2021 Audi e-tron

Audi sells a wide range of sedans and SUVs with luxurious interiors and lots of technology. Several of its SUVs and sedans have earned CR’s recommendation for balancing driver and passenger comfort with smooth power and nimble handling. In most cases, buyers shopping for sedans and SUVs in the luxury category should consider Audi’s options. Fit and finish quality reaches even the lowest-priced models. However, like most luxury cars from European brands, maintenance and repair costs can be expensive, making used Audis difficult to recommend. Typically, Audi identifies sedans with the letter A, SUVs with the letter Q, and numbers that increase according to size. The Q3 is a compact crossover while the Q8 is a three-row SUV. Models that start with S or RS are tuned for performance and have more power, stiffer suspension, and more aerodynamic exterior details. All-electric models have the E-tron suffix.

This all-electric luxury midsized SUV is a treat to drive. It has standard all-wheel drive, a luxurious cabin, and a healthy list of advanced safety features. The E-Tron’s 95-kWh battery gives it an EPA-estimated range of 204 miles, which trails its peers. It’s quick and super quiet, which makes the E-Tron glide along smoothly and effortlessly. However, it takes 13 hours to charge the E-Tron from near empty through a 240-volt connector. The standard air suspension gives the Audi a super comfortable ride. While the E-Tron has responsive handling, it isn’t as nimble as the Jaguar I-Pace. The cabin is dominated by two large touch screens, which we found to be daunting at first but ultimately manageable. Standard advanced safety systems include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning.  A hatchback/coupe version called the Sportback was added for 2020. For 2021, the EPA range was bumped to 222 miles. A sportier S model is new for 2022. It is powered by three electric motors that generate a combined 496 horsepower at the expense of some electric range.