The 2025 Audi E Tron base model marks an exciting, more accessible entry into Audi’s electric performance lineup without compromising much on design or power. While it lacks the S and RS badging and some minor styling cues, the E Tron base retains the hallmark sleek and athletic silhouette familiar to the series, complete with Audi’s refined interior featuring high-end materials and a driver-centric cabin. Powering this model is a dual electric motor system delivering quattro all-wheel drive, producing 496 horsepower in standard mode, which can surge to 577 horsepower with launch control. This performance allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4 seconds, only marginally slower than the higher-end S model. Its 97 kWh battery offers an impressive WLTP-rated range of 386.5 miles, complemented by ultra-fast charging capabilities that enable 177 miles of charge in 10 minutes and a full 10%-80% charge in just 18 minutes.
Weighing 66 pounds less than the S version due to a more streamlined configuration, this base model gains enhanced efficiency, translating to an additional 12 miles of range. Pricing in Germany starts at €18,900, significantly less than the S variant, positioning the base E Tron as a compelling option for those seeking Audi’s renowned styling and performance at a more affordable price point. Although U.S. pricing is yet to be confirmed, it is anticipated to be below $110,000, making it a competitive choice among electric performance vehicles.
Highlights
- The 2025 Audi E Tron base model offers near-identical styling to the S and RS variants, with subtle differences like the absence of S/RS badging and more black accents.
- It features a premium interior with high-quality materials and a tech-forward, driver-focused layout consistent with Audi’s design philosophy.
- The base model is powered by a dual electric motor setup with quattro all-wheel drive, producing 496 hp standard and 577 hp with launch control.
- It achieves 0-62 mph acceleration in 4 seconds, only slightly slower than the higher-end S model.
- The 97 kWh battery enables an impressive WLTP range of 386.5 miles, with ultra-fast charging capabilities that add 177 miles in just 10 minutes.
- The vehicle is 66 pounds lighter than the S version, improving efficiency and extending range by approximately 12 miles.
- Pricing starts at €18,900 in Germany, making it a significantly more affordable alternative to the S model and competitive in the electric sports car market.
Key Insights
- Balanced Performance and Affordability: The E Tron base model strategically balances performance and price, delivering nearly the same acceleration and power as the S variant but at a considerably lower cost. This makes high-performance electric vehicles more accessible to a broader audience without sacrificing the driving experience cherished by enthusiasts.
- Subtle Design Differentiation Maintains Brand Identity: Audi’s approach to differentiating the base model from its pricier siblings through minimal design changes—mainly the removal of badging and subtle black accents—preserves the E Tron’s strong visual identity. This tactic allows Audi to offer a “base” option that still feels premium and connected to the lineup’s sporty legacy.
- Advanced Electric Powertrain Efficiency: The dual motor quattro system underscores Audi’s commitment to combining performance with efficiency. The 66-pound weight reduction compared to the S model contributes not only to better handling but also to increased range, demonstrating how thoughtful engineering can enhance electric vehicle capabilities without adding complexity.
- Impressive Battery and Charging Technology: The 97 kWh battery pack and ultra-fast 320 kW charging system position the E Tron base as a leader in range and charging speed within its segment. The ability to gain nearly 180 miles of range in just 10 minutes addresses one of the key challenges for electric vehicle adoption—minimizing downtime during long trips.
- Market Positioning Against Competitors: With its starting price at €18,900 in Germany, and an anticipated U.S. price under $110,000, the E Tron base offers compelling value against rivals such as the Porsche Taycan 4. Audi’s blend of performance, range, and pricing could shift consumer preferences in the electric sports car market.
- Driver-Centric Interior Enhances User Experience: Maintaining a high-end, tech-forward cabin with a clean, driver-oriented layout at the base level ensures that buyers do not feel like they are compromising on luxury or functionality. This focus on user experience is crucial for Audi’s brand promise and customer satisfaction.
- Strategic Weight Reduction Benefits Overall Performance: The simplified configuration that sheds 66 pounds from the base model not only improves efficiency but also subtly enhances driving dynamics. This shows Audi’s attention to detail in engineering, optimizing the car’s performance envelope while keeping costs down.
In summary, the 2025 Audi E Tron base model exemplifies a thoughtful fusion of performance, premium design, and efficiency at a more accessible price point. It serves as a strategic entry into the electric performance segment, offering consumers a near top-tier experience with significant cost savings, while leveraging Audi’s technological strengths and design excellence.