• Three power outputs available
• Heavy, but even the slowest version is quick
• Overtaking is an absolute breeze

What power options are there?

There are three power outputs, badged 50 and 55 and E-Tron S. The lower two model feature a pair of electric motors, with one for each axle for its Quattro all-wheel drive system, while the S gets two motors at the rear and a single one for the front.

The entry-level 50 produces 312hp and 540Nm of torque. Despite the considerable 2,370kg weight, this is still enough to heave the E-Tron from 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds. Top speed is 118mph.

The more powerful 55 model produces 360hp. That power can be momentarily increased to 402hp under boost when Sport is selected on the transmission, allowing the E-Tron to complete a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds. Take it out of Sport mode, and this time increases to 6.6 seconds.

Top of the tree was the triple-motor E-Tron S with 510hp to play with, which drops the 0-62mph time to 4.5 seconds – quick, yes, but easily outpaced by cheaper cars from Tesla, Polestar, Hyundai and Kia.

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What’s it like to drive?

• Amusingly quick in a straight line
• Struggles to hide all of its bulk in the bends
• Very quiet and reasonably comfortable at speed

The E-Tron’s party trick for electric car newbies is its rapid, unflustered acceleration away from the lights. It’s remarkably quick and fuss-free to 30mph, and only really betrays its hefty kerbweight when it comes to cornering and braking.

Given its size, it’s actually quite composed on the twistier roads, with oodles of grip and responsive, if aloof, steering. Driven in a measured way, you’ll find much less body-roll than you’d expect of a 2.5-tonne car, but you’ll always be aware of how big and heavy it is.

It retains Audi’s Drive Select system, which offers a choice of Offroad, Allroad, Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and a configurable Individual setting. So, it offers limited off-road ability, thanks to height-adjustable suspension, and lashings of poor-weather grip.

We found the ride quality impressive on its air springs, with a natural feel despite the 21-inch alloys most E-Trons sit on. Where it is at its absolute best is on the motorway or fast, sweeping A-roads, where it has a smooth ride and spookily low levels of wind and road noise. It’s just a shame it doesn’t go further on a charge.

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