Our Audi e-tron journey!
12-16-20, 05:42 PM
#31
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
1st Quarter Long Term Update
Our 2019 Audi e-tron Prestige has now been with us nearly 3 months and almost 2,000 miles. Overall mileage hasn’t been as high during Covid, like many people, but we’ve still been able to put it through some daily life paces and adjust to life with our first electric vehicle. No dealer visits or problems to fix so far. **knock on wood**
Likes:
Smooth – The acceleration and drive experience is ultimately butter smooth. There are no stepped gears like a traditional transmission, but also none of the engine whine or groan that is associated with continuously variable transmissions like the ones typically found in hybrids. The e-tron also comes standard with an air suspension, which helps quell the ride, despite our vehicle having massive 21″ wheels.
Quiet – This is a bit of an extension from the above, as there’s no combustion engine to create a racket. But our e-tron has the Prestige package, which adds more laminated glass for the side windows. Minimal noise inside as even trucks pass by on the sides.
Massage – Yes!! We first had massaging seats on our BMW X5 and it has quickly become a family favorite feature. Yes, we’re a bit spoiled. The massage in the e-tron seems to have a higher intensity than the system in the X5 with more specific pressure points that inflate/deflate. Although, the e-tron massage elements are only on the seat back, and not in the seat bottom cushions as they were in the BMW.
Massage – Quickly activated via the center button on the lumbar control
Wireless CarPlay – Yes, our BMW had this as well, but the system in the e-tron has been much more responsive and stable in terms of connecting and maintaining the connection with the phone. And once you have a car with wireless connectivity, it makes it harder to going back to plugging in your lightning/USB cable each time you get in the car. No wireless connection for Android users (same as the BMW). Wireless connectivity is rapidly spreading throughout the industry, even the new Chevrolet Trailblazer offers it!
Range – Yes, a lot of people point to the e-tron and it’s “only” 204 miles of electric range as a nail in the coffin of the Audi EV. And yes, it’s a far cry from the ~300 – 400 by some other EV’s out there. But, in our usage, and with our ability to level 2 charge at home and potentially top off every night, the range is absolutely not an issue. Even with mini weekend treks further out for a winery or hike/park, we haven’t encountered any true range anxiety. We can essentially start each day with the full 200+ miles of range if we choose to. Unless we need to drive 100 miles somewhere and turn around and come right back, this level of electric range is perfectly suited for urban living. Also helpful is that the estimated range remaining seems to be pretty accurate/slightly conservative with the distance driven, even with highways stints.
Made it out to our favorite pumpkin patch in the Fall. Used air suspension to lift for extra clearance.
Dislikes:
Roll-Back: This isn’t a Walmart pricing point, but the e-tron can roll backwards when on an incline. Audi elected to not give the e-tron a “creep” function, which, in a normal gas vehicle is when the car will creep forward as soon as you let your foot off the brake. In the e-tron, you need to physically get on the accelerator for the car to move forward. There is a brake hold function that can hold the vehicle in place, but if you were to say coast to a stop without touching the brakes on an uphill (think rolling stop), the car can roll backwards. Now, the car will beep at you, kick on the backup cameras, and try to mitigate the roll-back, but it can still be a bit disconcerting the first time. So, be aware, turn the brake hold function on, and be sure to use the brake pedal to engage the system when needed.
No Auto Parking: The e-tron has a good surround view parking camera and parking sensors front and rear, but for all the tech and convenience items it does have, it doesn’t offer up automated parking assist. This is a fairly common feature in lots of cars today, including a Ford Escape. Luckily the parking cameras do nearly make up for it. There are nearly limitless views to choose from to help align your parking job.
No Tonneau Cover: While the Sportback version does come with a cargo shade element built in, the non-Sportback e-tron lacks a standard cargo cover/tonneau cover. Audi does sell one as an accessory(for $330) through the dealer, but it seems a bit nickel and dime’y for a $70,000+ vehicle. Would be nice to have a way to hide away cargo from prying eyes.
May need to shell out some $$ for the accessory cargo cover.
Tiny Frunk: Now, part of the above issue might be addressed by stashing precious cargo in the front trunk, or frunk, which is increasingly seen as a unique EV feature. Unfortunately the e-tron has a pretty minimal frunk, shallow and small, nothing like what is seen on the Teslas or even the new Ford Mach-E. Frunk is also only openable via the pull lever from near the driver’s feet anyways, so it’s not like it’s readily accessible. Can’t open it via the key fob or app.
