Audi e-tron

Cyrus · 01-07-2020 10:41am #1

I dont see an audi etron thread so im starting one!

I am eagerly awaiting collection, hopefully next week so starting a thread to see if there are any other owners and chronicle my experiences.

First off why an etron, well it was pretty simple, i needed something large for the family, i had a 2017 GLC to trade and i had a certain budget. Given that we only run one family car at the moment preference is for it to be within a manufacturer warranty.

Tesla model 3 was too small, model s and X dont really do it for me, and trading against them and getting warranty etc is difficult.

Left me with the EQC, Etron and I pace. All in full fat variants were too expensive, then i noticed audi were doing a lower power version which would just about be doable with a decent trade in.

The etron 50 has a range of 250-300km weather dependent and driving depending (bjorn has it at 270 winter range and 300 summer range v 330 and 370 for the 55). The 50 makes do with 313PS and 540Nm of torque v 360Ps and 561NM for the 55 (which also has a 10 second overboost to over 400bhp for the 0-60 run).

Anyway the 50 is plenty quick compared to a GLC220 and it will be nice to be in a quick car again after the last few diesel family mobiles!

We live in Dublin in the burbs, the range will cover 90%+ of our driving with ease and the 55 would likely need a top up on longer trips anyway so range not so much of a concern.

Spec i chose was the Etron sport (you get the nice valcona leather, 20" wheels and a few other bits and pieces) in typhoon grey with the black pack and factory tinted rear windows.

Yesterday i had electric ireland out to install my home charge point, went with the eo mini pro. Its a neat install with the cabling to the fuseboard hidden behind utility room cabinets and out through the wall low behind the washing machine. They used armoured cable so that the cable could be run along the wall at the side of the house where there is a stoned section to the side of our side access path. The unit is then hidden in behind a rain drain, if it wasnt for the isolation switch it would be very stealthy!.

E tron is due to be collected next week, so i have the charger in, maingau, electric ireland and chargepoint rfid cards, moved to day night rate with energia, so i think im ready to go.

Pics of the charge point ill post later if anyone is interested and car and first impressions next week.

Update:

Charge point installed, pics below

This is my install for anyone interested, KN OBO Electric Ireland, EO Smart home.

Smart hub beside the fuse board (and underneath the alarm gubbins)

View from the front of the house

Where the point is installed

unkel · 01-07-2020 10:46am

Well wear and can't wait for your updates when you get it!

The e-tron 50 is a bit of a bargain, smart move from Audi to bring the price down significantly. I personally know several people who were in the market for a car like the e-tron and EQC, but were baulking at the price, and rightly thinking the fuel savings will never be enough to cover the extra money these cars cost compared to similar petrol / diesel offerings from the same makes

Lumen · 01-07-2020 11:05am

unkel wrote: »

The e-tron 50 is a bit of a bargain

Hmm, €81,320 + options.

Does the standard spec have 2 zone aircon or one?

700 for the side acoustic glazing looks worth considering.

I reckon I could keep it to around 85k-ish with a bit of restraint (non-black paint, audio upgrade, acoustic glazing, tow hitch).

edit: looks to be about 5% more expensive than a diesel A6 Allroad.

liamog · 01-07-2020 11:05am

There were a few here and there, but no proper e-tron thread. Great buy, the e-tron seemed like a really nice car when we went to check one out.

Cyrus · 01-07-2020 11:42am

Lumen wrote: »

Hmm, €81,320 + options.

Does the standard spec have 2 zone aircon or one?

700 for the side acoustic glazing looks worth considering.

I reckon I could keep it to around 85k-ish with a bit of restraint (non-black paint, audio upgrade, acoustic glazing, tow hitch).

edit: looks to be about 5% more expensive than a diesel A6 Allroad.

the prices are quoted without the grants.

so my spec was circa 86k, with grants and discounts it netted to 72k or so.

just specced an allroad with metallic paint, 50 designation and same interior and its over 90k

Lumen · 01-07-2020 12:18pm

Cyrus wrote: »

the prices are quoted without the grants.

so my spec was circa 86k, with grants and discounts it netted to 72k or so.

