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Audi Cuts e-tron Price, Increases Range for 2021 

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【Summary】Thank the Tesla Model Y or simply the introduction of more competition, because Audi’s just made the e-tron much more competitive.

Original Vineeth Joel Patel    Sep 15, 2020 7:00 AM PT
Audi Cuts e-tron Price, Increases Range for 2021 

The Audi e-tron is the automaker's first all-electric vehicle, though certainly not its last, and, by all measures, was an excellent way for the luxury brand to enter the electric field. Sure, it was delayed a few times and the original launch event was canceled because of Dieselgate. Then, there was the recall because of a possible fire risk. But overall, things have gone well for the e-tron and the EV has laid a good foundation for upcoming electric cars like the Q4 Sportback e-tron. For 2021, Audi's giving the e-tron a few changes that will make the EV more competitive.

More Affordable Pricing

If there are a few areas where the e-tron is a disappointment, it's how it compares to the competition, which is continually growing. With only 204 miles of range, the e-tron can't compete with the likes of the Jaguar I-Pace (234 miles), Kia Niro EV (239 miles), Tesla Model X (351 miles), Tesla Model Y (316 miles), and Hyundai Kona Electric (258 miles). Despite having less range than nearly every one of those competitors, the e-tron is more expensive than them. That changes, at least slightly, for 2021.

For the 2021 model year, Audi has introduced a new base trim for the e-tron family. The SUV will now start at $65,900 compared to last year's starting price tag of $74,800. That makes it $8,900 more affordable than before, while pricing for the higher Premium Plus and Prestige trims remains the same.

In addition to the more affordable price tag, the e-tron gets a modest increase in range – this is probably more important than the decrease in pricing. The 2021 e-tron will have an EPA-rated range of 222 miles on a full charge, which is 18 miles more than before. The improvements in range come from little tweaks that Audi has made, like the e-tron being able to disengage its front electric motor to save power. The automaker is also allowing the electric SUV to utilize more of its 95-kWh battery pack. Audi claims that the EV has "optimized drive system hardware and software adjustments."

The Updates Don't Change The e-tron

Other small changes have been made, too. The e-tron now has two charging ports – one on either side of the SUV. That should be a major improvement to usability, as having to oddly position your car when plugging into a busy charging station can be a major hassle.

While the changes are welcomed, they don't do wonders to help the e-tron become a leader in the segment, but they certainly help the SUV be far more competitive in the growing class. Audi also released some information on the upcoming Sportback e-tron, which will start at $70,195. The more athletically designed SUV has less range than the regular e-tron, as it's rated at up to 218 miles.

The 2021 e-tron and Sportback e-tron will go on sale before the end of the year

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