2021 Audi E-tron Prestige: A Comprehensive Review
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2021 Audi e-tron Prestige, a luxury all-electric SUV that's been making waves in the automotive world. I'll break down everything from its performance and features to its interior and overall value. If you're considering making the switch to electric, or simply curious about what the e-tron Prestige has to offer, you're in the right place. Let's get started, shall we?
Performance and Driving Experience
Alright, let's talk about what makes the 2021 Audi e-tron Prestige tick under the hood, or rather, under the floor, since it's electric! The e-tron Prestige boasts a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, which is a hallmark of Audi's performance pedigree. This setup delivers a combined output of 355 horsepower and 414 lb-ft of torque. Now, for those of you who aren't car nerds, that's a lot of oomph, especially when you consider it's available instantly, thanks to the electric motors. This translates to a 0-60 mph time of around 5.5 seconds, which is seriously quick for a vehicle of this size. You'll feel that surge of power as soon as you hit the accelerator, making for exhilarating acceleration, whether you're merging onto the highway or just zipping around town.
But it's not just about straight-line speed. The e-tron Prestige offers a remarkably smooth and refined driving experience. The electric powertrain contributes to this with its near-silent operation. The only sounds you'll typically hear are the subtle whir of the motors and the gentle hum of the tires on the road. This quiet cabin allows you to fully appreciate the premium interior and the high-quality materials Audi is known for. The e-tron Prestige also handles surprisingly well for an SUV. The battery pack, located low in the chassis, lowers the center of gravity, which enhances stability and reduces body roll when cornering. The air suspension system, standard on the Prestige trim, further improves ride comfort, soaking up bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. Whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city streets, the e-tron Prestige delivers a composed and comfortable ride. The regenerative braking system is another key aspect of the driving experience. When you lift off the accelerator, the e-tron begins to slow down, capturing energy and feeding it back into the battery. This not only increases the vehicle's range but also reduces wear and tear on the brakes. You can adjust the level of regenerative braking using the steering wheel-mounted paddles, allowing you to fine-tune the driving experience to your liking. In terms of range, the 2021 e-tron Prestige offers an EPA-estimated range of around 222 miles on a single charge. While this is less than some of its competitors, it's still sufficient for most daily driving needs. And with the increasing availability of public charging stations and the convenience of home charging, range anxiety is becoming less of a concern. Overall, the 2021 Audi e-tron Prestige offers a compelling driving experience, combining brisk acceleration, smooth handling, and a luxurious ride. It's a testament to Audi's commitment to electric mobility without sacrificing the driving pleasure that the brand is known for. Seriously, the responsiveness of the electric motors is addictive!
Interior and Technology
Okay, let's move inside, where the 2021 Audi e-tron Prestige truly shines. The interior is a masterclass in design, craftsmanship, and technology. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a sense of spaciousness and sophistication. The materials are top-notch, with premium leather, real wood trim, and soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin. Audi's attention to detail is evident everywhere you look, from the meticulously stitched seats to the sleek, minimalist dashboard. The Prestige trim level elevates the experience even further with features like massaging front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system. These features create a truly immersive and luxurious environment that enhances every journey. The front seats are incredibly comfortable and supportive, providing excellent comfort for both short commutes and long road trips. The panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, creating an airy and open feel. And the Bang & Olufsen sound system delivers crystal-clear audio quality, transforming the e-tron into a mobile concert hall.
Now, let's talk about technology. The 2021 Audi e-tron Prestige is packed with cutting-edge features that enhance both convenience and safety. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is Audi's dual-touchscreen setup, which replaces traditional buttons and knobs with two sleek displays. The upper screen handles navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings, while the lower screen controls climate and other comfort functions. The system is intuitive to use, with crisp graphics and responsive touch controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. Audi's virtual cockpit, a fully digital instrument cluster, is another highlight. This configurable display provides a wealth of information, including speed, navigation directions, and battery status, all presented in a clear and customizable format. The Prestige trim also includes a head-up display, which projects important information onto the windshield, keeping your eyes on the road. On the safety front, the e-tron Prestige comes equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. These features enhance safety and make driving easier, especially in challenging conditions. The e-tron also features a 360-degree camera system, which provides a bird's-eye view of the vehicle, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze. Overall, the interior of the 2021 Audi e-tron Prestige is a standout feature, combining luxurious materials, cutting-edge technology, and a user-friendly interface to create a truly premium driving experience. It's a space where you'll want to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a weekend getaway. Trust me, the tech is not just flashy; it's genuinely useful and well-integrated.
