Having just given the 'big-battery' e-tron quattro some extra one-charge range, Audi is now happily announcing that there's a new version of its electric SUV with... less range.
71kWh battery
That's because this e-tron 50 quattro version gets a smaller battery - 71kWh compared to the 95kWh battery of the more expensive 55 version. The more important figure, though, is that it's a lot cheaper - just €74,995 excluding grants, which is a big drop from the 55 model's price tag.
That's still enough battery for go for 330km on one charge, and the e-tron 50 gets a 312hp powertrain, spread across two electric motors (which of course means it has four-wheel drive). There's also 540Nm of torque on offer, so while this might be the lesser of the two e-trons, it's certainly not going to be too sluggish.
0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds
The e-tron 50 can scamper from 0-100km/h in just 6.8 seconds and run on to an electronically-limited top speed of 188km/h. Most of the time only the rear motor is used - to maximise efficiency - with the front motor spinning into action when needed. As with the bigger-battery model, 90 per cent of all of the car's braking is taken care of by the electric motors, which convert otherwise lost energy into fresh charge for the battery.
There will be three models - an 'Advanced', which is the one with that €74,995 price tag, followed by a Sport model (from €79,320 excluding grants) and then an S line version, starting at €85,110 excluding grants. Valcona leather, sports seats and 20-inch alloys are some of the highlights of the e-tron 50 Sport, the expected volume model in the range. With finance available from 3.9 per cent, you can keep monthly repayments down to €779 on PCP.
Test drives available in January
Audi will have a handful of these 50 models on the ground in time for potential customers to start taking test drives in January. It's made in Audi's factory in Brussels, which the company claims is carbon-neutral in how it produces cars.
Speaking about the launch, Thorsten Godulla, Managing Director of Audi Ireland, said: "We are really excited to announce the arrival of the Audi e-tron 50 to Ireland in January 2020 as we believe this will offer incredible value for Irish drivers particularly anyone considering a premium electric vehicle purchase. To really understand and grasp the benefits of an e-tron, I believe you have to test drive it and this is why we want to encourage drivers to call into one of our 11 authorised dealers nationwide for an exclusive test drive experience in January. Our dealership staff have the expertise and experience of dealing with electric vehicles and will display the value, convenience, efficiency and fun in driving an e-tron 50. We also have a wide range of financial offers that are available to suit everyone's specific needs which our staff will bring customers through on an individual basis. Not only do have an Audi for everyone, we also have a payment plan for everyone".