This week, Audi confirmed that it’ll bring its E-Tron range to South Africa in 2022. The range includes 6 models, all of them fitted with electric powertrains, in the SUV, crossover and high-performance categories.
“Across the world, the automotive industry are announcing plans to phase out combustion engines to advance the transformation of the industry for the future,” said Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa.
The range forms part of Audi’s overall goal to only ship electric vehicles by 2026. But in 2022, South Africans will get access to the following models from the range:
- Audi E-Tron 50 & 55
- Audi E-Tron Sportback 55 & Sportback S
- Audi E-Tron GT
- Audi RS E-Tron GT
The E-Tron you want
The base model delivers a decent 390kW and 640Nm of power — that’s reportedly on the continuous boost mode. But while that’s probably the model that’ll sell best in SA, it’s not the model we’re interested in.
That privilege goes to the high-end RS E-Tron GT that will no doubt raise your heart rate. The front axle’s motors are rated at 175kW, while the rear axle is specced to 335kW, for a total output of 440kW, or 590hp. Its speed is on par with the brand’s petrol-driven R8, with launch control increasing total output to 637hp for 2.5 seconds. That’s how it manages to go from 0 to 100km/h in 3.1 seconds. It’s limited to a top speed of 250km/h but it could go faster if it wanted to.
Both vehicles are fitted with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and both offer a driving range of over 450km. That’s expected from top-of-the-line EVs, and should suit just about any vehicle owner’s needs really.