Seriously, that's about the same as a Model 3P.

Daharmaster · 01-07-2020 7:59pm

Does anyone know if you can practically fit 3 child seats in the back of this model. Appears to be only two outer isofix, is there sufficient width for a third seat? Say one baby seat and toddler seats.

unkel · 01-07-2020 8:05pm

Like in most cars, it depends on what child seats they are. Bring your seats to the dealer and try them, is your only way to find out

Cyrus · 01-07-2020 8:59pm

Daharmaster wrote: »

Does anyone know if you can practically fit 3 child seats in the back of this model. Appears to be only two outer isofix, is there sufficient width for a third seat? Say one baby seat and toddler seats.

I’ll let you know next week but it’s definitely noticeably wider across the back v the glc

AidenL · 01-07-2020 9:53pm

I test drove the 55 yesterday and really enjoyed the drive. It’s quick and among the comfiest cars I have ever experienced with air suspension.

I like how the Sportback looks. I might even be tempted by a demo 55 either.

MarkN · 01-07-2020 10:32pm

Daharmaster wrote: »

Does anyone know if you can practically fit 3 child seats in the back of this model. Appears to be only two outer isofix, is there sufficient width for a third seat? Say one baby seat and toddler seats.

I put two child seats in the back of one and you'd fit a small adult in the middle but not a third full seat. You may fit a lower booster. I can't remember off the top of my head, there may be an isofix in front passenger too.

Gumbo · 01-07-2020 10:49pm

Best of luck with it Niall.
Looking forward to the pics when our collect it.

Will you be leaving it with anyone for a ceramic or similar coating?
Considering it’s brand new, it’s the best time to get it done and should require little to no paint correction making it also the cheapest time to get it done.

Cyrus · 02-07-2020 6:58am

Gumbo wrote: »

Best of luck with it Niall.
Looking forward to the pics when our collect it.

Will you be leaving it with anyone for a ceramic or similar coating?
Considering it’s brand new, it’s the best time to get it done and should require little to no paint correction making it also the cheapest time to get it done.

I’ll probably get it lightly polished and waxed straight away but hasnt thought about ceramic . Things have moved on a bit on that front I think.

I can’t leave it with someone for a few days so that probably rules that out ?

Third_Echelon · 03-07-2020 1:14am

EO installation looks really nicely done! Very minimal. Nice job.

ELM327 · 03-07-2020 9:46am

Love the EO! It's so neat.

unkel · 03-07-2020 10:13am

Neat small charge point, tucked behind the rain pipe. But that AC disconnect stands out like a sore thumb. Was there really a need for one? There seems to be confusion over this amongst electricians themselves.

Cyrus · 03-07-2020 10:34am

There is no ambiguity any more i believe, you have to have one,

certainly if you use electric ireland & KN.

AmberGold · 03-07-2020 10:50am

Cyrus wrote: »

the prices are quoted without the grants.

so my spec was circa 86k, with grants and discounts it netted to 72k or so.

just specced an allroad with metallic paint, 50 designation and same interior and its over 90k

Seems like a great option, appreciate the M3P is a different buyer but I'd buy the eTron.

Would you mind me asking how you got it to €72K with a trade in. PM me if you want as I'd consider this myself.

Cyrus · 03-07-2020 10:58am

AmberGold wrote: »

Seems like a great option, appreciate the M3P is a different buyer but I'd buy the eTron.

