Right now, there is only one trim version you purchase the Audi e-tron55 in: namely, the 55 quattro. Prices start from €83,350 in Germany and $74,800 in the USA, making it quite a niche luxury. Luckily for us, a new, cheaper trim called the 50 quattro will become available in winter.
It has to be said that the new version suffers from trimmed-down specs across the board. For one, it comes equipped with a smaller 71 kWh battery sufficient for 299 kilometers (185 miles) of range. The quattro 55 has 95 kWh and 411 km (255 mi) to offer in this regard. The engine power also takes a hit, sliding down to 313 hp (233 kW) and 540 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque from 360 hp (268 kW) and 561 Nm (414 kW). Unlike the 55, you cannot use the Overboost feature to raise the output temporarily.
The maximum speed goes down from 190 km/h (118 mph) to 180 km/h (112 mph). The standard sprint time rises from between 5.5 and 5.8 seconds to full 7 seconds.
On the plus side, you only need a 120-kW charging station to refill a quattro 50, whereas its predecessor is mainly looking for 150 kilowatts for quicker charge. You can still charge 80% of the battery within half an hour, and the regenerative brake isn’t going anywhere, either.
Prices remain unannounced. Sales launch this winter in all regions.