March car of the month: Audi e-tron

by Steven Perez

posted on March 27, 2021

The electrified future of quattro

Electric cars have really gained momentum over the past few years. No longer are they automotive curiosities or confined to city limits, but rather the next chapter in the development of the automobile. Eager to get in on the EV revolution, Audi has been hard at work developing new models that pack the spirit of the brand in an electrified fashion. This March, we’re celebrating Turo host Andrey’s 2019 Audi e-tron as our car of the month.

2019 Audi e-tron

To the untrained eye, someone may mistake the e-tron for other Audi SUVs, such as the Q5 and Q7, but take a closer look and you’ll see some hints that there’s no gasoline to be found in the e-tron. The immediate indicator is the solid grille, while subtle “e-tron” badging adorns the front fenders. While other automakers have made bold choices in terms of their electric vehicle styling, Audi has given the e-tron sleek crossover proportions that appeal to the masses, ahead of their upcoming e-tron models like the recently unveiled e-tron GT and Q4 e-tron.

Under the sheet metal though is where the e-tron marks a new wave in performance and technology. Pop the hood and you’ll find a small “frunk” surrounded by battery componentry on the e-tron. The battery pack itself is rated at 95 kWh and can produce up to 400 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque through dual electric motors, transferring power to the road through a completely reengineered version of the famed quattro all-wheel drive system. The instant torque inherent to electric vehicles means the e-tron can clock 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, all while being virtually silent in the process. Not too shabby for a 5,700-pound SUV! 

Audi engineers thought ahead though and mounted the battery pack low in the chassis for better weight distribution. Additionally, the e-tron sits a bit lower to the ground than its SUV siblings to further improve the handling. As an added bonus, the lowered ride height makes entry and egress more convenient over traditional SUVs.

Hop inside the e-tron and you’ll be greeted by the familiar Audi design language. The dash makes use of the latest tech in the form of a digital cluster and a double stack of touchscreens to operate the infotainment and interior climate controls. Andrey’s Audi comes equipped with heated brown leather upholstery, which adds a welcome splash of color. Open the panoramic roof and you’ll really be able to soak in the sights and sounds of your journey. Plus, the e-tron seats five and has plenty of rear cargo capacity, which means there’s enough room to take your friends and family along for the ride.

In the past, EVs were limited by their battery technology, so range was usually an issue for long distance driving. No fear for Andrey’s e-tron, as a full charge can provide over 200 miles of driving before needing to stop for more electricity. Find yourself a fast charging station and you’ll be able to add up to 80% of the e-tron’s range in as little as thirty minutes. That’s a leisurely stop for a morning cup of coffee or a quick bite to eat, and you’re ready to hit the road some more.

With Earth Day just around the corner, the Audi e-tron makes the perfect companion to enjoy a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway in a carbon-free fashion. Not only will you be able to cruise California in style, but also experience a new era in the evolution of the automobile, so look up Andrey’s Audi e-tron the next time you find yourself in warm and sunny Los Angeles!

*Daily price subject to change

Steven Perez

Steven is an avid car guy and content maker at Turo. Between Golden State Warriors games he can be found getting lost somewhere in California.

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