higher-fidelity view of what’s coming up ahead.