“I love the vehicle, it still needs more range which should appear in the next refresh and the charging options for the phone and lack of a charging pad with Audi opting to place it in a too small of a space in the center console is a baffling decision. Outside of those two points, a near perfect vehicle.”
Audi e-tron: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Audi e-tron is a midsize five-seat electric luxury SUV known for its quiet cabin, standard all-wheel drive, and familiar Audi feel. The e-tron Sportback uses the same basic formula with a sleeker, coupe-like roofline.
Introduced for 2019 as Audi’s first battery-electric SUV in the U.S., the e-tron was designed to make electric driving feel familiar rather than radically different. The Sportback joined for 2020 and added a more dramatic shape without changing the model’s core character. The original e-tron continued through 2023 before being renamed and refreshed as the Q8 e-tron for 2024.
Strengths
- The cabin stays very quiet, which gives the e-tron the calm feel expected from a luxury SUV.
- Standard all-wheel drive provides confident traction for wet roads and winter driving.
- The controls feel familiar and approachable rather than forcing the driver to learn an unusually minimalist layout.
- The five-seat cabin has useful passenger and cargo room, including 39.1 inches of rear legroom in 2023.
- Its 402 horsepower in 2023 gave it strong electric performance without changing its comfort-first character.
- The 2023 e-tron was rated for 225 to 226 miles of electric range, depending on the version.
Who it's for
The e-tron fits shoppers who want a comfortable premium SUV for commuting, family use, and year-round driving but are ready to leave gasoline behind. It especially suits buyers who prefer a calm, traditional luxury experience over a minimalist, tech-first EV cabin.
Audi e-tron lineup
Premium is the entry trim, so it is the straightforward pick for buyers who want the core e-tron experience. Premium Plus is the middle step for shoppers who want a more feature-rich version without going to the top of the range. Prestige was the luxury-focused flagship in earlier years and remained the top Sportback trim through 2023. On the regular SUV, Chronos replaced Prestige for 2022 and carried the top-trim role through the final model year.
Audi e-tron generations
From 2019 to 2023, the e-tron spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2019.
1st Generation (2019–2023)
Audi’s first battery-electric SUV paired a 95-kWh battery with two electric motors and standard all-wheel drive. A sleeker Sportback body style arrived for 2020, while later years brought range, technology, and trim updates without changing the basic design.
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2023
Mostly carried over with minor equipment adjustments. This was the final e-tron model year before the Q8 e-tron rename and refresh.
2022Trim changes
The regular SUV’s Prestige trim was replaced by the new Chronos top trim. The touchscreen system also gained wireless Android Auto.
2021Trim changes
A new entry Premium trim joined the lineup. Battery and software updates also increased usable capacity and driving range.
2020New generation
The sleeker e-tron Sportback body style joined the U.S. lineup with the same basic battery and two-motor all-wheel-drive setup.
2019New generation
The e-tron launched in the U.S. as Audi’s first battery-electric SUV, with two electric motors, standard all-wheel drive, and a 95-kWh battery.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Audi e-tron.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi e-tron fully electric?
Yes. The original U.S.-market Audi e-tron is a battery-electric midsize SUV. It uses a 95-kWh battery and two electric motors rather than a gasoline engine.
Does every Audi e-tron have all-wheel drive?
Yes. The original e-tron lineup uses two electric motors and standard all-wheel drive, so AWD is part of the core package rather than a trim upgrade.
What’s the difference between the e-tron SUV and e-tron Sportback?
The Sportback has a lower, coupe-like roofline and a sleeker shape. The regular SUV has a more traditional profile. Both share the same basic luxury-EV formula with two motors and all-wheel drive.
Is the Audi e-tron the same vehicle as the Q8 e-tron?
The Q8 e-tron is the renamed and refreshed successor to the original e-tron. The original U.S. model ran from 2019 through 2023; the 2024 Q8 e-tron brought revised styling, a larger battery, and more range.
How many people does the Audi e-tron seat, and is it family-friendly?
It seats five. Later original-generation models have 39.1 inches of rear legroom and up to 54.5 cubic feet of cargo space, while the quiet cabin and comfort-focused ride suit everyday family use.
Can the Audi e-tron tow?
Yes. Later original-generation e-tron models are rated to tow up to 4,000 pounds. Check the specific vehicle’s equipment and towing requirements before hitching a trailer.
How much driving range does the original Audi e-tron have?
Later original-generation models are rated at about 225 to 226 miles. Earlier versions may have less range, and real-world results change with speed, weather, climate-control use, and battery condition.
Audi e-tron Reviews
What owners are saying about the Audi e-tron.
4.1
Audi e-tron
(1,127 reviews)
“Great for in town driving. Not great for long road trips as you would have to recharge for minimum of a couple of hours at a quick capacity charging unit (assuming you find those along your route). Who ever creates the electric vehicle that can get a quick recharge at same rate as gas vehicles do AND a longer drive per charge will be top of the market.”
“Major issue at 6 weeks (rear motor broke), requiring 2 weeks in the shop. Turns out the issue is well known. V disappointed in a premium brand.”
“Love the vehicle for daily use around town, except I don't recommend taking it on long trips yet. High-speed charging stations still take a long time, are inconvenient, and there aren't that many. The stated range is not true when traveling at highway speed. It goes down very fast over 55 mph.”
“This is a luxurious, comfortable, high performance, and environmentally friendly car!”
“Look carefully at the quality of the Electrify America charging stations so you are not stranded on long trips. The vehicle is fine as long as it can be charged. Electrify America is a disaster.”