Charging and Range
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of charging and range. Since the 2021 Audi e-tron Prestige is an all-electric SUV, understanding how it charges and how far it can go on a single charge is crucial. First off, the e-tron Prestige has a usable battery capacity of around 83.6 kWh. This powers the dual electric motors and allows for an EPA-estimated range of around 222 miles. While this range is decent for everyday driving, it's worth noting that some competitors offer a longer range. However, real-world range can vary depending on driving conditions, speed, and climate. For example, driving at highway speeds or in cold weather can reduce the range. The good news is that the e-tron Prestige supports both Level 2 AC charging and DC fast charging.
With Level 2 charging, which is typically installed at home, you can fully charge the e-tron in around 9-10 hours using a 240-volt outlet. This makes overnight charging convenient and ensures that you always start your day with a full battery. DC fast charging is available at public charging stations and allows for much quicker charging times. The e-tron Prestige can charge at a rate of up to 150 kW, which means you can add around 80% of charge in about 30 minutes. This is incredibly convenient for longer trips, as you can quickly top up the battery and continue your journey. Public charging stations are becoming increasingly common, making it easier to drive an EV. Audi also provides access to the Electrify America network, which offers a vast number of DC fast-charging stations across the country. In addition to charging, the e-tron Prestige also features regenerative braking, which helps to extend the range. When you lift off the accelerator, the electric motors act as generators, capturing energy and feeding it back into the battery. This increases the vehicle's efficiency and allows you to travel further on a single charge. Audi also offers a myAudi app, which allows you to monitor charging status, locate charging stations, and pre-condition the cabin temperature. This adds a layer of convenience and control to the ownership experience. While the range of the 2021 Audi e-tron Prestige may not be the longest in its class, the charging infrastructure and fast-charging capabilities make it a practical choice for most drivers. Plus, the convenience of home charging ensures that you can always start your day with a full battery.
Design and Styling
Let's talk about the look and feel of the 2021 Audi e-tron Prestige. Audi has always been known for its sleek and sophisticated designs, and the e-tron Prestige is no exception. It has a modern and distinctive presence on the road. From the outside, the e-tron Prestige looks like a typical Audi SUV, but with subtle design cues that distinguish it as an electric vehicle. The front end features a bold Singleframe grille, which is partially closed to improve aerodynamics. The headlights are sleek and modern, and the daytime running lights have a unique signature. The Prestige trim level adds features like Matrix LED headlights, which provide enhanced illumination and automatically adjust to avoid dazzling other drivers. The side profile of the e-tron Prestige is clean and elegant, with a sloping roofline and a muscular stance. The wheels are stylish and aerodynamically optimized to improve efficiency. The rear of the vehicle features a full-width LED taillight bar, which gives the e-tron a distinctive look at night.
The overall design of the e-tron Prestige is both functional and stylish. It strikes a perfect balance between form and function, with a focus on aerodynamics and efficiency. The designers have clearly prioritized a clean and uncluttered aesthetic, which gives the e-tron a premium feel. Inside, the e-tron Prestige's design carries the same theme of modern elegance. The dashboard is clean and minimalist, with a focus on horizontal lines. The materials are high-quality, with premium leather, real wood trim, and soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin. The digital instrument cluster and dual-touchscreen infotainment system are seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, creating a cohesive and high-tech look. The spacious cabin offers plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light. The design of the e-tron Prestige is a testament to Audi's commitment to creating vehicles that are both beautiful and functional. It's a car that turns heads and makes a statement. The attention to detail is impressive, and the overall design is cohesive and well-executed. If you appreciate clean lines, premium materials, and a modern aesthetic, you'll love the design of the 2021 Audi e-tron Prestige. It truly represents the future of luxury SUVs.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Alright, let's break down the trim levels and pricing for the 2021 Audi e-tron Prestige. The 2021 e-tron was available in a few different trims, each offering a unique set of features and options. While I'll focus on the Prestige trim here, it's good to know what other options were available. Generally, the e-tron started with the Premium trim, which provided a solid foundation of features, including standard all-wheel drive, a digital instrument cluster, and a dual-touchscreen infotainment system. Next up was the Premium Plus trim, which added features like a panoramic sunroof, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and advanced driver-assistance systems. Finally, there's the Prestige trim, which sits at the top of the range and includes all the features of the lower trims, plus additional upgrades such as massaging front seats, a head-up display, and Matrix LED headlights. The pricing for the 2021 e-tron varied depending on the trim level and options.