Frunk is a bit lacking for storage needs beyond the portable charge cable.
No Specific Tire Pressure Readout: It seems like just about every car on the road today now offers detailed tire pressure monitoring, that can provide the specific air pressure of each tire on the car. The e-tron leaves this out, allowing only for a warning if it determines there’s a change from a set baseline of tire pressures. I don’t believe it can tell you which tire has an issue when one does drop or become low.
Overall, we are still quite pleased with our e-tronning at this point. Pretty much sold that we’ll continue to have an electric vehicle in the garage from here on out. It’s smooth, well-built, comfortable and offers us nearly everything you could want in a modern luxury vehicle. We haven’t tried any long distance driving yet due to Covid, but will try to comment on public charging and long distance when we do get to. We’ll check back in next milestone/quarter. If there’s anything we’ve missed or you’d like us to go into more detail on, let us know!
Our 2019 Audi e-tron Prestige has now been with us nearly 3 months and almost 2,000 miles. Overall mileage hasn’t been as high during Covid, like many people, but we’ve still been able to put it through some daily life paces and adjust to life with our first electric vehicle. No dealer visits or problems to fix so far. **knock on wood**
Likes:
Smooth – The acceleration and drive experience is ultimately butter smooth. There are no stepped gears like a traditional transmission, but also none of the engine whine or groan that is associated with continuously variable transmissions like the ones typically found in hybrids. The e-tron also comes standard with an air suspension, which helps quell the ride, despite our vehicle having massive 21″ wheels.
Quiet – This is a bit of an extension from the above, as there’s no combustion engine to create a racket. But our e-tron has the Prestige package, which adds more laminated glass for the side windows. Minimal noise inside as even trucks pass by on the sides.
Massage – Yes!! We first had massaging seats on our BMW X5 and it has quickly become a family favorite feature. Yes, we’re a bit spoiled. The massage in the e-tron seems to have a higher intensity than the system in the X5 with more specific pressure points that inflate/deflate. Although, the e-tron massage elements are only on the seat back, and not in the seat bottom cushions as they were in the BMW.
Massage – Quickly activated via the center button on the lumbar controlWireless CarPlay – Yes, our BMW had this as well, but the system in the e-tron has been much more responsive and stable in terms of connecting and maintaining the connection with the phone. And once you have a car with wireless connectivity, it makes it harder to going back to plugging in your lightning/USB cable each time you get in the car. No wireless connection for Android users (same as the BMW). Wireless connectivity is rapidly spreading throughout the industry, even the new Chevrolet Trailblazer offers it!
Range – Yes, a lot of people point to the e-tron and it’s “only” 204 miles of electric range as a nail in the coffin of the Audi EV. And yes, it’s a far cry from the ~300 – 400 by some other EV’s out there. But, in our usage, and with our ability to level 2 charge at home and potentially top off every night, the range is absolutely not an issue. Even with mini weekend treks further out for a winery or hike/park, we haven’t encountered any true range anxiety. We can essentially start each day with the full 200+ miles of range if we choose to. Unless we need to drive 100 miles somewhere and turn around and come right back, this level of electric range is perfectly suited for urban living. Also helpful is that the estimated range remaining seems to be pretty accurate/slightly conservative with the distance driven, even with highways stints.
Made it out to our favorite pumpkin patch in the Fall. Used air suspension to lift for extra clearance.Dislikes:
Roll-Back: This isn’t a Walmart pricing point, but the e-tron can roll backwards when on an incline. Audi elected to not give the e-tron a “creep” function, which, in a normal gas vehicle is when the car will creep forward as soon as you let your foot off the brake. In the e-tron, you need to physically get on the accelerator for the car to move forward. There is a brake hold function that can hold the vehicle in place, but if you were to say coast to a stop without touching the brakes on an uphill (think rolling stop), the car can roll backwards. Now, the car will beep at you, kick on the backup cameras, and try to mitigate the roll-back, but it can still be a bit disconcerting the first time. So, be aware, turn the brake hold function on, and be sure to use the brake pedal to engage the system when needed.
