Page 28 - Motor Trend (January 2020)

Finalists

PRO Car-of-the-future interior • Clever regen braking system • Gotta-have-it looks CON Less range than a 2013 Tesla • Jittery ride • It’s just plain heavy
planted, and it beautifully holds
Audi E-Tron the line on curves.”

More than that, we were
collectively won over to Audi’s
lthough electric vehi- forward for reverse, back for approach to regenerative
cles have twice won our drive.” Judges were also roundly braking, which we used for
Acoveted Car of the Year impressed by the car-of-the- the vast majority of stopping
award, electric SUVs continue to future interior design and its power and situations. It allows
come tantalizingly close while widescreen displays for the the vehicle to coast as much as
falling just short. This year’s instrument cluster, infotainment possible to preserve momentum. The major points of contention,
heartbreaker is the beautifully system, and climate controls. The system also commandeers and the subject of great debate
rendered and impressively engi- The way it drove is even better the forward-facing camera to among the judges, were the
neered Audi E-Tron. than the design. “The powertrain apply regenerative braking as E-Tron’s range and efficiency.
To the last, every judge strug- is responsive and impossibly needed to maintain following “We went several rounds in
gled to reconcile their fondness smooth, and the E-Tron has distance while coasting and the discussion,” Loh said. “Two
for the E-Tron’s style, technology, some of the nicest steering minimize loss of momentum as it key arguments: First, how can we
and driving experience with its I’ve experienced in an Audi,” does so. reward this vehicle, as good as
one fatal flaw. Several judges Seabaugh said. De Nysschen The weight, though, creates it is, if it comes to market seven
fawned over its restrained yet concurred: “It’s evident that more work for the suspension. years after the Model S, with 55
upscale appearance, with Priddle the Audi has been well set up “The suspension reaction is a bit miles less range? Second, with
describing it as “Tony Stark, but to take into account the mass busy,” Rechtin said. “It’s a little bit the full weight and resources of
mellowed out and subdued to of the batteries. It carries a lot brittle, a bit jittery, transmitting a one of the largest automakers in
fit in instead of stand out.” Loh of momentum in the corners, lot of road rash into the cabin. You the world, how is this all we get
fretted it might fit in a little too but the low center of gravity definitely feel the weight of the range-wise?”
well, but Zach Gale found it “one assists, and ultimate grip is high.” battery pack, the tires protesting A rousing discussion ensued
of the most attractive electric (De Nysschen was announced for all they’re being asked to do.” over consumer driving habits
cars available for sale today,” in as chief operating officer for This didn’t hurt it in the dirt. Fuel versus purchasing priorities, but
part because it isn’t as ubiquitous Volkswagen America, the economy–optimized tires and there was no getting around the
as a Tesla. parent company of Audi, shortly heavy batteries were no match E-Tron’s relatively poor efficiency.
The interior received equally after SUV of the Year testing for the sophisticated computers Whether you measure it by range
high praise, especially the shifter. concluded.) that directly control each wheel. or energy consumption, the
“Applause for a new take on an ”Acceleration is not neck- “Off-road, the E-Tron didn’t give E-Tron carries the least energy
age-old problem: design of the snapping,” Priddle said, “but a rat’s ass about deep sand, hill efficiency of any electric vehicle
gearshift,” Priddle said. “Rest the weight distribution of the climbs, or rough terrain,” de Nyss- currently on sale, and that’s diffi-
your hand on the pad and toggle batteries keeps the car so chen said. “It just did it.” cult to reward. Scott Evans

SPECS 2019 Audi E-Tron
Base Price/As Tested $75,797/$84,890
Power (SAE net) 184 hp (fr) + 224 hp (rr); 355 hp comb*
Torque (SAE net) 228 lb-ft (fr) + 262 lb-ft (rr); 414 lb-ft comb*
Accel, 0-60 mph 5.1 sec
Quarter Mile 13.7 sec @ 102.4 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 128 ft
Lateral Acceleration 0.80 g (avg)
MT Figure Eight 26.6 sec @ 0.71 g (avg)
EPA City/Hwy/Comb 74/73/74 mpg-e

Vehicle Layout Front/rear elec motors, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV Engine/Transmission Axially parallel, asynchronous front AC electric motor and coaxial
asynchronous rear AC electric motor/1-speed auto Curb Weight (F/R Dist) 5,844 lb (50/50%) Wheelbase 115.1 in Length x Width x Height 193.0 x 76.2 x 65.5 in
Energy Consumption, City/Hwy 46/46 kW-hr/100 miles CO2 Emissions, Comb 0.00 lb/mile (at vehicle)
*402 hp/490 lb-ft for 8 seconds in “Boost mode”
28 MOTORTREND.COM JANUARY 2020