In a recent event held in Copenhagen, Audi provided a sneak peek into the interior of its upcoming all-electric E-Tron SUV. The presentation highlighted the vehicle’s quiet ride, superior sound system, and advanced technological features. Although the complete unveiling was initially set for the end of August, it has been postponed to an unspecified date in the fall, partly due to the arrest of CEO Rupert Stadler over issues related to the Dieselgate scandal.
Despite these corporate challenges, the E-Tron’s interior showcases appealing aspects for electric vehicle fans, featuring sleek lines, colored leather stitching and piping, and design elements reminiscent of circuit boards. The ambiance is further enhanced by creative LED mood lighting, all while maintaining a luxurious yet understated approach to attract a broad range of buyers. This strategy mirrors that of Jaguar’s I-Pace electric model, yet the E-Tron manages to stand out within Audi’s diverse offerings.
Among the most notable technological advancements is the introduction of virtual side mirrors, a feature not yet available in the U.S. market. This modern system replaces traditional side mirrors with lightweight cameras, reducing the vehicle’s width and minimizing wind noise. The video feed is displayed on seven-inch OLED screens positioned just below the windows, offering adjustable views that can be tailored for various driving scenarios—including highway use, turns, and parking.
While this technology is exciting, it faces regulatory hurdles in the U.S., where officials have been slow to approve similar mirror systems that many manufacturers, including Tesla, have sought to implement. Audi believes these virtual mirrors may hit U.S. roads within the next year.
Additionally, the E-Tron emphasizes its silent electric powertrain with an optional Bang & Olufsen 705-watt premium audio system featuring 16 speakers. This luxury audio experience can be fully appreciated thanks to the absence of engine noise, a significant benefit that tends to be more pronounced in higher-end electric vehicles due to their superior soundproofing.
While the interior elements are impressive, the true test of the E-Tron’s capabilities lies in its 429 horsepower, three-motor all-wheel-drive system, paired with a 95 kWh battery. Although specifics are limited, Audi has suggested the vehicle will offer up to a 250-mile range based on the European WLTP cycle and can recharge quickly in about 30 minutes using a 150 kW charging station. The starting price will be around $89,000, which is notably higher than Jaguar’s I-Pace starting at $69,500, and even exceeds the price of many Tesla Model X variants with shorter ranges. Full details of the vehicle are expected to be revealed in September, allowing for a comprehensive comparison.
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