Entry-level Audi e-tron 50 Quattro priced from £59,900

Audi is now accepting orders for the e-tron 50, a cheaper version with a smaller battery pack and reduced range.

The e-tron 50 Quattro has a WLTP range of 190 miles, around 80 miles less than the current e-tron 55 Quattro.

It’s fitted with a 71kWh battery pack, giving a 120Kg weight reduction over the current model.

Prices start at £59,900 (excluding grant), with new Technik, Sport and S line specification options that sit below the range-topping Launch Edition.

Lead-in Technik models feature 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and contrast finish bumpers; plus heated and electrically adjustable front seats upholstered in Twin leather, MMI Navigation Plus and the Audi Smartphone and Audi Music interfaces.

Sport models, priced from £63,600, gain sport seats upholstered in Valcona leather, additional Audi Music Interface access for rear passengers and Audi Phonebox wireless charging.

S line versions (£66,700) are marked out by more dynamic styling and feature sport suspension – in this case a specially tuned version of the adaptive air set-up that is standard for all e-tron models. The e-tron 50 S line also adds larger 21-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers, privacy glass and Matrix LED headlamps with front and rear dynamic indicators. 

Launch edition costs from £72,700 and comes with a panoramic sunroof, virtual door mirrors and 360-degree camera system.

Power output from the two electric motors is rated at 313PS and 540Nm, enough for a seven-second 0-62mph sprint.

The battery has a 120kW charging capability, facilitating recharging to 80% capacity in around 30 minutes at fast-charging stations.

In order to achieve the highest efficiency, only the rear electric motor is active in most driving situations, while the front electric motor is activated predictively when needed – giving all-wheel drive.

Like the more powerful version of the electric SUV, the Audi e-tron 50 quattro also recuperates energy via its two electric motors, with priority given to the rear motor, during more than 90% of all deceleration actions.

The standard efficiency assistant also helps the driver to adopt an economical driving style through automatic recuperation and predictive information in the Audi virtual cockpit. The system uses radar sensors, camera images, navigation data, and Car‑to‑X information to detect the traffic environment and the route. In combination with the adaptive cruise assist, the efficiency assistant can also brake and accelerate the electric SUV predictively.

The lower gross weight of the 50 model, which also reduces running resistance, contributes to efficiency, as does the advanced thermal management system with its standard thermal pump. This system regulates the temperature of the interior as well as the battery and cools the electric motors, the power electronics and the charger. In this way it ensures that the high-voltage components enjoy a longer service life and enables fast charging with direct current (DC).

Audi will offer an optional connect charging system, which adds smart charging functions such as off-peak charging, enabling customers to benefit from variable electricity rates by charging their Audi e-tron at more inexpensive times.