2021 Audi e-tron
MSRP range: $65,900 - $79,100 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
7.7/10
Edmunds Rating
We liked the e-tron when it first came out, but it's lost some of its luster as it gets on in years. It's still a right-sized machine that feels like a two-row version of the Audi Q7, and the electric powertrain only adds to the experience with smooth, effortless power. A quiet, stable, almost cosetting ride adds to the appeal. However, its sub-250-mile range and distracting-to-use touchscreen interface limit its appeal.
2021 Audi e-tron Review
byChristian Wardlaw
Correspondent
Christian Wardlaw is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Smooth and decisive acceleration
- Spacious interior
- Comfortable seats and ride
- Lots of standard and available safety and tech features
Cons
- Infotainment operation can be distracting
- Regenerative braking effect isn't as strong as in many other EVs
- Estimated driving range falls short of top rivals
What's new
- Maximum range increases from 204 to 222 miles on a full charge
- New entry-level Premium trim
- Premium Plus and Prestige trims now feature charging ports on either side of the vehicle
- Part of the first e-tron generation introduced for 2019
Saying the Audi e-tron is an electric vehicle is sort of like saying the iPhone is ... a phone. You get what it is just by seeing the geeky name. But there is more to the 2021 Audi e-tron than just a faux-futuristic self-descriptive name. The 2021 e-tron is one of our favorite luxury electric SUVs, essentially offering all the opulence, comfort and performance you'd expect from something like an Audi Q7 but with the power coming from electrons rather than internal combustion.
Edmunds Cost to Drive & Tested Range
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Audi e-tron Premium 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $0.15 per kWh for electricity and $4.15 per gallon average in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$80/mo
e-tron Premium
vs
$217/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Edmunds Tested RangeEdmunds begins with a full battery charge and drives the vehicle on a mix of city and highway roads (approximately 60% city, 40% highway) until the battery is almost entirely empty. (We target 10 miles of remaining range for safety.) The miles traveled and the indicated remaining range are added together for the Edmunds Tested Range figure.
Our real-world test measures the number of miles you can drive on a full battery before it needs to be recharged
e-tron Premium
248 mi
Avg. Electric Midsize SUV
274 mi
When the e-tron was introduced in 2019, it had a short list of viable EV competitors. Now however, there are rivals all over the place. Vehicles such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Polestar 2 have debuted. The e-tron also does battle against class heavyweights including the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.
For 2021, the e-tron starts at a lower price and Audi adds a new Sportback version (reviewed separately), but its biggest improvement is an additional 18 miles of EV range for a total estimate of 222 miles. Is that enough to keep the e-tron competitive in such a rapidly expanding segment? Read our full rating of the Audi e-tron below to find out.
Edmunds Expert Rating
good
7.7/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
We liked the e-tron when it first came out, but it's lost some of its luster as it gets on in years. It's still a right-sized machine that feels like a two-row version of the Audi Q7, and the electric powertrain only adds to the experience with smooth, effortless power. A quiet, stable, almost cosetting ride adds to the appeal. However, its sub-250-mile range and distracting-to-use touchscreen interface limit its appeal.
Rated for you by America’s best test team.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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2021 Audi e-tron pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Premium
electric DD
Edmunds suggests you pay
$64,911
Premium Plus
electric DD
Edmunds suggests you pay
$73,728
Prestige
electric DD
Edmunds suggests you pay
$78,184
Was this pricing information helpful?
Which e-tron does Edmunds recommend?
The addition of a base Premium trim level to the e-tron's lineup this year has made this electric SUV more affordable than in years past. We'd recommend going one of two ways to maximize value: Get either a Premium trim with Convenience package, which will equip the e-tron with many desirable safety features, or go with the Premium Plus trim level, which comes standard with them.
Audi e-tron models
The 2021 e-tron is offered in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Power is drawn from the 95-kWh battery pack and sent to a pair of electric motors. There's one in front and one in back, making the e-tron all-wheel-drive. Maximum output is 355 horsepower with a boost to 402 horsepower for up to 8 seconds when the transmission is in Sport mode. Range is estimated to be 222 miles and the e-tron has fast-charging capability up to 150 kilowatts. Highlight features include:
Helpful shopping links
2021 Audi e-tron videos
2019 Audi e-tron EV First Drive
NOTE: This video is about the 2019 Audi e-tron, but since the 2021 Audi e-tron is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Dan "No Relation" Edmunds puts the U.S.-spec Audi e-tron through its paces in the mountains of Northern California. In his deep dive into the technology, quick charge capability and drive impressions of Audi's first EV, we get a better indication of how it stacks up against the Tesla… Model X and Jaguar I-Pace.The e-tron isn't as fast as its closest rivals, but it delivers plenty of overall performance. We give it high marks for comfort and convenience, which are critical to any SUV whether they're electric or not. The e-tron's EPA-estimated range of 204 miles also falls short of the Jaguar and Tesla, but Dan contends that with the fast-charge feature, it's less of an issue.Overall, Dan says the 2019 Audi e-tron is the "real deal" and looks to be a serious competitor in the growing EV market. Check back soon for our results from the Edmunds test track next.
Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $66,995
- EPA Battery & Range
- EPA KWh/100 mi.This value tells you how much energy in kilowatt-hours a vehicle would use to travel 100 miles. Unlike mpg, however, where a larger number is better (for example, a vehicle that gets 30 mpg is better than one that gets 20 mpg), a smaller number is better in kWh/100 miles because you are using less battery energy per mile.: 43
- Time To Charge Battery (At 240V)This can be tough to pin down, but we assume for simplicity that the 240V power source will enable the vehicle's onboard charger to operate at full capacity, and that the battery is fully depleted and will be recharged to 100%. Given those assumptions, the value provided is simply the battery's capacity divided by the onboard charger's power rating. For example, a battery rated at 100 kWh will need 12.5 hours to recharge fully using an 8.0-kW charger.: 10 hr.
- EPA Electricity RangeThis value is the estimated number of miles that a vehicle can travel in combined city and highway driving (using a mix of 55% highway and 45% city driving) before needing to be recharged, according to the EPA's testing methodology.: 222 mi.
- EPA Combined MPGeA combined total of 45% city MPGe + 55% highway MPGe: 78 MPGe
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 1-speed direct drive
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 193.0 in. / Height: 65.5 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 86.2 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 76.2 in.
- Curb Weight: 5754 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 28.5 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite e-tron safety features:
- Audi Pre Sense Front
- Warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time.
- Audi Side Assist
- Notifies the driver if a vehicle is lurking in a blind spot or if rear cross traffic is approaching when in reverse.
- Vehicle Exit Warning
- Alerts passengers when a vehicle or bicyclist is approaching from behind, to prevent them from opening a door into traffic.
Audi e-tron vs. the competition
2021 Audi e-tron
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Audi e-tron vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E
Currently the Edmunds Top Rated luxury electric SUV, the Mustang Mach-E is a tough matchup for the e-tron. While the Audi offers more luxury and more space, it's much more expensive, it has less range (depending on the Mach-E model), and it isn't nearly as fun to drive as the Ford. If you're looking for a more upscale experience, though — with a whisper-quiet cabin, ultra-luxe cabin materials, and all sorts of posh creature comforts — we'd definitely recommend the e-tron.
Audi e-tron vs. Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 represents a bit of a middle ground between the Mustang Mach-E and the Audi e-tron. The EPA estimates that the Polestar 2 will go 233 miles on a single charge, edging out the e-tron. It also feels a bit more premium on the inside than the Ford does, so it's a closer match for the Audi when it comes to refinement. The Polestar is significantly smaller than the Audi, though, so you'll be sacrificing a lot of cargo and interior space.
Audi e-tron vs. Jaguar I-Pace
With an estimated 234 miles of EV range on a single charge, the Jaguar I-Pace also just edges out the Audi e-tron. The I-Pace feels well matched to the e-tron thanks to its sporty driving characteristics and premium interior feel. The I-Pace also does a comparatively good job when it comes to cargo space, only falling behind the e-tron by a few cubic feet.
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FAQ
Is the Audi e-tron a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 e-tron both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.7 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the e-tron has 28.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Audi e-tron. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Audi e-tron?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Audi e-tron:
- Maximum range increases from 204 to 222 miles on a full charge
- New entry-level Premium trim
- Premium Plus and Prestige trims now feature charging ports on either side of the vehicle
- Part of the first e-tron generation introduced for 2019
Is the Audi e-tron reliable?
To determine whether the Audi e-tron is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the e-tron. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the e-tron's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Audi e-tron a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Audi e-tron is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 e-tron and gave it a 7.7 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 e-tron is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Audi e-tron?
The least-expensive 2021 Audi e-tron is the 2021 Audi e-tron Premium 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $65,900.
Other versions include:
- Premium 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) which starts at $65,900
- Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) which starts at $74,800
- Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) which starts at $79,100
What are the different models of Audi e-tron?
If you're interested in the Audi e-tron, the next question is, which e-tron model is right for you? e-tron variants include Premium 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD), Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD), and Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD). For a full list of e-tron models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