The Premium trim was the most affordable, while the Prestige trim was the most expensive. It's important to remember that the price of an electric vehicle can also be affected by federal and state tax credits, which can significantly reduce the overall cost. Additionally, the price of the e-tron Prestige included a number of standard features, such as all-wheel drive, a premium interior, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. These features contributed to the overall value of the vehicle. When comparing the price of the e-tron Prestige to other luxury electric SUVs, it was positioned competitively. It offered a compelling combination of performance, luxury, and technology. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line electric SUV, the Prestige trim is a great choice. You'll get all the bells and whistles, plus a truly luxurious driving experience. When considering the price, be sure to factor in the potential tax credits and incentives available in your area. This can make the e-tron Prestige even more appealing. Overall, the 2021 Audi e-tron Prestige offered a range of trim levels to suit different needs and budgets. The Prestige trim provides the ultimate in luxury and technology, making it a standout choice in the luxury EV market.
Pros and Cons
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and summarize the pros and cons of the 2021 Audi e-tron Prestige, so you can get a clear picture of what you're getting yourself into.
Pros:
- Luxurious Interior: The e-tron Prestige boasts a beautifully crafted interior with premium materials, comfortable seating, and a wealth of high-tech features. The attention to detail is evident throughout the cabin, creating a truly premium experience. Trust me, the inside is like a sanctuary!
- Smooth and Quiet Ride: The electric powertrain delivers a remarkably smooth and quiet ride, enhancing the overall driving experience. The absence of engine noise allows you to fully appreciate the premium interior and the high-quality sound system. You'll feel like you're gliding down the road.
- Strong Performance: With its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, the e-tron Prestige offers brisk acceleration and confident handling. The instant torque of the electric motors provides a thrilling driving experience, especially when merging onto highways or passing slower vehicles.
- Advanced Technology: The e-tron Prestige is packed with cutting-edge technology, including a dual-touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. These features enhance both convenience and safety.
- Stylish Design: The e-tron Prestige features a sleek and modern design that sets it apart from the crowd. The clean lines, premium materials, and attention to detail give the e-tron a sophisticated and elegant appearance.
Cons:
- Range: The e-tron's range of approximately 222 miles may be less than some of its competitors. However, this is still sufficient for most daily driving needs. Be sure to consider your typical driving habits and the availability of charging stations in your area.
- Price: The e-tron Prestige is positioned as a luxury vehicle, and its price reflects that. While it offers a lot of value for the money, it may be out of reach for some buyers. But hey, you get what you pay for!
- Charging Times: While the e-tron supports fast charging, it can still take a significant amount of time to fully charge the battery. This may require some planning, especially on longer road trips. But with home charging, this is less of an issue.
Conclusion
So, what's the verdict on the 2021 Audi e-tron Prestige? Overall, it's a fantastic luxury electric SUV that excels in many areas. It's got a beautiful interior, a smooth and quiet ride, strong performance, and a wealth of advanced technology. While its range might not be the longest in its class, it's still sufficient for most daily driving needs, and the fast-charging capabilities make it a practical choice for longer journeys. If you're in the market for a premium electric SUV, the e-tron Prestige is definitely worth considering. It offers a compelling combination of luxury, performance, and technology.
I hope this review has been helpful! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if you've had experience with the e-tron. Thanks for reading, and happy driving, folks!
