Audi E-tron review

The Audi E-tron is a perfect example of why numbers rarely tell the whole story. It doesn't have a particularly great range between charges, it isn't eligible for the government's plug-in car grant (because it's too expensive) and its performance figures look a bit weedy compared with many similarly priced electric cars. But, crucially, it's exceptionally gifted in other ways that can't be measured so easily and explained with raw data.

As a large and luxurious electric SUV, the E-tron's closest rivals are the BMW iX3, Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes EQC, although the more expensive Tesla Model X might also be on your radar. Or, if you aren't wedded to the idea of an SUV, the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 are other pure electric cars you might be considering.

The E-tron certainly has some clever tricks up its sleeve to help it compete, including charging ports on both sides of the car, special alloys wheels designed to help it slip through the air as efficiently as possible, and suspension that can be raised by up to 50mm for extra ground clearance. It can even tow up to 1800kg.

In this review, we'll run you through all of the Audi E-tron's strengths and weaknesses, tell you how it compares to key rivals and which trim level and optional extras we think make most sense. And remember, if you decide to buy an E-tron, or indeed any other new car, head over to our New Car Buying service to find out how much we could save you on the brochure price.