No Auto Parking: The e-tron has a good surround view parking camera and parking sensors front and rear, but for all the tech and convenience items it does have, it doesn’t offer up automated parking assist. This is a fairly common feature in lots of cars today, including a Ford Escape. Luckily the parking cameras do nearly make up for it. There are nearly limitless views to choose from to help align your parking job.
No Tonneau Cover: While the Sportback version does come with a cargo shade element built in, the non-Sportback e-tron lacks a standard cargo cover/tonneau cover. Audi does sell one as an accessory(for $330) through the dealer, but it seems a bit nickel and dime’y for a $70,000+ vehicle. Would be nice to have a way to hide away cargo from prying eyes.
May need to shell out some $$ for the accessory cargo cover.Tiny Frunk: Now, part of the above issue might be addressed by stashing precious cargo in the front trunk, or frunk, which is increasingly seen as a unique EV feature. Unfortunately the e-tron has a pretty minimal frunk, shallow and small, nothing like what is seen on the Teslas or even the new Ford Mach-E. Frunk is also only openable via the pull lever from near the driver’s feet anyways, so it’s not like it’s readily accessible. Can’t open it via the key fob or app.
Frunk is a bit lacking for storage needs beyond the portable charge cable.No Specific Tire Pressure Readout: It seems like just about every car on the road today now offers detailed tire pressure monitoring, that can provide the specific air pressure of each tire on the car. The e-tron leaves this out, allowing only for a warning if it determines there’s a change from a set baseline of tire pressures. I don’t believe it can tell you which tire has an issue when one does drop or become low.
Overall, we are still quite pleased with our e-tronning at this point. Pretty much sold that we’ll continue to have an electric vehicle in the garage from here on out. It’s smooth, well-built, comfortable and offers us nearly everything you could want in a modern luxury vehicle. We haven’t tried any long distance driving yet due to Covid, but will try to comment on public charging and long distance when we do get to. We’ll check back in next milestone/quarter. If there’s anything we’ve missed or you’d like us to go into more detail on, let us know!
Last edited by pbm317; 12-16-20 at 05:50 PM.
04-08-21, 10:23 AM
#32
Lexus Test Driver
Thanks for the update - here in Texas, there are a number of dealers who are willing to do decent deals for the E-Tron (combined with a Costco incentive, over $12k off from the dealer before the federal $7500 incentive.
Are you facing any random mechanical issues that some Audi customers are complaining (i.e. trunk not opening, clunking noises) etc?
Are you facing any random mechanical issues that some Audi customers are complaining (i.e. trunk not opening, clunking noises) etc?
04-08-21, 10:51 AM
#33
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Yes, saw the big e-tron deals pick up some steam again. Helped 2 friends get into good leases recently. Will have to go back to our paperwork, but believe our cap cost was over $20K off MSRP after all discounts and incentives.
No mechanical issues of note. Had very squeaky/squealy brakes at low speeds, just had the front pads replaced under a TSB and so far so good.
Only electrical gremlin is maybe 1 time in 200 starts the backup camera display is blacked out. The parking sensors are still active as are the dynamic guidelines, but the video feed from the cameras doesn't come through. Goes away with the next power cycle though and tough to recreate.
Overall very happy with the e-tron as a luxury EV experience thus far. Super smooth and quiet.
Definitely heavy. although any EV is.
No mechanical issues of note. Had very squeaky/squealy brakes at low speeds, just had the front pads replaced under a TSB and so far so good.
Only electrical gremlin is maybe 1 time in 200 starts the backup camera display is blacked out. The parking sensors are still active as are the dynamic guidelines, but the video feed from the cameras doesn't come through. Goes away with the next power cycle though and tough to recreate.
Overall very happy with the e-tron as a luxury EV experience thus far. Super smooth and quiet.
Definitely heavy. although any EV is.
04-08-21, 12:50 PM
#34
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This is good to hear. I am looking to replace my E300 soon and was looking at either the Model S or the Etron Sportback. I am just waiting to see if Biden pushes the 10K EV rebate first. Are you comfortable sharing you or your friend's lease details, here or through PM?
04-11-21, 07:52 AM
#35
EV ftw!!!
Congrats on joining the EV camp! Great car too!
As you've pointed out, range anxiety has been a non issue for you even though it's not a Tesla. However you haven't really gone on a trip yet, so your feedback may not exactly stay the same.
