2021 Audi E-Tron
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 42,473
Likes: 320
From: California
2021 Audi E-Tron
$8,800 price cut, plus more range
The E-Tron goes from 204 miles of range to 222 miles
The Audi E-Tron is getting a new and significantly cheaper entry point for the 2021 model year. Audi is introducing an entry-level Premium trim with a base price coming in $8,900 cheaper than last year’s base E-Tron. Now, the base E-Tron last year was the Premium Plus trim, so this is essentially a de-contented E-Tron that you’re getting for far cheaper than before. Both the Premium Plus and Prestige trims have the exact same MSRP in 2021 as they did in 2020.
That new base price? It’s $66,995, including the $1,095 destination charge. Since the destination charge is $100 more in 2021 than it was in 2020 ($995), that effectively makes the price cut $8,800 year-to-year. For an electric crossover as expensive as the E-Tron is, this price cut makes it far more tolerable.
Here’s what you’re losing with the cheaper Premium trim: Matrix-design LED headlights, heated and ventilated 12-way power front seats, four-way power lumbar for driver & passenger, heated rear seats, 3D Bang & Olufsen sound system, Audi phone box with wireless charging, glass optic and aluminum-look buttons, and the driver assistance package. However, that package can be added back on via the Convenience Plus Package that costs $3,500 and also adds the Black optic exterior design kit for blacked-out trim. There’s more than just the cheaper price to consider this year, though.
Audi has found a way to eke out some additional range from the car. The official EPA rating has shot up from 204 miles to 222 miles thanks to a number of optimizations and software enhancements. For starters, Audi has increased the usable amount of the battery by almost 3 kWh up to 86.5 kWh. It’s still holding back on the 95 kWh battery pack for the same reasons as before (longevity and sustained performance throughout the vehicle’s life), but customers will get a little more this year. Additionally, Audi says that the front electric motor can be entirely disengaged for 2021. This allows for a dramatic increase in efficiency, as the car will run solely on the rear motor most of the time. The front motor only comes into the equation when the power demand dictates it, or the rear tires lose traction.
One other enhancement Audi made to the E-Tron this year is adding a second charging port. Now you can charge via both sides of the car with one flap on the driver side and another on the passenger side. However, you’ll need to get the Premium Plus trim to add the second port, as the base Premium trim continues to make do with one.
In addition to the base E-Tron pricing, Audi has also released E-Tron Sportback pricing. Just like the regular E-Tron, the Sportback has three trims this year: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The coupe-styled E-Tron is more expensive than the traditional crossover by $3,200, leaving it with a starting price of $70,195. The fully decked-out Prestige costs a whopping $83,395. Do keep in mind that both versions of E-Tron are eligible for the $7,500 federal government tax credit. The updated E-Trons are available at Audi dealerships now.
That new base price? It’s $66,995, including the $1,095 destination charge. Since the destination charge is $100 more in 2021 than it was in 2020 ($995), that effectively makes the price cut $8,800 year-to-year. For an electric crossover as expensive as the E-Tron is, this price cut makes it far more tolerable.
Here’s what you’re losing with the cheaper Premium trim: Matrix-design LED headlights, heated and ventilated 12-way power front seats, four-way power lumbar for driver & passenger, heated rear seats, 3D Bang & Olufsen sound system, Audi phone box with wireless charging, glass optic and aluminum-look buttons, and the driver assistance package. However, that package can be added back on via the Convenience Plus Package that costs $3,500 and also adds the Black optic exterior design kit for blacked-out trim. There’s more than just the cheaper price to consider this year, though.
Audi has found a way to eke out some additional range from the car. The official EPA rating has shot up from 204 miles to 222 miles thanks to a number of optimizations and software enhancements. For starters, Audi has increased the usable amount of the battery by almost 3 kWh up to 86.5 kWh. It’s still holding back on the 95 kWh battery pack for the same reasons as before (longevity and sustained performance throughout the vehicle’s life), but customers will get a little more this year. Additionally, Audi says that the front electric motor can be entirely disengaged for 2021. This allows for a dramatic increase in efficiency, as the car will run solely on the rear motor most of the time. The front motor only comes into the equation when the power demand dictates it, or the rear tires lose traction.
One other enhancement Audi made to the E-Tron this year is adding a second charging port. Now you can charge via both sides of the car with one flap on the driver side and another on the passenger side. However, you’ll need to get the Premium Plus trim to add the second port, as the base Premium trim continues to make do with one.
In addition to the base E-Tron pricing, Audi has also released E-Tron Sportback pricing. Just like the regular E-Tron, the Sportback has three trims this year: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The coupe-styled E-Tron is more expensive than the traditional crossover by $3,200, leaving it with a starting price of $70,195. The fully decked-out Prestige costs a whopping $83,395. Do keep in mind that both versions of E-Tron are eligible for the $7,500 federal government tax credit. The updated E-Trons are available at Audi dealerships now.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
I really dislike misleading headlines like those used for the article. It's not a price cut, they introduced a more entry level Premium trim. Previously only had Premium Plus and Prestige. Those are still at the same MSRP's, A price cut would indicate that the Premium Plus or prestige had its price moved down.
Also interesting that the e-tron non sportback is skipping the 2020 Model Year, they've definitely had challenges moving the 2019's that have been floating in inventory. although the Sportback is launching as a 2020.
