Audi is moving fast towards electrification with numerous electric model reveals, however, its first EVs, the E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback, will, according to Autocar, get a facelift in the second half of 2022, with new generation batteries allowing for significantly increased range.
If you are confused with Audi’s naming structure for its electric range you are not the only one. The E-Tron SUV unveiled in 2019, was Audi’s first fully electric production model and remains the flagship in terms of size and pricing. The E-Tron Sportback followed in 2020 with a coupe-style rear end. Both sit on an electrified version of the MLB platform which is also used by the ICE range.
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The Audi E-Tron Sportback unveiled in 2020 has a redesigned rear end with a coupe-style roofline.
The more recent, and much smaller, Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Spotrback unveiled in 2021 are based on VW Group’s fully electric MEB architecture. Then there is also the upcoming Q5 e-tron, Q6 e-tron and A6 e-tron, built on the Audi-Porsche developed PPE platform, while the e-tron GT shares its J1 platform with the Porsche Taycan.
With all those new electric SUVs that use more modern technology, the E-Tron needed an update, even though it hasn’t been that long since it first reached the market. Thus, the upcoming facelift won’t be limited to cosmetic changes and technological updates in the cabin but will considerably improve the powertrain’s efficiency.
New generation batteries together with more efficient electric motors and improved energy recuperation will lead to an electric range of more than 373 miles (600 km). This number reported by Autocar sources in the factory is far greater than the current model’s 249 miles (400 km), bringing the E-Tron closer to Tesla.
The new batteries will boost E-tron’s range bringing it on par with more modern offerings from the competition.