Audi E-tron - A Hoot To Drive

Audi’s first production electric vehicle is a practical five-seater SUV that is also a hoot to drive.

It is no surprise that Audi chose an SUV format to introduce its first ever fully electric vehicle.

This is after all, the largest growing passenger vehicle segment. Anyone looking to buy a new “car” these days will have more SUVs than saloons on the shopping list.

What is truly surprising is that Audi chose oil-rich Abu Dhabi as the location for the e-tron’s world launch.

The capital city of United Arab Emirates (UAE) controls 95% of the UAE’s oil, and not surprisingly contributes almost 70% of their whopping S$550 billion annual economy.

Our introduction to the electric Audi begins at Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s purpose-built high-tech sub-city that ironically relies extensively on renewable energy for the six square kilometer commercial complex.

Masdar City is also home of the International Renewable Energy Agency or IRENA. And it is here that we pick up our first e-tron.

There are two versions of the e-tron but the differences are for now restricted to trim and equipment only. Hence, there is just one standard bodystyle, “engine” and powertrain.

The e-tron is slightly larger than the Audi Q5 but smaller than the Q7. If it was badged as a Q model, it would be a Q6.

The e-tron’s external styling resembles other Q models, although you will notice some bespoke features on the outside like the semi-blanked grille, pronounced fender bulges at the front and rear, and wide rocker panel profiles along the sides.

The e-tron’s styling should really have been more striking, like the Q8’s. Because unless it is fitted with the optional sleek rearview door cameras instead of conventional wing mirrors, there is nothing about its design that shouts about how special it is.

What is truly special in the e-tron essentially lies in its floor pan so the good stuff you really cannot see.