2021 Audi e-tron Review

Name: 2021 Audi e-tron
Brand: Audi

Price Range: $23,891 - $27,990

2021 Audi e-tron Prestige quattro 4dr SUV Exterior. European Model Shown.

Good

7.7

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

We liked the 2021 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.

See all features & specs

Price & Payment

Select year

Average price: $24,915

Min$

Max$

See listings

Appraise My 2021 Audi e-tron

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

Overview

Written by automotive expert Christian Wardlaw

Updated: 7/11/2022

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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

13 listings

Sort by:

Price Drop
2021 Audi e-tron
Premium 4dr SUV
$20,895
good price
$1,512 below market
- 74,785 miles
- 222 mi range
- 42 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Waldorf, MD
Listing Information:
VIN:
WA1AAAGE3MB032793
Stock:
032793
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
New Listing
2021 Audi e-tron
Prestige 4dr SUV
$24,995
- 72,521 miles
- 222 mi range
- 18 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Fairfax, VA
Listing Information:
VIN:
WA1VAAGE7MB017215
Stock:
ABS9623
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
08-04-2026

See all for sale

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

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.7

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Audi e-tron on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the e-tron drive? We're fans of the e-tron because it is quick in an effortless and unassuming sort of way. However, it corners in a way that makes you plainly aware of its 5,822-pound curb weight. The brakes are powerful enough, but we've found that newer EVs have found a way to bring about more confidence through the pedal itself. Additionally, the maximum regenerative braking setting is too weak to enable true one-pedal driving in which almost all routine stops can be done by easing off the throttle. This cool and fun EV trait is absent here. Not a deal-breaker, but a missed opportunity. Thankfully, the steering is accurate and responsive for everyday driving situations, and it makes threading this EV through traffic easy.

Comfort

9/10

How comfortable is the e-tron? The e-tron is one comfortable machine. Its air suspension delivers a sophisticated and stable ride on a variety of road surfaces, and the cabin is oh-so-quiet without feeling like a sensory-deprivation chamber. It's hushed inside, but the background resonance of the cabin gives it a homey feel, if that makes any sense.

Driver and passengers alike will enjoy the comfort and sumptuousness of the seats, and the quad-zone climate control system is powerful enough to keep all passengers comfortable to their personal satisfaction. We don't often find the latter in all-electric SUVs, so it's heartening to see that Audi didn't compromise here.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? The Audi does a lot of basic things very well. It is easy to get in and out of because the seats sit at the perfect height and the door openings are nicely squared off. Passengers will enjoy abundant room, and the driver gets the bonus of a great driving position and an unobstructed view.

The controls, on the other hand, are a mixed bag. The drive mode shifter is unique but took some getting used to, while many of the smaller buttons work fine. But the infotainment and climate control systems rely too heavily on touchscreen interfaces. They look stunning but are overly complex.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? We wish the touchscreen interface had a couple of hard shortcut buttons and maybe a tuning knob, but the rest of the setup is solid. The navigation maps it displays are exquisite, and the audio system has excellent sound quality. There are handy USBs around, and even the rear-seat ones can transmit data up front, a neat trick most other cars can't do. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are here too.

As for driver aids, the standard suite of crash avoidance tech includes automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic monitoring and intervention, and lane keeping assist. The optional adaptive cruise control has a lane centering function that makes freeway traffic less of a slog. The forward collision warning system did howl at us more than once when nothing was in front of the car, and we would like a little more refinement from Audi's safety systems.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? The Audi e-tron can make you forget that it's an EV. Its 28.5-cubic-foot cargo hold is accommodating and easy to load, and the volume expands nicely when you fold the seats. There's also a small cargo hold under the hood.

You'll find a decent amount of clever storage space inside with the exception of small cupholders. But the e-tron is particularly good when it comes to fitting child safety seats. The e-tron also has a decent tow rating of 4,000 pounds, but fast-charging stations aren't suited to vehicles with trailers. However, you can certainly use the hitch as a mount for a bike rack.

Range and Efficiency

6.5/10

How are the range and efficiency? The all-wheel-drive e-tron Quattro has an EPA-estimated range of 222 miles when equipped with the standard 20-inch wheels like our test car had. We exceeded the EPA's estimate on our standardized real-world EV range test route, traveling 248 miles on a single charge. This indicates the e-tron should meet its range estimates when driven conservatively and in temperate climates, though it offers less range than much of its competition.

Efficiency, or how much electricity the e-tron uses when driving, isn't quite as good as in newer EVs. We measured 38.4 kWh used for every 100 miles of driving, which is less efficient than practically every EV we've tested except the Rivian R1T.

The e-tron comes with an 11-kW onboard charger that Audi estimates can charge from zero to full in about 10 hours on a Level 2 home EVSE (assuming you've got the right hardware and under optimal conditions). It also has DC fast-charging capability up to 150 kW and can sustain that rate for some time, which can recharge the battery from 0% to 80% capacity in about 30 minutes. Audi provides 250 kWh of complimentary charging (good for two years) on the Electrify America network.

