Category: Highlight

The Audi E-Tron and related E-Tron Sportback are reportedly set to receive mid-cycle updates that will see their range increased significantly.

Autocar reported on Friday that the updated electric crossovers will arrive in late 2022 and feature new batteries, more efficient electric motors, and new electronic control software that will enable improved energy recovery together with other enhancements.

The E-Tron originally arrived for the 2019 model year with just 204 miles of range as measured by the EPA. Efficiency updates added for 2021 saw the range increased to 222 miles. The upcoming update will reportedly increase the range to more than 373 miles based on the cycle used in Europe, which should convert to something close to 300 miles when measured by the EPA.

2019 Audi e-tron battery pack

The reported late 2022 arrival points to the update being introduced for the 2023 model year here in the United States. Audi has already announced the 2022 E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback which carry over largely unchanged from 2021.

Audi was relatively early among established automakers to launch a credible Tesla rival when it rolled out the E-Tron crossover for 2019. However, to speed up the gestation, Audi modified a platform originally developed for internal-combustion cars, specifically the high-riding version of Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform shared with the Audi Q7 and Q8 and multiple other VW Group crossovers.

The updates are to keep the E-Tron fresh until it is redesigned around the middle of the decade on a dedicated EV platform, at which point it may be rebranded a Q8 E-Tron.

2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback

Audi only this week said it will launch its last vehicle fitted with an internal-combustion engine as soon as 2026. It means we’ll be seeing plenty of EVs from the brand with the four rings in the coming years.

Also due out soon is a new Q6 E-Tron based on the Volkswagen Group’s new PPE dedicated electric-vehicle platform. Also likely due for the 2023 model year, the Q6 E-Tron is a small crossover being developed alongside an electric Porsche Macan. Like the mid-size E-Tron and compact Q4 E-Tron, it will be available in regular and more coupe-like Sportback guises.

An A6 E-Tron is due in 2023 and a technological flagship that may go by the name A9 E-Tron is due in 2025. There will likely also be an A4 E-Tron as part of the next-generation A4 family, though Audi is yet to confirm plans for one.

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Audi CEO Markus Duesmann used Tuesday’s Climate Neutrality Foundation conference in Berlin to confirm the automaker’s plans to transition to a fully electric lineup.

Duesmann said Audi will launch its final car equipped with an internal-combustion engine in 2026. Beyond this date, the automaker will only launch electric vehicles, he said.

Audi expects to finally stop selling vehicles equipped with an internal-combustion engine (including hybrids) by 2033 though may push this date further out depending on market conditions. According to Duesmann, there may still be demand in some markets, particularly China, for vehicles with internal-combustion engines beyond 2033.

Markus Duesmann

By eventually moving to a fully electric lineup, Audi will dramatically reduce its carbon footprint. The automaker aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, at the latest.

Audi is joining a growing consortium of automakers committed to switching to electric lineups within a decade. Fellow Volkswagen Group brand Bentley as early as last November confirmed to make the switch by 2030. The most aggressive among established automakers is Jaguar which in February said it will be an electric-only brand by as early as 2025.

By that 2025 date, Audi aims to have more than 20 electric vehicles in its lineup. Already on sale are the E-Tron, E-Tron Sportback, and E-Tron GT, and arriving soon are the Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback E-Tron.

Audi A6 E-Tron Concept – 2021 Shanghai auto show

And further down the pipeline is a Q6 E-Tron due in 2022 and an A6 E-Tron due in 2023, as well as a technological flagship that may go by the name Q9 E-Tron that’s due in 2025. The new A6 E-Tron which will be sold alongside the gas-powered A6 was previewed in April with a thinly veiled concept.

There will likely also be an A4 E-Tron as part of the next-generation A4 family, though Audi is yet to confirm plans for one.

To ensure adequate charging infrastructure, Audi is working with other companies to promote the expansion of renewable energy sources and public charging stations. Audi is also testing the waters with its own line of premium charging stations that can be booked in advance.

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The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is already going under the knife for a nip and a tuck.

The GLE-Class was new for the 2020 model year and the 2022 model is getting a refresh. Early prototypes of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class were spotted testing on European public roads with nearly undisguised exteriors and heavily camouflaged interiors.

The refreshed GLE-Class will be distinguished by a new front bumper design, seen clearly in these spy images, and updated headlights and taillights. The lighting details are covered by camouflage, but expect similar updates with eyebrow-like LED daytime running lights as seen in the refreshed 2021 E-Class lineup. Updated wheels riding on Pirelli P Zero tires can be seen on prototypes.

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class spy shots – Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Inside the heavily camouflaged prototypes we see a new steering wheel. Interestingly, it’s the new steering wheel design found in the 2021 S-Class rather than the twin-spoke steering wheel found in the latest E-Class. The overall dashboard design doesn’t appear to be changed. Expect the latest iteration of Benz’s MBUX infotainment system, though the dual 12.3-inch screens on the dashboard for the gauge cluster and infotainment are likely to carry over.

Expect the powertrains to mostly carry over. The base engine should be powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-4. A turbocharged inline-6 and beefed up version of that engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology is also likely on the menu. A twin-turbo V-8 with an AMG badge will return. All engines will be mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive will be standard, while most models will feature all-wheel drive.

A full suite of Mercedes’ latest driver-assistance systems will be available including the ability for the vehicle to steer itself in low-speed traffic.

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