Electric vehicles are slowly becoming a reality in India. And while the practicality of these vehicles is a serious question mark thanks to the lack of charging infrastructure in our country, manufacturers are planning to bring in premium long range EVs to curb the range anxiety. Yes of course, these won't be easy on the pocket, but their introduction is a step in the right direction to bring down emissions. While Hyundai and MG will launch the Kona and EZs first, on the other end of the spectrum, German carmaker. While the e-tron has no real competitors in India, and will be the sole choice in the luxury EV segment for now, it does have competitors in the form of the Tesla Model X and the Mercedes EQC in other markets. And to give you a fair idea of how the e-tron fares against them, we have decided to do an on paper comparison of these SUVs.
Engine And Performance:
Audi e-tron | Tesla Model X | Mercedes Benz EQC | |
Battery Pack Capacity | 95kWH | 100kWH | 80kWH |
Max Power | 408PS* | 417PS | 408PS |
Peak Torque | 664Nm* | 657Nm | 765Nm |
Top Speed | 200kmph | 250kmph | 180kmph |
Standard Charging Time | 8.5 hours | 6.5 hours | Unknown |
Fast Charging Time up to 80 per cent | 30 mins | Less than an hour | 40 mins |
Maximum Range | 400km | 523km | 471km |
* Boost mode.
Full charge.
Most Powerful: Tesla Model X
Torquiest: Mercedes Benz EQC
The Audi e-tron's electric motors produce a combined output of 408PS and 664Nm of torque in its boost mode. Boost mode works for a total of eight seconds while slamming the throttle in Sport mode and can be used when you require quick acceleration. But when its not working overtime, the e-tron's motors combined produce a total of 360PS of power, which isn't class leading. The Model X in its P90D avatar produces maximum power here at 417PS and the most torque is churned by the EQC.
The Tesla's battery pack is also the largest of the lot with 100kWH on tap. The e-tron's twin electric motors are powered by a 95kWh battery pack, which is slightly smaller than the Model X's and comparatively, the EQC has the smallest battery pack in this bunch. Charging times are also the fastest on the Model X.
So range anxiety would be the least of your concerns with these SUVs as all three can cover a considerable amount of distance before they run out of juice. The Tesla Model X takes you the farthest at 523km on a single charge, while the EQC comes in second at 471kms. Surprisingly, it's the Audi that comes in last considering the fact that it has one of the largest battery packs here.
Styling:
The Audi e-tron follows the typical clean design that is synonymous with the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer. The front end is dominated by the huge octagonal grille flanked by sleek LED headlamps. Clean lines, 5-spoke alloy wheels and a muscular haunch above the rear wheel dominates the side profile of the e-tron. The ORVMs are also replaced by cameras that project the rear view on separate screens in the door pads and connected tail lamps top the look. Also if you look closely, the quattro theme has been carried on to the design where four lines are present in the DRLs and the alloy wheels.
The EQC takes the sleek design route. The front grille with the tristar logo and DRLs integrated in it looks menacing to say the least. Flanking the grille are a pair of sleek LED headlights. The 10-spoke alloy wheels get a corresponding blue finish to its spokes to spruce up things at the side. The rear end gets a connected tail lamp and the design looks almost the same as the GLE 63 AMG coupe.
But if it's an coupe-SUV design that you desire, look no further than the Tesla Model X. The main highlights here are the turbine-style alloy wheels and the swoopy roofline which houses one of the largest panoramic sunroofs in a car. The rear butterfly doors are make a statement as well.
Dimensions:
Audi e-tron | Tesla Model X | Mercedes Benz EQC | |
Length (mm) | 4901 | 5036 | 4760 |
Width (mm) | 1935 | 1998 | 2096 |
Height (mm) | 1629 | 1676 | 1623 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2928 | 2964 | 2872 |
Longest: Tesla Model X
Widest: Mercedes Benz EQC
Tallest: Tesla Model X
Longest Wheelbase: Tesla Model X
All three SUVs are large enough to say the least. But the Audi e-tron, though big, doesn't boast class leading figures here. It just falls short of the Tesla Model X, which is the longest, tallest and has the most amount of distance between its axles. While the EQC is the tallest of the lot, it is the smallest in the rest of the parameters.
Features:
All three cars come well loaded with features. These include LED headlights, infotainment system, climate control, digital instrument console, auto dimming IRVM, cruise control and powered front seats.
But when it comes to unique features, the Tesla Model X has something that is considered the future of four wheelers. Psst.. Have you seen cars driving themselves? Yes, it's Tesla's autonomous driving technology. The Tesla Model X uses a host of sensors, radars and cameras to judge its surroundings and take self control of the wheel and speed based on that. That's not it. The 17-inch infotainment, which is the largest in this bunch, also gets plenty of cool and hidden tricks like celebration mode where the doors and lights do a dance. It is also capable of receiving over the air (OTA) updates to add more features and functionality. The Model X also has a soft corner for your furry friends as it has a 'Dog Mode'. When selected, the SUV sets an ambient temperature in the climate control system to ensure that they have a comfortable environment inside. It also gets a Sentry mode where it monitors the environment around the SUV when it's left unattended. When enabled, it enters a 'Standby' state like many home alarm systems and uses the car's external cameras to detect potential threats. If it detects a threat, the vehicle immediately raises an alarm.
The e-tron also has its fair share of tech features with the main one being the Virtual Wing Mirrors. The ORVMs are replaced by cameras and these project the rear view on a screen on the front door pads and the driver can customise the view based on his needs. The sleek cameras also helps the Audi in terms of aerodynamics, giving it a super low drag coefficient of 0.27cd. Slippery indeed
The Mercedes comes with the latest software for its infotainment system -- the MBUX. It offers features like navigation with augmented reality and intelligent voice control, which can be activated by saying "Hey Mercedes." The system can also be personalised to suit your particular needs.
Audi e-tron | Tesla Model X | Mercedes Benz | |
Unique Feature | Virtual Wing Mirrors | Auto Pilot | MBUX Infotainment system |
The Audi e-tron will be the first luxury EV to launch in India and the carmaker has on our shores. The launch of the e-tron here could altogether kickstart a luxury EV segment and Audi will have the first mover's advantage for sure. Its German rival Mercedes is also working to bring the EQC here and while there is no word on the Model X just yet, Elon Musk has already highlighted Tesla's plans of coming to India several times. With stricter emission norms set to come into play soon and the government taking major steps to promote EVs (zero road tax in certain states, reduction of GST rates, FAME II subsidies and more), we can expect more entrants in the premium and luxury EV segment in the near future.
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