Would you mind me asking how you got it to €72K with a trade in. PM me if you want as I'd consider this myself.

hi no big secret

the etron sport is 80,320 (includes 1k for delivery :rolleyes:)

Add metallic paint 1,377 :rolleyes:
Black pack and privacy glass 1,591
Service pack (includes set of tyres) 1,000

gets you to 84,288

VRT rebate & SEAI Grant is 10k

74,288 and i got 3,500k off the list price left me at 70,788. (thought it was 72, but better then!)

my trade in was set already in that they have this app where they goto traders and take the best offer (audi werent going to retail my GLC) so that was set at 35k, the discount is either a top up on that or off retail whatever you prefer to see it as.

markpb · 03-07-2020 11:17am

unkel wrote: »

Neat small charge point, tucked behind the rain pipe. But that AC disconnect stands out like a sore thumb. Was there really a need for one? There seems to be confusion over this amongst electricians themselves.

There's no confusion, you must have one. It must be within 2m (I think) of the EVCP and it must be outside where the public can access it. Our installation was randomly audited and had to be tweaked a little.

ELM327 · 03-07-2020 11:21am

markpb wrote: »

There's no confusion, you must have one. It must be within 2m (I think) of the EVCP and it must be outside where the public can access it. Our installation was randomly audited and had to be tweaked a little.

Mine does not have this.

Cyrus · 03-07-2020 11:24am

ELM327 wrote: »

Mine does not have this.

when was it installed?

ELM327 · 03-07-2020 11:44am

Cyrus wrote: »

when was it installed?

2018.
There's a visible fuse switch in the unit but I do not have the standalone "big red off" switch.

Cyrus · 03-07-2020 11:47am

ELM327 wrote: »

2018.
There's a visible fuse switch in the unit but I do not have the standalone "big red off" switch.

dunno, presume something changed in the past 2 years that necessitated this then,

i agree it looks crap so ill figure something out, either paint it black or get a black box that fits over it

unkel · 03-07-2020 11:54am

I think the standards changed in the UK alright very recently. Not quite sure about here though, it has been discussed but I can't remember if there was any conclusion made. I doubt you are allowed to fit a box over it, if the disconnect (on the outside of the house) was a requirement in the first place.

Cyrus · 03-07-2020 12:01pm

unkel wrote: »

I think the standards changed in the UK alright very recently. Not quite sure about here though, it has been discussed but I can't remember if there was any conclusion made. I doubt you are allowed to fit a box over it, if the disconnect (on the outside of the house) was a requirement in the first place.

im sure im not but who is going to police that

i think in the UK you need an earth rod which is a pain as well

slave1 · 03-07-2020 1:57pm

Matt black spray paint, 30 seconds, over and done with

krissovo · 03-07-2020 8:21pm

Enjoyed a test drive last week in a etron, trouble is that its a wide beast and nearly as big as A model S and REALLY THIRSTY. I have a heavy right foot and even with trying to be economical I don’t think its possible to get under 20kwh / 100km. At 120 (ish) you can visibly see the state of charge drop alarmingly. Audi were not really into doing a decent deal with price or trade in so not for me.

I just put a deposit down for a EQC, not much difference to the etron to be fair with equipment and comfort but EQC felt like it had more tech. I felt it handled a bit better and didnt show the weight of the car like the etron, the EQC was certainly nippier off the line. Mercedes were more open to negotiation and a good trade in value for the M3 which sealed the deal.

Gumbo · 03-07-2020 10:19pm

unkel wrote: »

I think the standards changed in the UK alright very recently. Not quite sure about here though, it has been discussed but I can't remember if there was any conclusion made. I doubt you are allowed to fit a box over it, if the disconnect (on the outside of the house) was a requirement in the first place.

The old electrical regulations (ET101) have been now superseded by an IS standard (IS10101:2020) so it may have been in line with that update.

We have had some alterations in our inspections in work particularly around wiring for fire alarm systems.

Cyrus · 03-07-2020 10:25pm

krissovo wrote: »

Enjoyed a test drive last week in a etron, trouble is that its a wide beast and nearly as big as A model S and REALLY THIRSTY. I have a heavy right foot and even with trying to be economical I don’t think its possible to get under 20kwh / 100km. At 120 (ish) you can visibly see the state of charge drop alarmingly. Audi were not really into doing a decent deal with price or trade in so not for me.

