The 2019 Audi e-tron is the way for families to go fully electric in a familiar and very luxurious package.
Pros Nicely proportioned exterior A back seat large enough for adults Very quiet, comfortable ride Speedy 150-kw fast charging capability
Cons Range doesn’t measure up to Tesla 150-kw chargers still few and far between Too much left to touchscreens Climate controls too low in the line of sight
As the floodgates on our new EV future open, Audi presents its offer in the form of the new e-tron electric SUV. Expect it here in the third quarter of 2019.
Pros Quality Performance Space Comfort
Cons Price Infrastructure development Range fluctuations Door mirror cameras
The Audi e-tron is an all-new vehicle.Part of the first e-tron generation introduced for 2019.The 2019 Audi e-tron comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 1-speed direct drive.
Pros Smooth and decisive acceleration Spacious and comfortable interior Lots of standard and available safety and tech features
Cons Infotainment operation can be distracting Slower acceleration than some EV rivals
Ballistic-resistant SUV offers protection against 'violent attacks, kidnapping or organised crime. BMW has revealed the new X5 Protection VR6, an armoured version of its popular luxury SUV. According to the Bavarian marque, the X5 Protection VR6 "offers private individuals and persons at risk customised protection against violent attacks, kidnapping or organised crime".Power in the X5 Protection VR6 comes from a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine borrowed from the xDrive50i variant. Maximum power is rated at 390kW between 5500 and 6000rpm, while a peak torque figure of 750Nm is on tap between 1800rpm and 4600rpm.
The X5 Protection VR6, named in reference to its certified protection rating, is almost indistinguishable from the standard X5, but is clad all over in high-strength steel armour plating, which overlaps at each panel and trim gap to maximise coverage. Underneath, a thick aluminium splinter shield protects the powertrain and floor from explosive devices such as hand grenades, while the standard X5’s windows have been replaced with 33mm thick, polycarbonate-reinforced glass. The glazing features what BMW calls ‘post-blast protective technology’, which offers protection against secondary attacks in the wake of an explosion. Only the driver’s window is electric as standard, although an electric passenger window is an option.
We know what you want out of your luxury crossover. You want comfort. You want performance. You want protection against anti-infantry hand grenades. Well, BMW has the ride for you! Although it looks like the standard model, the new X5 Protection VR6's armor-plated bodywork protects against attacks by handguns and firearms, including AK-47s. The armored passenger compartment withstands blasts of up to 15 kilograms of TNT from a distance of 13 feet, and its Post Blast Protective Technology protects against secondary attacks; even following a blast, all windows remain firmly in position.The vehicle is fitted with high-strength steel panels in the doors, side frames, roof, and firewall. Overlapping armor plating within the door gaps and bodywork joints prevent penetration by bullets or fragments. Oh, and your suitcases will be safe as well, thanks to aluminum pieces guarding the underbody and luggage compartment.