Value

7/10

Is the e-tron a good value? The e-tron is pricey for what you get. Similar features, more advanced driver aids, and far more range can be had for less money these days. However, the e-tron does feel well built, with tight tolerances and a bank vault-like quality to most of the switchgear. Our only problems come down to refinement and the quality of the materials themselves. If Audi paid slightly more attention to its interior materials and refined its driver aids, the e-tron as it stands would be a much better buy.

The warranty and roadside assistance coverage are solidly average, and although Audi does provide some free public fast charging, it's less generous than what most of the competition offer.

Wildcard

6.5/10

Our biggest misgiving is just how vanilla this car feels from behind the wheel. You might think all EVs lack personality, but rivals like the Ford Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Polestar 2 have all found ways to give EVs a real character — especially when you compare them to the e-tron. It might have been one of the first luxury EVs on the market, making it plenty novel in its heyday, but the e-tron is now one of the most vanilla cars on sale. Hey, progress comes at you fast.

2021 Audi e-tron trim level differences

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: Compare the 2021 Audi e-tron trim levels in-depth.

Which e-tron trim 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.

2021 Audi e-tron EV Insights

Trim:

e-tron Premium

Estimated Range Based on Age

edmunds TESTED

225 miles

EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 225 miles.

Estimated range mapfrom

Charging

SAE Combo

Plug Type

10 hrs

240V Home Charging

EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.

When can I use NACS/Tesla charging stations?

EV Battery Warranty

8 yrs or 100,000 miles

According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.

Estimated battery warranty remaining is 3 years or 30,000 miles for this car.

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

Maximize savings on your Audi e-tron.

You could save$100

We’ll check your eligibility for:

Vehicle not eligible for federal EV credit
Local rebates

Edmunds does not share any data that you provide through this tool. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify programs and eligibility before purchasing a vehicle. This information is provided subject to our Visitor Agreement.

Cost to Drive

$96/mo

e-tron

$228/mo

SUV Avg.

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

Am I Ready for an EV?

EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet)
Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in
Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Learn more about the installation services partnership

Need to install a charger at home?

Get a free quote

See All EV Insights

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Year

Make

Model

See pricing history

Reliability

The 2021 Audi e-tron has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 9 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

9 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 25V900000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 90TV
Manufactured from:: 2021-03-26 to
Number of vehicles affected:: 356649
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.

Recall Number:: 23V867000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 93U9/93V2
Number of vehicles affected:: 26866
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 E-Tron Sportback Quattro and 2019-2022 E-Tron Quattro vehicles. Certain high-voltage battery modules may overheat.
Defect Consequence:: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will install onboard diagnostic software to monitor battery module performance, and replace affected battery modules where necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 2, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U9 and 93V2.

Recall Number:: 23V842000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 93U6/93U8
Number of vehicles affected:: 93196
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
Defect Consequence:: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.

Recall Number:: 22V806000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 91Ei
Number of vehicles affected:: 6076
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.

Recall Number:: 22V742000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 91DZ
Number of vehicles affected:: 170296
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.

Recall Number:: 21V707000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 47R7
Number of vehicles affected:: 38
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi E-Tron Quattro and E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. Corrosion in the brake booster may cause the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), speedometer display, and brake assist to stop functioning.
Defect Consequence:: A loss of braking assist, ABS, and ESC will increase the effort and distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 30, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47R7.

Recall Number:: 21V606000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 69CR, 69CS
Number of vehicles affected:: 45496
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Defect Consequence:: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).

Recall Number:: 21V595000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 68H6
Number of vehicles affected:: 58
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi E-Tron Quattro and E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. The right hinge pin for the glove box cover may not be properly secured, allowing the glove box lid trim to interfere with the knee air bag during deployment.
Defect Consequence:: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect the glove box, and secure the hinge pin as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 68H6.

Recall Number:: 21V569000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 47R1
Number of vehicles affected:: 498
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 E-Tron Quattro and 2020-2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
Defect Consequence:: Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47R1.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
EV battery Warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 12 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / unlimited miles

Audi e-tron Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.1

28 reviews

5(36%)

4(10%)

3(14%)

2(12%)

1(28%)

See all 28 reviews of the Audi e-tron

Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2021 e-tron Features & Specs

Trim:

Premium

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$65,900
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
Engine Type	Electric
EPA Electric Range	222 miles
Cost to Drive	$96/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	10 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	28.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	8 years / 100,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the e-tron models:

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.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.2%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

People who viewed this also viewed

Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron
Starting at $77,800

See Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron Inventory

Audi Q6 e-tron
3.4 average Rating out of 9 reviews.
Starting at $63,800

See Audi Q6 e-tron Inventory

Audi SQ8 e-tron
Starting at $89,800

See Audi SQ8 e-tron Inventory