The Audi E-Tron and the associated E-Tron Sportback are reportedly to receive mid-cycle updates that will significantly increase their range.
Autocar reported on Friday that the updated electrical crossovers will arrive in late 2022, with new batteries, more efficient electric motors, and new electronic control software that, along with other improvements, will enable improved energy recovery.
The E-Tron originally came on the market for the 2019 model year with a range of just 204 miles according to EPA measurements. With efficiency updates for 2021, the range has been increased to 222 miles. The upcoming update will reportedly increase range to more than 373 miles based on the cycle used in Europe, which should convert to around 300 miles, according to the EPA.
2019 Audi e-tron battery pack
The reported arrival at the end of 2022 indicates that the update for the 2023 model year will be rolled out here in the United States. Audi has already announced the 2022 E-Tron and the E-Tron Sportback, which will be adopted largely unchanged from 2021.
Audi was among the established automakers relatively early on to launch a credible Tesla rival version of the Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform that featured the Audi Q7 and Q8 and several with the launch of the 2019 E-Tron crossover other crossovers of the VW group is shared.
The updates are meant to keep the E-Tron fresh until it’s redesigned on a dedicated EV platform around the middle of the decade. At this point it can be renamed the Q8 E-Tron.
2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback
Audi only announced this week that it would be launching its last vehicle with a combustion engine in 2026. This means that we will see many electric cars from the brand with the four rings in the coming years.
A new Q6 E-Tron will also be launched shortly, based on the Volkswagen Group’s new PPE-specific electric vehicle platform. Also likely for the 2023 model year, the Q6 E-Tron is a small crossover that is being developed alongside an electric Porsche Macan. Like the medium-sized E-Tron and the compact Q4 E-Tron, it will be available in regular and coupé-like Sportback designs.
An A6 E-Tron is expected in 2023 and a technology flagship, possibly named A9 E-Tron, is expected in 2025. There will likely also be an A4 E-Tron as part of the next-generation A4 family, although Audi has yet to confirm plans for one.
