CPO

CPO Spotlight: 2021 Audi e-tron

2021 Audi e-tron

Audi e-tron Quick Facts

Introduction

Audi’s first fully electric vehicle, the e-tron, debuted as a highly anticipated concept car at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. With clean, good looks, actual SUV chops, and a well-appointed interior, the 5-passenger luxury crossover SUV ushered in an emissions-free age for the German automaker. 

2021 Audi e-tron

Built at a carbon-neutral facility, the 2021 Audi e-tron stands out from the all-electric class with its elevated design and echoes of luxury throughout. The 2021 e-tron is sized between the Audi Q5 and the Q7 and is available as an SUV or a Sportback crossover. Both versions step away from the pack dominated by the Tesla Model Y with their luxury-leaning looks, abundant feature packages, Audi heritage, and extensive dealer network. Easily seating five, the 2021 Audi e-tron is available in three well-equipped models and one enhanced battery-powered drivetrain.

Audi CPO Warranty Program Highlights  

  • Limited Warranty:  One year/20,000 miles, whichever comes first, after the completion of the original new car warranty
  • Powertrain Warranty: One year/20,000 miles, concurrent with the Limited Warranty
  • Roadside Assistance: 24/7, unlimited mileage, concurrent with the Limited Warranty
  •  Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Audi  

Key Competitors

KBB Review Highlights

The 2021 Audi e-tron is an impressive combination of refined luxury and elegant design. Carving out a space in a strong class with the Jaguar i-Pace, Tesla Model Y, and Volvo XC40 Recharge, the 2021 edition brings a lower-priced entry model and better-packaged trims. Add that to the strong legacy of Audi design and craftsmanship paired with the functionality of a vast dealer network, the 2021 e-tron is a confidence-inducing option in the field of electric crossovers.

All trims of the e-tron get their power from a 95-kWh lithium-ion battery and dual motor setup that delivers a combined output of 355 horsepower and 414 lb-ft of torque. A Boost mode option amplifies the horsepower and torque but depletes the battery faster. Responsive, agile, and with an enhanced rear motor, the drivetrain on the 2021 e-tron is nearly silent, like its battery-powered classmates. Unlike its classmates, the E-tron’s standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and adaptive suspension create an elevated driving experience unfazed by dynamic weather and terrain conditions.

Comfortably outfitted for five passengers, the 2021 e-tron’s interior feels and looks similar to the other Audi crossovers. High-tech and high-touch as a standard, the e-tron uses the 12.3-inch digital information display, dubbed “Virtual Cockpit” by Audi, and a streamlined dash anchored by the touchscreen infotainment system and climate control bank. It also has two USB ports, native navigation, 4-region climate control, and wired and wireless smartphone integration.

2021 Audi e-tron interior.

The base Premium model has a panoramic sunroof with power shade, heated front seats, leather seating, self-dimming mirrors, wood accents, a power tailgate, and a satellite radio. The middle trim, Premium Plus, adds the Bang & Olufsen audio system, additional charging ports, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 360-degree camera, and a wireless charging pad. As you scale the trim lines, the packages offer increased comfort and convenience, topping out in the Prestige model, which features more decadent leather, air ionization, power-closing doors, massaging front seats, intersection assistance, and a head-up display.

Recognizably Audi, the 2021 e-tron fits into the family with ease. The design features sleek lines and a fluid shape, and the etched alloy wheels are like forged icing on the emissions-free cake. Luxury is woven into the DNA of the e-tron, which is evident in the details, fit, and finish. 

The 2021 e-tron delivers a comprehensive safety suite regardless of your chosen trim. It includes front-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. The Convenience Plus Package in the Premium trim is available for the e-tron SUV. It adds an impressive amount of top-tier equipment to the Premium model and improves the e-tron as a better value for the cost. The Black Optic exterior bundle is a cosmetic package that adds a glam, high-gloss touch to the already premium vehicle.

Compared to other members of the luxury electric crossover class, the 2021 e-tron falls behind some classmates in range and cost, even at the improved 222 miles on a single charge for the SUV and 218 for the Sportback. The 2021 e-tron is well-made and comes from an established house known for its long-lasting luxury and safety. 

See Kelley Blue Book’s Expert Review of the 2021 Audi e-tron 

If you’re ready to shop, see certified pre-owned 2021 Audi e-tron models

Related reading:

 2023 Audi e-tron Expert Review

 2022 Audi e-tron Expert Review

 2019 Audi e-tron Expert Review