I made the switch to an EV almost 2 years ago and will never go back to an ICE car. If you're a car enthusiast first where the driving experience is the most important thing to you - an EV is a no brainer. It's so buttery smooth, instantaneous , relentless and quiet - it feels like an extension of your brain. You think and the car moves - that's the difference between an EV and an ICE car.
As you've pointed out, range anxiety has been a non issue for you even though it's not a Tesla. However you haven't really gone on a trip yet, so your feedback may not exactly stay the same.
I made the switch to an EV almost 2 years ago and will never go back to an ICE car. If you're a car enthusiast first where the driving experience is the most important thing to you - an EV is a no brainer. It's so buttery smooth, instantaneous , relentless and quiet - it feels like an extension of your brain. You think and the car moves - that's the difference between an EV and an ICE car.
04-11-21, 06:22 PM
#36
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Congrats on joining the EV camp! Great car too!
As you've pointed out, range anxiety has been a non issue for you even though it's not a Tesla. However you haven't really gone on a trip yet, so your feedback may not exactly stay the same.
I made the switch to an EV almost 2 years ago and will never go back to an ICE car. If you're a car enthusiast first where the driving experience is the most important thing to you - an EV is a no brainer. It's so buttery smooth, instantaneous , relentless and quiet - it feels like an extension of your brain. You think and the car moves - that's the difference between an EV and an ICE car.
As you've pointed out, range anxiety has been a non issue for you even though it's not a Tesla. However you haven't really gone on a trip yet, so your feedback may not exactly stay the same.
I made the switch to an EV almost 2 years ago and will never go back to an ICE car. If you're a car enthusiast first where the driving experience is the most important thing to you - an EV is a no brainer. It's so buttery smooth, instantaneous , relentless and quiet - it feels like an extension of your brain. You think and the car moves - that's the difference between an EV and an ICE car.
As an enthusiast, I also strive to keep one manual transmission vehicle in the stable for fun drives. EV's with the significant weight, just take any real nimbleness and joy out of the equation for me. But as appliances that are nice and smooth and fairly maintenance free, yeah, no brainer.
04-11-21, 06:23 PM
#37
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Will try to get the specifics for you, we just moved and some of the file boxes are still packed up.
04-13-21, 07:36 AM
#38
Yes, we haven't taken it on a road trip. Because even with a Tesla, we're not really in the mood to stop for 40-60 minutes to charge. Everyone says oh, well eat, use the bathroom, etc etc. But that's not really the way we trek along, especially with a 2 year old in tow. So in that respect, EVs, even Teslas, wouldn't fit our preferences for any extended length road trek.
We did take the Tesla on some trips with the kids where we couldn't do a round trip with no charging. In one case the hotel had a level 2 charger, and in the other I went to grab some groceries at a complex with a supercharger while the kids napped. Charging at a hotel is magnificent, and in our case it was free, so i got about two full charges out of our time there.
04-13-21, 07:41 AM
#39
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Similar for us, we never took the Tesla if we felt like we would have to supercharge along the way, especially at a location like the beach where there's a surge of people leaving at the same time. It would have worked out fine if it was in a location we could grab lunch at. We've done that on trips without the kids.
We did take the Tesla on some trips with the kids where we couldn't do a round trip with no charging. In one case the hotel had a level 2 charger, and in the other I went to grab some groceries at a complex with a supercharger while the kids napped. Charging at a hotel is magnificent, and in our case it was free, so i got about two full charges out of our time there.
We did take the Tesla on some trips with the kids where we couldn't do a round trip with no charging. In one case the hotel had a level 2 charger, and in the other I went to grab some groceries at a complex with a supercharger while the kids napped. Charging at a hotel is magnificent, and in our case it was free, so i got about two full charges out of our time there.
04-13-21, 07:55 AM
#40
Lexus Test Driver
Similar for us, we never took the Tesla if we felt like we would have to supercharge along the way, especially at a location like the beach where there's a surge of people leaving at the same time. It would have worked out fine if it was in a location we could grab lunch at. We've done that on trips without the kids.
We did take the Tesla on some trips with the kids where we couldn't do a round trip with no charging. In one case the hotel had a level 2 charger, and in the other I went to grab some groceries at a complex with a supercharger while the kids napped. Charging at a hotel is magnificent, and in our case it was free, so i got about two full charges out of our time there.
