In the realm of electric vehicles, Audi’s lineup in the United States includes various models. These include the e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron, Q4 Sportback e-tron, Q8 e-tron, Q8 Sportback e-tron, SQ8 e-tron, and SQ8 Sportback e-tron. The prices for these vehicles start at $49,800 before taxes and fees, with some models exceeding $147,000.
Audi has ambitious plans to expand its electric vehicle portfolio in the next two years. By 2026, the German automaker aims to cease the development of internal combustion engines and focus solely on electric vehicles. However, it may be wise for Audi to reconsider this strategy. The 2019 e-tron, Audi’s first battery-electric vehicle, which has since been renamed the Q8 e-tron, has experienced a 13% decrease in its manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) each year since its introduction.
Five years ago, Audi introduced the conventional-looking e-tron, a crossover SUV with futuristic technology, to the US market. The MSRP for the Premium Plus trim was $74,800, while the Prestige version, excluding freight charges, was priced at $80,095.
Featuring a distinctive design with creased body lines and equipped with two motors, the e-tron provided a power output of 355 horsepower and 414 lb-ft of torque. In 2020, Audi expanded its lineup with the introduction of the e-tron Sportback, which featured an arched roofline. Surprisingly, the MSRP for the Premium Plus variant remained unchanged. However, the e-tron Sportback Prestige was priced at $84,295, $4,200 more than the regular e-tron.
In late 2021, Audi made a minor update to the e-tron, increasing its range. Additionally, a more affordable trim level called the Premium was introduced, reducing the MSRP to $67,000 for the e-tron and $70,000 for the e-tron Sportback. The following year, the SUV received a price increase of $100 and was rebranded as the Q8.
By 2023, the Q8 e-tron Premium was priced at $71,995, while the Q8 e-tron Sportback had a price tag of $75,195. The power output remained the same, but the tri-motor SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron boasted impressive power numbers of 496 horsepower and 718 lb-ft of torque.
Today, the entry-level Premium trim of the Q8 e-tron starts at $74,400. Audi offers three other equipment levels: Premium Plus ($78,800), Prestige ($84,800), and Launch Edition ($87,550). This price increase is accompanied by improvements in range and other notable updates.
However, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the range of the e-tron did not significantly change between 2019 and 2023. Here is a breakdown of the range and efficiency figures provided by the EPA:
– 2019 e-tron: 204 miles of range with an efficiency of 46 kWh per 100 miles
– 2020 e-tron (Sportback): 218 miles of range with an efficiency of 44 kWh per 100 miles
– 2021 e-tron: 222 miles of range with an efficiency of 43 kWh per 100 miles
– 2022 e-tron: 222 miles of range with no change in efficiency
– 2023 e-tron: 226 miles of range with an efficiency of 43 kWh per 100 miles
– 2024 Q8 e-tron: 285 miles of range with an efficiency of 41 kWh per 100 miles.
It is important to note that the Audi e-tron made its debut with a 95-kWh battery. The owner was permitted to utilize 83.6 kWh of its capacity. Two years later, a software update unlocked an additional 2.9 kWh of the high-voltage energy storage unit.
For the 2024 model-year eSUV, Audi introduced a 114-kWh gross battery (106-kWh usable) that has the ability to fast charge at speeds up to 170 kW. As expected, this particular model is still quite expensive.
However, a quick search on some of the top websites in America for used cars reveals that you could experience the Audi EV without breaking the bank. In fact, you can enjoy the Audi EV experience for the same price as a brand-new base-spec Subaru Impreza. And it’s not just one or two available, there are numerous 2019 model-year units up for sale in various parts of the US. We have included some of these units in the photo gallery for your reference.
But it gets even better! The rules for EV tax credits have changed. Many used EVs, including the e-tron and e-tron Sportback, qualify for a $4,000 discount offered by the government. To take advantage of this perk, you must find an authorized dealer, negotiate a selling price of no more than $25,000, and meet certain income requirements based on your filing status.
Just remember that the EPA-rated range may not be achievable after every full charge. EVs are sensitive to weather conditions, and you should be prepared for various situations that may require multiple charging stops. Additionally, factors such as using the A/C, carrying passengers, or driving on the highway can also affect the range. Furthermore, DC charging can be expensive and not all charging networks are as reliable as we would like them to be.
Luckily, Audi has equipped this SUV with a heat pump from the beginning, which helps conserve energy.
While some Audi EVs are depreciating rapidly and authorized dealers are offering discounts on new cars, many Toyota dealerships are still attempting to increase the prices of certain vehicles.
A peculiar car market: Prospective buyers of the 2024 Tacoma have reported multiple instances of bait-and-switch attempts, where the seller initially agrees to sell the vehicle at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), but then raises the price just before the final paperwork is prepared for signing. This has even happened to interested buyers who have already sent a deposit to confirm their interest.
However, unlike Audi or Tesla, Toyota has one significant advantage: a reputation for reliability. Toyota’s hybrids are highly regarded for their improved fuel efficiency. They also provide ample torque when starting from a standstill, comparable to or even better than European diesel engines. This is particularly desirable for large and heavy vehicles powered by internal combustion engines.
Image: Audi AG
Do you remember the first generation of the Prius, the one that was known for its quietness and ability to sneak up on people? Many were concerned that the small battery would die within a couple of years, but that turned out to be unfounded. In fact, there are still first-gen Prius vehicles being used today in various parts of the world, not just in the United States.
Audi owners should not feel discouraged or betrayed for being early adopters. The car market, with a few exceptions, is now cooling down. Owners of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, for instance, are quite satisfied with their electric vehicles. However, if they attempt to trade in their Ioniq 5 for a different car, the offers they receive are not very encouraging. This could be due to the novelty wearing off or the negative reports about charging difficulties and reduced range during the winter.
Tesla could also be held accountable for selling hundreds of thousands of vehicles and reducing prices across the board to maintain demand at desirable levels. Additionally, rental car companies have contributed to the increased selling pressure by getting rid of the electric vehicles they had purchased, particularly Tesla and Polestar models. These companies realized that their profit margins would not increase, despite securing favorable acquisition deals.
However, there is a glimmer of hope. Many people have long complained about the high initial cost of switching to a zero-emission vehicle due to the steep prices. Now, they have the opportunity to purchase an Audi e-tron, e-tron GT, BMW iX, or Tesla Model S at heavily discounted prices and enjoy the benefits of emission-free personal transportation.
We have returned to a state of normalcy in the car market. The only difference now is that traditional luxury cars do not depreciate as rapidly as electric vehicles.
According to the Source autoevolution.com