Audi e-tron 50 quattro

Overview

The 2022 Audi e-tron 50 quattro was a key part of Audi's initial electric splash, offering a more accessible entry into their luxury EV SUV lineup. Positioned as the smaller-battery sibling, it still packed that signature Audi refinement and tech. Although officially discontinued in 2022 and primarily aimed at the European market (meaning specific new or used US pricing isn't readily available from typical US channels), it showcased Audi's commitment to premium electric motoring. Think of it as the one that helped pave the way for the Q8 e-tron family, offering a solid, if not class-leading, EV experience with that desirable four-ring badge.

What's New for 2022?

For its final model year, the 2022 e-tron 50 quattro largely carried over the specs and features from the previous year before production ceased. While the broader e-tron family might have seen minor software tweaks or package shuffles as it transitioned towards the Q8 e-tron rebranding, the 50 quattro variant itself didn't receive major standalone updates for 2022. It remained a consistent offering, representing the entry-point to Audi's electric SUV experience with its established powertrain and feature set, making used models predictable buys if you can find one stateside.

Design & Exterior

The e-tron 50 quattro boasts that classic, sophisticated Audi SUV stance – muscular but understated, not screaming "I'm electric!" at every passerby. It featured the distinctive Singleframe grille, albeit mostly enclosed, and sleek LED lighting signatures front and rear. Rolling on typically stylish alloy wheels, its dimensions hit a sweet spot for practicality: 193 inches long, a substantial 76.2 inches wide (mirrors excluded), and 63.6 inches tall. This specific trim maintained a premium look, blending seamlessly with Audi's combustion-engine siblings while hinting at its advanced powertrain.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the e-tron 50 quattro, and you're greeted by a cabin oozing with Audi's renowned build quality and plush materials – it’s proper posh! There's comfortable seating for five, and plenty of digital real estate with Audi’s MMI touch response system, usually featuring dual screens and standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Cargo wise, you get a useful 23.3 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a generous 60.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. Plus, there's a nifty 1.8 cubic foot frunk under the hood for your charging cables or a small bag.

Performance & Driving Experience

The e-tron 50 quattro delivers a smooth and punchy driving experience, thanks to its dual-motor (IM front, IM rear) all-wheel-drive setup. It packs 230 kW (around 308 hp) and a healthy 398 lb-ft of torque, whisking you from 0-60 mph in a respectable 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 118 mph. The ride is exceptionally refined and quiet, soaking up bumps with ease. Multiple regenerative braking modes allow for efficient driving, and that signature Audi road-holding instills plenty of confidence, making it a serene cruiser or a capable family hauler.

Range, Battery & Charging

The e-tron 50 quattro is equipped with a 64.7 kWh usable battery pack. Green Cars Compare calculates its real-world range at around 169 miles, with an efficiency of 2.61 mi/kWh. For charging, its 400V architecture supports AC charging up to 11 kW, meaning a full top-up at home would take roughly 6-7 hours. On the DC fast charging front, it can gulp electrons at up to 120 kW, getting you from 10-80% in about 30 minutes. This European-spec model uses a CCS Type 2 port, different from the CCS Type 1 standard in the US.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a hallmark of Audi, and the e-tron 50 quattro scored an impressive 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. While specific NHTSA ratings for this EU-market trim aren't listed, Audis generally perform well. Standard kit typically included Audi Pre Sense front, providing collision mitigation. Buyers could often option more advanced systems like adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance, blind-spot monitoring (Audi Side Assist), and a 360-degree camera system, making it a well-protected cocoon for occupants, packed with tech to keep you safe on the move.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

While the 2022 e-tron 50 quattro was primarily a European market vehicle and is now discontinued, Audi's typical US new vehicle warranty generally offers 4 years/50,000 miles of basic coverage and an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery, often guaranteeing against degradation below 70%. Powertrain coverage usually aligns with the basic warranty. However, for a grey import or specialist-sourced e-tron 50 quattro in the US, warranty specifics would be highly dependent on the import channel and any third-party coverage, rather than a standard Audi USA warranty.