Also interesting that the e-tron non sportback is skipping the 2020 Model Year, they've definitely had challenges moving the 2019's that have been floating in inventory. although the Sportback is launching as a 2020.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
If they made the E-Tron a little faster, a little cheaper, with a little more range, it would be such a nice competitor. I can't understand why the luxury guys aren't pricing the same as Tesla when they are getting killed by them. So dumb...
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 5,482
Likes: 88
From: N/A
If they could make it faster, cheaper, and with more range, don't you think they wouldn't already have? They can't magically snap their fingers to overcome the fact that it costs more to make and is technically inferior to a Tesla. Tesla also cuts costs in other ways that Audi can't, i.e. build quality.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
If they could make it faster, cheaper, and with more range, don't you think they wouldn't already have? They can't magically snap their fingers to overcome the fact that it costs more to make and is technically inferior to a Tesla. Tesla also cuts costs in other ways that Audi can't, i.e. build quality.
Trending Topics
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
Why can't Audi cut quality and price it lower? You have to at least meet the price to get consideration for a sale. I agree with you on the technical aspects for the E-tron...they can't match Tesla yet but I think if they did, the looks and style of the E-Tron would take significant share as its a beautiful car. I think they are confused on who they are targeting the car for. You have to be really good at one thing and its just not exceptional in anything. At least the Polestar 2 is doing a great job at pricing the vehicle right. If the Polestar 2 looked like the E-Tron, I could see it being a great success.
Tesla has made the conversation around EV all about ludicrous acceleration and high mileage range because that's what they can deliver on. Does everything need to accelerate from 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds? No. Does everyone need a 300+ mile range? No.
But that's the benefit of being the first mover and anchoring the comparisons on that.
Tesla also has the benefit of having made immense investment into their exclusive charging network. But how long will this continue to be an advantage with other chargers coming online almost every day?
I'd much rather take a current E-tron over any tesla product out.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
Normal customers, aka everyone except the Tesla fanbois, are not going to forgive poor build quality, poor after service, and poor support. Tesla gets a pass on a lot of things that typical car customers for luxury brands won't.
Tesla has made the conversation around EV all about ludicrous acceleration and high mileage range because that's what they can deliver on. Does everything need to accelerate from 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds? No. Does everyone need a 300+ mile range? No.
But that's the benefit of being the first mover and anchoring the comparisons on that.
Tesla also has the benefit of having made immense investment into their exclusive charging network. But how long will this continue to be an advantage with other chargers coming online almost every day?
I'd much rather take a current E-tron over any tesla product out.
Tesla has made the conversation around EV all about ludicrous acceleration and high mileage range because that's what they can deliver on. Does everything need to accelerate from 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds? No. Does everyone need a 300+ mile range? No.
But that's the benefit of being the first mover and anchoring the comparisons on that.
Tesla also has the benefit of having made immense investment into their exclusive charging network. But how long will this continue to be an advantage with other chargers coming online almost every day?
I'd much rather take a current E-tron over any tesla product out.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 67,644
Likes: 3,785
From: Maryland
I would buy that eTron Sportback all day long over a Model Y.
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 345
From: In your head
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,942
Likes: 182
From: Los Angeles, CA
this car is so beautiful, but yes, it is priced too high and the budget option that they offered, as some previously mentioned, isn't a price cut at all, it's just the addition of lesser-spec model. i'd like to see them cut $8.8k from the premium plus and prestige packaged etrons and then the car might gain a lot more attention.
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,453
Likes: 193
From: San Francisco, CA
I dont even mind the price. It is a good looking car, I would take either the regular e tron or the Sportback. But with that range, I cant make the jump. Realistically, I would need 300+, preferable the 400 that the model S has, to buy an electric car.
Also, please find me this 300 lease deal...
)
Also, please find me this 300 lease deal...
)
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
I dont even mind the price. It is a good looking car, I would take either the regular e tron or the Sportback. But with that range, I cant make the jump. Realistically, I would need 300+, preferable the 400 that the model S has, to buy an electric car.
Also, please find me this 300 lease deal...)
Also, please find me this 300 lease deal...
)Auto companies were sure that once they crested 200 miles, it would be the next big wave of electric adopters who had indicated as such. But then the goal posts move, mostly because Tesla was touting ranges now above 300.
I liken this almost to the tow ratings wars on pickup trucks.
see below.So audi/vw/etc. want to understand the dynamics, issues unique to the EV market. Of course they want to be successful in it too, but maybe not right now for reasons they control and don't control.
So maybe they don't WANT to be selling in large numbers right now, to learn and adapt business, supply chain, dealers, etc. in a methodical way.
I also suspect that maybe they CAN'T ship in high volume. Why? Not enough batteries or perhaps manufacturing capacity (yet).
So if they either don't want big volume or couldn't deliver it anyway, there's no need to go crazy trying to meet a low price point, potentially also losing a load of money on each car.
so i think they're doing it at a high but not insane price point, with good and bad features, in fairly limited availability, trying to get to grips with the market. Tesla on the other hand, since EVs are all they do (in vehicles), has had to be as out front as possible trying to lead on price and features (quality notwithstanding). They obviously don't care much about the third leg of that stool right now, customer service (endless horror stories).
Similar to audi, is jaguar, which hasn't exactly hit it out of the park with the ePace. And Mercedes EQC seems pretty great but it's still not available in the U.S. (delayed). Lexus? Crickets.
it's a wonderful display of market dynamics, strategies, and constraints, right before our enthusiast eyes.