I just put a deposit down for a EQC, not much difference to the etron to be fair with equipment and comfort but EQC felt like it had more tech. I felt it handled a bit better and didnt show the weight of the car like the etron, the EQC was certainly nippier off the line. Mercedes were more open to negotiation and a good trade in value for the M3 which sealed the deal.

Congrats look forward to your opinion when you get it! After 3 years of a glc the eqc just didn’t feel different enough for me nor could I afford it !!

krissovo · 04-07-2020 2:00am

Cyrus wrote: »

Congrats look forward to your opinion when you get it! After 3 years of a glc the eqc just didn’t feel different enough for me nor could I afford it !!

You highlight an interesting point, the GLC platform was designed for ICE and 5+? years old so the clearly as an EV it will be compromised and no way if I was a ICE GLC owner would pay the premium for the EV version. My last Merc was a CLS before I switched to EV so I am happy to get back into a merc again.

unkel · 04-07-2020 2:02pm

krissovo wrote: »

no way if I was a ICE GLC owner would pay the premium for the EV version.

And this is a big problem. We need to put a massive hike on the VRT and NOx charge on new diesel vehicles. Our EV subsidies are already more than generous.

I knew more than a few people who would have no problem spending 70, 80, 90k on a new premium car but can't see a reason to spend 20k more on an EV than a similar diesel. What doesn't help either is that companies can claim back VAT on diesel and not on other fuel for cars :rolleyes:

catharsis · 05-07-2020 5:16pm

In fairness companies can expense the entire cost of the electricity used to charge a company vehicle and the employee pays no tax on that benefit

JohnC. · 09-07-2020 5:45am

Q4 e-tron. They call it a concept for the upcoming car, but it looks like it's ready to be the final model, unlike many concepts. Based on the VW MEB platform.

https://www.audi.com/en/experience-audi/models-and-technology/concept-cars/q4-e-tron-concept.html

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/audi-q4-e-tron-sportback-leaks-online-ahead-unveiling-today

Cyrus · 11-07-2020 6:49pm

Well it’s here !

Been a long time waiting with the lockdown etc

Typhoon grey sport black packed with privacy glass

unkel · 11-07-2020 7:22pm

That's class, love the colour. Well wear!

ewj1978 · 11-07-2020 9:44pm

nice looking machine. Well wear.

MarkN · 11-07-2020 10:53pm

Gorgeous!

Gumbo · 12-07-2020 12:57am

Looks well Niall. It’s a big beast

slave1 · 12-07-2020 7:26am

Super looking, get it ceramic coated!!!

Cyrus · 12-07-2020 8:14am

Gumbo wrote: »

Looks well Niall. It’s a big beast

It really is generally images don’t do it justice size size until you see it next to something for reference! Lot bigger than the glc it replaced which was a requirement!

AmberGold · 12-07-2020 9:52am

Black Pack is worth getting. Good luck with it.

12-07-2020 8:35pm

Nice looking Motor, well wear !

VANG1 · 12-07-2020 8:44pm

Looks fantastic, good luck. Very interested to hear how it goes on a long run and at motorway speeds.

ELM327 · 13-07-2020 9:27am

That's a lovely looking car. Audi do make really good looking SUVs.

Cyrus · 13-07-2020 10:02am

Thanks all, have had an enjoyable weekend getting to know it.

Initial impressions:

Its quick, i know the 50 isnt quick when compared to most teslas and the 55 / eqc / ipace but in isolation its a fast car, 2.5 tonnes moving like it does feels very strange, closest thing i can compare it to was when my friends dad had a Mercedes ML63 back in the day, its unnerving accelerating like that in a big suv. The torque obviously has a part to play here aswell.

Its big, in a good way, boot is usefully bigger than the glc (which was decent) with lots of storage underneath as well for emergency bits and bobs that you dont want rattling around the boot. Rear room is good and can get two car seats and a booster in easily, or two car seats and a smaller adult!