We did take the Tesla on some trips with the kids where we couldn't do a round trip with no charging. In one case the hotel had a level 2 charger, and in the other I went to grab some groceries at a complex with a supercharger while the kids napped. Charging at a hotel is magnificent, and in our case it was free, so i got about two full charges out of our time there.
04-16-21, 06:15 AM
#41
EV ftw!!!
Also, i've never charged for more than 25 minutes. Typically, charging takes me about 20 min because Supercharging is extremely fast compared to most other chargers. The slow chargers are the urban chargers at 72kw but those aren't located on highways and are built to provide charge to urban dwellers without a garage. By the time i plug in, go for a bathroom break and then get a Starbucks, its about done so waiting isn't that big a workaround (plus its dirt cheap). The newer EVs coming out will be even faster like the Hyundai Ioniq. I'm sure Audi will incorporate 800V architecture in their next iteration of the E-Tron too.
Yes, we haven't taken it on a road trip. Because even with a Tesla, we're not really in the mood to stop for 40-60 minutes to charge. Everyone says oh, well eat, use the bathroom, etc etc. But that's not really the way we trek along, especially with a 2 year old in tow. So in that respect, EVs, even Teslas, wouldn't fit our preferences for any extended length road trek.
As an enthusiast, I also strive to keep one manual transmission vehicle in the stable for fun drives. EV's with the significant weight, just take any real nimbleness and joy out of the equation for me. But as appliances that are nice and smooth and fairly maintenance free, yeah, no brainer.
As an enthusiast, I also strive to keep one manual transmission vehicle in the stable for fun drives. EV's with the significant weight, just take any real nimbleness and joy out of the equation for me. But as appliances that are nice and smooth and fairly maintenance free, yeah, no brainer.
04-16-21, 06:37 AM
#42
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
I just don't want to take 20-30 minute breaks for our long distance hauls. It's not about being anti-Tesla or anything of that nature.
04-16-21, 07:18 AM
#43
Lexus Test Driver
Quite the contrary. I think the supercharging network and the seamless integration for Tesla owners is an absolute advantage for the brand, and one that they made the huge investment towards from the beginning. One that many OEMs are now trying to mitigate with trying to partner with 3rd parties like EVGo, ElectrifyAmerica etc.
I just don't want to take 20-30 minute breaks for our long distance hauls. It's not about being anti-Tesla or anything of that nature.
I just don't want to take 20-30 minute breaks for our long distance hauls. It's not about being anti-Tesla or anything of that nature.
04-16-21, 09:43 PM
#44
Quite the contrary. I think the supercharging network and the seamless integration for Tesla owners is an absolute advantage for the brand, and one that they made the huge investment towards from the beginning. One that many OEMs are now trying to mitigate with trying to partner with 3rd parties like EVGo, ElectrifyAmerica etc.
I just don't want to take 20-30 minute breaks for our long distance hauls. It's not about being anti-Tesla or anything of that nature.
I just don't want to take 20-30 minute breaks for our long distance hauls. It's not about being anti-Tesla or anything of that nature.
tesla is definitely good and ahead of the charging infrastructure, but if you talk about emergency among other factors you just can't compare it with regular gas station
1) driving from socal to norcal, you pretty much have to charge somewhere in between. kettleman city is probably the most popular location. over the past 2-3 years, during peak holidays like thanksgiving, the line at the charging station was just unbearable. you would be spending hours there
2) just last month we went from socal to sedona. during one stretch of the road (almost 80-90 miles) there were just nothing, even gas station was hard to come by. couple that with driving schedule (time for breakfast / lunch / dinner), in order to charge the EV you could be stopping at odd hours and then stopping again somewhere for food
3) i live in socal and there are a lot of superchargers around. superchargers have improved a lot over the past 3 years. when got my car in 2018, it would take an hour or 80 mins to charge. recently i had to charge outside a few times and it took about 35-40 mins but that's not from "empty tank".
i like EV a lot and the e-tron was on my radar (too bad it came out too late), i think EV are wonderful and brilliant in city and daily driving. i love how every day i jump into my car and just go, charge at night and never have to go to gas station, yet the performance is enough for me to crush a lot of cars on the road. for the price it's incredible. and EV is definitely the future.
however if you ask me if EV can completely take over ICE? nop. there are still a lot of ICE out there i would love to own and those cars have far more souls to drive
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