A Guide to the Audi e-tron in South Africa

A brief history of the Audi e-tron

The first Audi e-tron was introduced globally in 2019. Known simply as e-tron, this family-size SUV features a 95-kWh battery pack sited below the passenger compartment, with two electric motors positioned at each axle, front and rear. While Audi claims an operating range of up to 440 km from a fully charged battery (like all modern electric vehicles), the appeal of this type of drivetrain is the instant performance that it affords. There's no mechanical link between the two axles, so the car remains all-wheel drive via constant, seamless, electronically controlled management of power between the front and rear wheels, as required.

A Sportback version of the e-tron was introduced worldwide in 2020. Based on the e-tron, this option introduced a sleeker profile, as well as a more powerful S derivative.

Audi's portfolio of all-electric vehicles is topped by two e-tron GT derivatives. Bookended by the RS e-tron GT, these cars offer horizon-blurring, straight-line performance in a low-slung, head-turning design.

Buying an Audi e-tron

With the global move towards electric mobility well on its way, Audi South Africa believes its range of e-tron models is best placed to offer new and existing customers a seamless transition into the future of motoring.

Performance and comfort aside, the biggest perceived obstacle towards EV ownership remains range anxiety. To this end, together with the recent unveiling of 70 new Audi-branded public charging stations at strategically selected locations around South Africa, this German brand also offers e-tron customers a complimentary consult with a view to installing a personal wall-mounted charging facility at a location of choice, either at home or an office.

With statistics suggesting that the average South African travels no more than 30 km per day during the week, best practice for EV ownership remains habitually plugging your vehicle into a wall box for an overnight charge just as we do with a mobile phone. Despite any unscheduled interruptions in power, this will mean a full charge and an operating range of between 340 and 480 kilometres — depending on the model — each morning.

While domestic charging is billed at the same rate at which your home consumes electricity, public charging is subject to a price premium. Aside from charging fees, here's how much you're looking at for an Audi e-tron when it comes to Vehicle Finance:

Audi warranty

All e-tron models are sold with the brand's one year/unlimited kilometre warranty,  service plan and five-year/100,000 km "Freeway" maintenance plan that covers all scheduled updates. Including 24-hour Audi Assist roadside assistance, this plan can be extended to cover 10 years or 300,000 km, whichever milestone comes first.

The battery pack on an Audi EV is covered by an eight-year/160,000 km warranty.

Audi South Africa insurance

As a part of Volkswagen Financial Services, Audi customers are offered flexible financial options designed to suit their needs when it comes to Car Insurance options, from comprehensive to an Audi Care option for small dents, stone chips and alloy wheel repair.

But whoever you choose to cover your electric ride, you and your insurer would be pleased to know that all Audi e-tron models boast full five-star Euro NCAP crash test ratings.