In usual audi fashion interior finishing is very nice, the sport gets that nice soft valcona leather (compared to fancy vinyl in the GLC and i assume the EQC as well unless you pay for proper leaher) and everything is finished very well (i dont have a huge amount of options ticked but the standard sport spec if pretty good as is)

The touch screens work well and wireless apple car play is brilliant, i have some screen protectors on the screens already because i am a weirdo, also swapped the carpet mats out for the fitted rubber ones (and rigid boot mat), they are much nicer and have the etron logo on them etc.

Consumption so far on the few spins i have done is around 22 KWH / 100km on the two longer ( 25 km each way) trips that i have done that was a mix of urban driving and a short motorway blast. but its early days in that regard.

EO charger from EI is working well, set to charge from midnight to 9am, and it does as its told so thats all good!

One niggle i have had is the audi app isnt the best so far, remote locking and unlocked doesnt appear to work, id have assumed it should so will follow up on that.

Last thing is audi have their own ionity deal, 17.95 per month and then 31c per KW, but year one is free from a monthly charge perspective for etron owners which is nice. It wont make sense after the deal expires i shouldnt think but nice to have for year one.

Thats it so far, i was toying with a few ideas for the car but having received it im not sure ill bother:

a) there is a cost option to colour code the wheel arches and skirts which i didnt get to tick as it was a pre build. but i think it works with the wheels and black pack (and the grey that the rest of the car is in, it jars with some of the other colours imo)

here is a none black packed one with the colour coding (and the wheels i mention below)

b) i was thinking of maybe getting some 21" GMP gunner alloys, as seen here, may or may not, for now ill see how i go on the std 20s as ill lose a little range and the 20s are relatively comfortable and still look good imo

thats it, will continue to update, any qns let me know!!

13-07-2020 2:55pm

Gorgeous car, huge WOW factor and road presence, saw one parked up yesterday, gorgeous.

Cyrus wrote: »

............

a)............

b) ...........

I'd leave as is, but both options might give some new car feel in 12/18 months time for you

Cyrus · 13-07-2020 3:06pm

Augeo wrote: »

Gorgeous car, huge WOW factor and road presence, saw one parked up yesterday, gorgeous.

I'd leave as is, but both options might give some new car feel in 12/18 months time for you

thanks !

yeah i tend to agree on the mods

Keggers74 · 13-07-2020 9:57pm

Hi Cyrus, great post and the car sounds great.

You mention putting two car seats/boosters in the back and having room for a third. You don’t have any photos do you, also do you know can the seat belt plugs still be reached?

Also, does it come with lane assist / self steering at all?

Thanks
Greg

Cyrus · 13-07-2020 10:04pm

Keggers74 wrote: »

Hi Cyrus, great post and the car sounds great.

You mention putting two car seats/boosters in the back and having room for a third. You don’t have any photos do you, also do you know can the seat belt plugs still be reached?

Also, does it come with lane assist / self steering at all?

Thanks
Greg

Yes lane assist is there it corrects quite a lot !

We just had our first go at three seats today and didn’t work that well , they fit but accessing the buckles was an issue however I think it’s because we have the baby seat behind the driver and my 5 year olds seat behind the passenger I’m going to swap them at the weekend as I think that will work better (based on where the buckles are etc )

I’ll let you know !

My seats are britax ones so deffo not the sveltest

Keggers74 · 13-07-2020 10:29pm

Thanks Cyrus. Will be interested in how you get on.

In case its of any use, I bought one of the skinny Volvo booster seats shown at the bottom of this link for our 8 year old (we’ve a 3 year old in a full seat, 8 year old in the high back booster and an 11 year old with no seat). It’s well built but being so skinny it really helps with the shoulder space in our 3 series at the moment.

https://www.volvocars.com/za/buy/purchase/child-seats/the-child-seats

Greg

Audi e-tron

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