Audi Etron Review AUDI e-tron GT Saloon (07.2020 - ...)

The 2021 Audi e-tron is a luxury electric SUV with strong points but also some known issues to be aware of, especially if considering a used model.

Pros:
- Comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped interior with premium materials.
- Smooth and quiet electric powertrain with decent acceleration.
- Approximate real-world range around 220-250 miles, depending on conditions.
- Generally quick charging on 150kW fast chargers (80% in about 30 minutes).
- Covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

Cons and Common Issues:
- Battery problems: Some owners report battery charging issues including failure to accept charge or rapid dropping range estimates (battery management software glitches).
- Moisture ingress: Early models faced recalls for water ingress into the battery and electrical systems which can lead to serious faults or fire risk. Ensure any recall work has been done.
- Software glitches: Infotainment freezing, GPS issues, and charging software bugs are reported. Usually resolved by dealer updates but can be inconvenient.
- Charging connector issues: Some difficulty with charging plug connection requiring firm insertion to start charging properly.
- Suspension and braking system recalls: Certain models from 2020-2021 had recalls for ABS, electronic stability control, and suspension faults; make sure vehicle is up to date with this maintenance.
- Maintenance costs: Repairs and servicing can be pricey compared to combustion cars, especially outside warranty.

Charging Infrastructure in the UK:
- Rapid charger network is expanding, making charging at home or on longer trips practical, but some rural or less urban areas could have gaps.
- The car supports fast charging but home charging will take several hours.

The 2021 Audi e-tron is a refined, luxurious electric SUV with solid performance and comfort, but buyers should be mindful of battery and electrical system recalls, software quirks, and relatively high maintenance costs. Always check full recall history, battery health (state of health check), and service records before purchase.

The 2021 Audi e-tron offers comfort, quietness, and excellent handling, but has drawbacks such as limited range, high repair costs, and dependence on charging infrastructure. Common problems include coolant leaking into the battery or engine, as well as the high cost of parts and repairs in the event of breakdowns.

Pros of the 2021 Audi e-tron
Comfort and quietness: The car provides a high level of comfort and low noise levels while driving.
Handling and dynamics: Good handling and dynamic performance make driving enjoyable.
Safety: High level of safety, confirmed by experts.
Advanced driver assistance features: The 2021 models feature more sensitive steering wheel sensors for convenient use of automated features such as lane keeping and distance control.
Cons of the 2021 Audi e-tron
Limited range: Even with an improved range of up to 357 km (225 miles) on the EPA cycle (for the US market), it may lag behind competitors like the Tesla Model Y.

Repair and parts costs: Repairs, especially replacing the front electric motor or fixing coolant leaks, can be very expensive, costing hundreds of thousands of hryvnias.

Dependence on charging infrastructure: Like any electric vehicle, the e-tron requires a well-developed charging infrastructure.
Repair challenges: Due to the specific design and a shortage of qualified technicians, repairs can be difficult.

Insufficient real-world range: In real-world driving, the range may be significantly lower than stated and is highly dependent on driving style and weather conditions.