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Audi E-Tron road test in Motor Trend

3353 Views 15 Replies 14 Participants Last post by NoMoPetrol, Apr 19, 2019

Packard V8

Discussion Starter · Feb 1, 2019

Anyone else read this road test in the March 2019 Motor Trend?

I'm prepared to agree and accept the Audi E-Tron will be a very good BESUV, but then for $75,000, it should be.

My problem is with the biased and really slanted opinions; Angus Mackenzie goes on for half a page praising Audi's integration of regeneration and the brake pedal and how it's next generation technology. The real clue is where he quotes (sucks up to?) Audi Product Development Engineer Andrew Carter Balkcom, "One-pedal mode was a crutch for early BEVs to keep you from using the hydraulic brakes." Mackenzie then says, "Audi's electrohydraulic braking system is a game changer, a benchmark for BEV brake systems."

I'd argue, with some logic on my side, that still having to move one's right foot from the go pedal to the whoa pedal is the crutch. Yes, Angus, it might make the initial introduction to a BEV less confusing for troglodytes who really would rather be driving a last century Buick, but for most who understand and appreciate what a BEV can do, one-pedal is the best single feature of the Bolt.

jack vines

Reactions: 3

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Pete Blair

· #2 · Feb 1, 2019

I love how one-pedal driving works, I would be quite unhappy to go back to using two pedals. I mean, there is a slight learning curve to it, once you learn though it is so much simpler and comfortable.

I find it rather annoying that the focus of so many electric cars is to replicate how ICE cars drive. I understand they are trying encourage buying by making it seamless but this is the perfect time to experiment and figure out better ways to control our cars. The way one pedal works on the Bolt has been one of the most appealing and enjoyable features for me.

Reactions: 1

RecessionProofDriver

· #3 · Feb 1, 2019

Packard V8 said:
Anyone else read this road test in the March 2019 Motor Trend?

I don't fully trust Motor Trend. Watch this instead:

redpoint5

· #4 · Feb 1, 2019

Grrr, it has that stupid enormous faux grill that is 3/4 blocked off. Can't wait until this fad goes the way of bell-bottoms.

Reactions: 1

Terry Hancock

· #5 · Feb 1, 2019

redpoint5 said:
Grrr, it has that stupid enormous faux grill that is 3/4 blocked off. Can't wait until this fad goes the way of bell-bottoms.

I still like bell bottoms, on females. But, then I will admit that they are not aerodynamic.

Reactions: 2

psyflyjohn

· #6 · Feb 1, 2019

I read $75000 and read no further. The Chevy Bolt is turning out to be the "benchmark" for a capable affordable electric car.

gregb

· #7 · Feb 2, 2019

Watch the video, the eTron is really a great car, albeit an expensive one. The reviewer described it as "thirsty." It was being driven in very cold conditions so with the use of the heater and slower charging (if I remember correctly), it's hard to judge its true range and charging capacity.

Packard V8

Discussion Starter · #8 · Feb 2, 2019 (Edited)

Why Audi/Angus have gone full-on-diss against one-pedal and won't give the Bolt any props is the mystery.

You can dial in low and high regen settings if you wish; the latter allows the E-Tron to be driven with one pedal like a Tesla or a Jaguar I-Pace in similar modes. But unless you desperately want to feel like you're driving an electric car, don't bother.

Sorry, Angus; maybe Audi paid for your vacation in Abu Dhabi, the food and drinks, but you/they just don't get how and why some of us love BEVs. If you/Audi thinks it's necessary to sell the future by going on how their new BEV can be driven two-pedal just like an old Buick, that's OK - lame, but OK. However, it's just not necessary to disparage one-pedal and its benefits. How does that help sell the E-Tron to those of us who really love the one-pedal?

jack vines

Reactions: 3

Dyefrog

· #9 · Feb 2, 2019

Packard V8 said:
Why Audi/Angus have gone full-on-diss against one-pedal and won't give the Bolt any props is the mystery.

Sorry, Angus; maybe Audi paid for your vacation in Abu Dhabi, the food and drinks, but you/they just don't get how and why some of us love BEVs. If you/Audi thinks it's necessary to sell the future by going on how their new BEV can be driven two-pedal just like an old Buick, that's OK - lame, but OK. However, it's just not necessary to disparage one-pedal and its benefits. How does that help sell the E-Tron to those of us who really love the one-pedal?

jack vines

It seems in the last few years, the quality of media ethics is waning. I've not heard a single Bolt owner who would rather go back to 2 pedal stop/go. You really have to look back at the writers history to understand what their bias is and adjust accordingly. Opinions are one thing but to make outright false statements in inexcusable.

NewsCoulomb

· #10 · Feb 2, 2019

Terry Hancock said:
I still like bell bottoms, on females. But, then I will admit that they are not aerodynamic.

We need more things like this that everyone on the forum can agree on. :laugh:

Reactions: 4

PhilR

· #11 · Feb 2, 2019

Packard V8 said:
...If you/Audi thinks it's necessary to sell the future by going on how their new BEV can be driven two-pedal just like an old Buick, that's OK - lame, but OK. However, it's just not necessary to disparage one-pedal and its benefits. How does that help sell the E-Tron to those of us who really love the one-pedal?

jack vines

After enjoying my Bolt for the past 10 months I would NEVER consider purchasing a car that requires using the brake pedal to come to a full stop.

Reactions: 3

ArizonaJon

· #12 · Feb 3, 2019

Watch the Super Bowl ad for the e-tron from the Car and Driver website.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a25888736/super-bowl-commercials-2019/

keeperchris

· #13 · Feb 4, 2019

ArizonaJon said:
Watch the Super Bowl ad for the e-tron from the Car and Driver website.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a25888736/super-bowl-commercials-2019/

I skipped over to their review of the e-tron crossover, and was a bit dismayed about the relative inefficiency. It has an anticipated 95kWh battery, and an anticipated range of above 200 miles. With simple math that is about 2.25 miles/kWh. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, since it is much bigger and more powerful than the Bolt. But 55-60% of the mileage efficiency is pretty staggering.

Reactions: 1

hatchy

· #14 · Feb 4, 2019

I couldn't afford one. But even if I could, I think I'd prefer an eBMW eBenz, or Telsa 3.

Dyefrog

· #15 · Apr 18, 2019

It's all about the batteries

Unfortunately, they've hit another snag which will delay the E-tron another year.

https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-killer-audi-etron-battery-production-update/

"Sources familiar with the activities in Audi’s Brussels plant have told The Brussels Times that the German carmaker is currently being constrained by LG Chem, which supplies the e-tron’s batteries. LG Chem is the supplier of choice for a number of electric vehicles, such as the Porsche Taycan and the Jaguar I-PACE. The local publication’s sources claim that LG Chem is pushing up prices, resulting in Audi having to compete with rival automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz to acquire batteries for the e-tron."

NoMoPetrol

· #16 · Apr 19, 2019

The one feature on my wife's Bolt of which I am envious is the totally one-pedal driving feature. Now that I know there was a solution to the Tesla brake calipers - a non-rusting coating on the calipers - other than having us brake from 7 mph down to a full stop, my envy increases.

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