The local arm of German luxury car maker Audi has confirmed that it will be introducing a range of electric cars to South Africa in 2022. As the world heads toward EVs, many South Africans are reluctant to accept the electrification of motoring. Audi hopes to change this mindset, with the local debut of three models.
Available overseas for quite some time, the E-Tron SUV will be made available, with two states of tune offering varying performance and range figures. The base-model 50 - with 230 kW and 540 Nm of torque - uses a 71,2 kWh battery which allows it to sprint to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and achieve a claimed range, on a full charge, of 341 km. The slightly more powerful 55 (with 265 kW and 561 Nm) is slightly faster to 100 km/h (6.6 seconds) but has a superior range of 440 km, thanks to a 95 kWh battery.
Fancy a bit more performance? The E-Tron will also be sold as a Sportback, available only as a 55 derivative or sportier 'S' model. Using the same layour as the conventional SUV, the 55 sports the same performance capabilities but with a slightly higher claimed range (453 km). With a 0-100 km/h time of just 5.1 seconds, the swift 'S' derivative has 370 kW and 808 N.m of silent power on offer - the downside is a slightly reduced electric range of 378 km.
Sitting at the summit of Ingolstadt's EV line-up is the sleek and elegant E-Tron GT and the range-topping RS E-Tron GT. The regular model, with a considerable 350 kW and 630 Nm of torque, sends power to all four wheels via a 93,4 kWh battery. According to Audi, the figures are momentarily increased (to 390 kW and 640 Nm) in boost mode - 0-100 km/h is dispatched in just 4.1 seconds, with an impressive claimed range of 488 km.
Those wanting even more performance from their electric Audi will have to opt for the RS model. Using the same battery as the conventional E-Tron GT, the RS-model receives 440 kW and 830 Nm of torque. This cuts the 0-100 km/h sprint down to 3.3 seconds, while still retaining nearly the same claimed range figure - 472 km.
Expect Audi to make announcements regarding pricing, optional extras and other pertinent information closer to the launch in 2022.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Audi E-Tron range cost in South Africa?
Audi SA hasn't announced official pricing yet, but expect the E-Tron 50 to start around R1,800,000, the E-Tron 55 around R2,200,000, and the flagship RS E-Tron GT to push past R3,500,000 when they arrive in 2022.
Q: What is the range of the Audi E-Tron models?
The E-Tron 50 delivers 341km on a full charge, the E-Tron 55 manages 440km, the Sportback 55 stretches to 453km, while the E-Tron GT offers an impressive 488km range, making long-distance trips quite feasible.
Q: How fast does the Audi E-Tron accelerate?
The fastest is the RS E-Tron GT at just 3.3 seconds to 100kph, followed by the E-Tron S Sportback at 5.1 seconds, while the regular E-Tron GT hits 100kph in 4.1 seconds, proving electric can be seriously quick.
Q: Is the Audi E-Tron worth buying in South Africa?
If you've got deep pockets and decent charging infrastructure in your area, the E-Tron offers premium luxury with impressive performance, but the high price tag and limited charging network might make it a tough sell for most South Africans.
Q: What charging options will be available for the Audi E-Tron in SA?
Audi will likely partner with existing charging networks and offer home charging solutions, but South Africa's charging infrastructure is still developing, so you'll need to plan your routes carefully for longer trips.
Should You Buy It?
The Audi E-Tron range represents a significant leap into electric luxury, but whether you should buy one depends heavily on your budget and lifestyle. With expected pricing starting around R1,800,000 for the base E-Tron 50, these aren't exactly budget-friendly options. The E-Tron GT and RS variants will likely exceed R3,000,000, putting them firmly in supercar territory. If you're after the best electric luxury SUV under R2,500,000 in SA, the E-Tron 55 offers the sweet spot of performance, range, and practicality. However, South Africa's charging infrastructure remains patchy, making these vehicles more suitable for urban dwellers with home charging setups. The verdict? Buy it if you're an early adopter with deep pockets and realistic expectations about charging limitations, but most buyers should probably wait for better infrastructure and more affordable options to arrive.
