electric vehicles: new for 2021 Audi Q4 50 e-tron quattro
EVs on stream for 2021 and beyond Mark Bursa
F
inally, the supply of electric
cars is opening up, as automakers have used the Coronavirus crisis to ramp up production of electric vehicles while speeding up the demise of diesels. Here’s a look at what’s available now that could be suitable for private hire or chauffeur work, and s glimpse of what’s coming next.
AUDI Audi’s first electric SUV, the e-tron, has been with us since 2019. It’s a big vehicle that feels like a slightly smaller Q8 – no bad thing. Rear legroom is comparable to an executive saloon such as an Audi A6, but with more headroom. And electric range of 241 miles is practical. It’ll be joined this year by more e-tron branded Audis. Q4 e-tron is a smaller take
JUNE 2021
[above, from left] on the same concept, with two bodystyles – SUV and Coupe. A range of 300 miles Audi RS e-tron GT, is claimed, as well as125kW DC rapid and the BMW i4 charging. Audi’s bid for an electric chauffeur car comes in the form of the e-tron GT. This lowslung four-door shares the underpinnings of the Porsche Taycan. Prices start at below £80,000 but rise to £133,000. It has a 300-mile range but the ability to recharge fully in less than 20 minutes using 350kW fast-chargers.
BMW BMW has been building its electric presence for almost a decade, since it launched the i3 city car. The i brand is now expanding rapidly, with a whole raft of new models joining the market, starting with iX SUV and i4 mid-range models. The iX uses a large 100kWh battery giving a claimed range of over 370 miles. Prices start at £69,000, and it’ll be on sale this CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
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