Audi Opens The Order Books On The E-Tron Quattro All-Electric SUV - Are The Model X Days Numbered?

The time has come – the Ingolstadt-based automaker is almost ready to unleash into the real world the Tesla Model X competitor it has promised for years, the E-Tron Quattro all-electric SUV.

The VW Group is quite fond of presenting a long barrage of concepts ahead of actually turning an electric model – just look at the three ID concepts – but Audi has now officially opened the future owner reservations for the all-electric E-Tron Quattro. Audi Norway was first (it’s Europe’s best EV market) on April 24, and interested customers can put down a 20,000 kroner (approximately $2,900) reservation for the all-wheel drive, 311 miles+ (500 kilometers+) SUV.

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GermanNut - 4/24/2017 3:41:49 PM

+2 Boost

The Audi E-Tron All-Electric SUV should cause major problems for Tesla. Audi is a global brand that sells over 1 million units a year worldwide - several multiples of what Tesla manages.

Furthermore, Audi benefits from being a part of Volkswagen Auto Group. It will be able to share R&D and parts with other VWAG brands that are also focusing on EVs like Porsche. This economies of scale will lead to lower production cost. As mentioned earlier, Audi already produces volume that is several times that of Tesla.

Audi's interiors are also some of the best in the auto industry and have been for over the last 10 years.

Dutchman - 4/25/2017 12:23:01 PM

+1 Boost

This may hurt Tesla more than Audi.

Bank of America just said there's ‘material risk’ to the long-term viability of Tesla - CNBC
https://apple.news/AvgKlhuEvS2mzuu6ECiBKlg

atc98092 - 4/24/2017 3:49:07 PM

+2 Boost

If they can get some info out for the North American market soon, I'd keep this on my radar. But without some idea of time-frame and a general price range, it's too questionable for now. I'm not overly enamored with my 2012 Q5, but I am sure newer models have addressed some of my issues. I wasn't planning on keeping this beyond year end, but some idea of future models may hold me off. I really like the appearance of this, but I need some details!

GermanNut - 4/24/2017 5:26:58 PM

+2 Boost

A 2012 Audi Q5 lacks the newer Audi Virtual Cockpit, MMI and performance of a 2018 Q5 model. The new Q5 has far more advanced technology and the four-cylinder goes 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, a huge improvement over your 2012 model.

I wouldn't use a 2012 Audi Q5 as a barometer for what the new Audi's are like.

atc98092 - 4/24/2017 6:08:16 PM

+2 Boost

I recognize all those things. Performance isn't the issue. It's the lousy way the MMI works, along with the HVAC controls having so much buried in different buttons instead of dedicated controls. But I do realize the later models have many improvements over my model. As I said, I hope Audi can release some NA information soon, to keep my interest in the brand. My Q5 was simply a stop gap car after I turned my Passat TDI back, and I knew I wasn't keeping it long term. Otherwise I would have tried to find a newer Q5 TDI.

TomM - 4/24/2017 5:00:11 PM

+3 Boost

This might be the first major test of how long Tesla can maintain its no price haggling policy. Certainly Audi will not attempt to duplicate that (Would appear to be collusion ) THe X does not sell well - and this Audi might end its production.

MDarringer - 4/24/2017 8:07:42 PM

+2 Boost

I'm no fan of Audi, but I'd take Audi engineering and quality over Tesla any day of the week.

valhallakey - 4/24/2017 8:30:43 PM

+1 Boost

They better make sure it will do 0-60 in less than 3.5sec. I mean when you need groceries, you need them now!

GermanNut - 4/24/2017 9:19:33 PM

+5 Boost

LOL! I'm not sure what Tesla's hangup is over 0-60 mph times, but the company would be better served by making its cars more attractive in areas that people actually care about and make use of like interior quality, technology, connectivity etc.

The percentage of Model X buyers that bought the SUV for its 0-60 mph time is likely ridiculously small.