Check Out What Makes Audi, Porsche, and VW the Best EVs!
The dawning of the new era of “green” cars is upon us. Hybrids are still going strong, providing higher fuel efficiency along with the perceived safety of gasoline as a backup fuel source. But electric vehicles are not what they used to be and have moved firmly into center stage in 2021. That’s why we’re exploring the best EVs on the market.
Once seen as almost a joke in the automotive industry thanks to their former limited range and long-and-drawn-out charging sessions, among other issues, EVs are coming into their own with a new level of performance and speed. With a growing network of lighting quick “super chargers” that can have you back on the road in a matter of minutes (not hours) “range fear” is becoming a thing of the past.
According to Forbes magazine, the International Energy Association (IEA) states that electric cars’ worldwide sales topped 2.1 million by last year “While that still only represents 2.6% of global car sales, the trajectory is clear: in 2010, EVs accounted for less than 17,000 cars on the world stage,” according to Forbes. “But (now), the number increased to 7.2 million.”
Forbes lists three of our favorite luxury electric vehicles as the best in the industry. Let’s take a look at these magnificent beasts, which are not only fun to drive but good for your pocketbook – in terms of fuel costs and savings on maintenance – and good for the planet.
Audi e-tron
Audi is known for being cool and understated in the world of luxury automobiles and the e-tron is no exception. Power is provided by two electric motors, one front and one rear, for a total output of 414 pound-feet of torque – or 490 in boost mode – enough to get it 60 mph in a tidy 5.5 seconds. A 95.3-kWh battery provides 208 miles of range. Because it’s an Audi, quattro all-wheel drive is standard, and the interior displays the brand’s trademark Teutonic style and ergonomics. The EPA says combined mileage is 78 MPGe. The interior allows plenty of room for five adults. This fully electric four-seater is also quick and responsive thanks to a similar twin motor system and two-speed transmission. The RS version can deploy an overboost 637bhp (power is normally 590bhp) to deliver an astonishingly fast zero-to-60 of 3.1 seconds. Top speed is 155 mph. Like the sleek e-tron SUV, the four-seater is part of an initial wave of battery-electric vehicles planned by parent Volkswagen Group. The e-tron is built on a new EV-specific platform that incorporates components from the group’s existing SUV architectures. Both feature two electric motors making a combined 355 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. And Motortrend says it’s one of the fastest accelerating electric cars they tested. Even the SUV did 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Range is estimated at just 204 miles by the EPA. The e-tron doesn’t drive like your typical electric car. In fact, it drives like just any other Audi thanks to state-of-the-art drive technology. With its electric motor powering each axle, the all-wheel drive Q4 e-tron creates an impressive 300 horsepower that can get you from zero-to-60 in 6.3 seconds. The interior showcases Audi’s state-of-the-art technology, including a digital gauge display that is standard in all models as well as a large infotainment touchscreen angled toward the driver. The four-seater includes front and rear bucket seats with faux-suede upholstery and e-tron branded detailing. You enjoy latest the version of Audi’s MMI system with two displays in the center, including an upper screen with navigation, media controls, and smartphone connections as well as a lower screen with climate controls and a writing tablet. And there are various ways to save. Some states offer a $7,500 tax credit along with other financial incentives on electric vehicles that can help lower the total ownership cost of the e-tron®.
Porsche Taycan
Porsche’s first all-electric production vehicle, the Taycan is grabbing massive attention worldwide. And for good reason. The Taycan is high performing and fast, thanks to a pair of powerful electric motors powering all four wheels. And, the Taycan comes in four peak output levels: Forbes notes that the 4S is rated at 522 horsepower or 563 with the larger battery; the Turbo is rated for 670 horsepower and the Turbo S at 750 horsepower. On top of that the Taycan is the first EV production car to employ a two-speed transmission. The Porsche Taycan Turbo S set a new quarter-mile record for electric cars in Motortrend magazine’s tests. It also came in near the top for zero to 60 with a time of 2.4 seconds. The Taycan is Porsche’s first-ever fully electric vehicle. The four-door sports car starts at $150,900, while the more powerful Turbo S version comes in closer to $185,000. The Turbo S version of the dual-motor Taycan boasts a staggering top speed of 162 mph. The Taycan also provides a range of about 250 miles and you can make multiple high speed runs without a significant loss in performance. It also offers engaging handling and some of the most legendary engineering in the world of sportscars. (What else would you expect from a Porsche)? And it’s got plenty of pep. The Taycan drives like a Porsche sports car in a way that sets it apart from other luxury electric cars. The 4S base model comes standard with a lower-capacity 79.2-kWh battery – although the 93.2-kWh pack is still available. All models have dual electric motors, with one powering the front wheels and the other powering the rear. Inside the tech-filled interior, the look is sleek and sophisticated but never overstated. You can fill it with a range of optional luxurious materials and rich color schemes and choose massaging front seats, four-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats, among many other options. The 2+2 seating is optional but you can add a third seat in the back. Modern, technologically advanced yet classic Porsche. Did we mention it’s fast? Additionally, Taycan’s charging system is recalibrated to better preserve the battery’s service life and limit overall power loss during fast charging. A curved 16.8-inch display for the gauges and two centrally located touchscreens help you control the state-of-the-art infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay.
Volkswagen ID.4
Volkswagen has always been ahead of the others when it comes to electric cars (remember 2014’s e-Golf?). The new 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed and engineered as an EV and based on VW’s MEB platform for EVs, and the ID.4 boasts an impressive range of 250 miles. It’s currently rear-wheel drive, but an all-wheel drive version is expected soon. Bonus: When you buy an ID.4 in the United States you will three years of unlimited charging at Electrify America’s charging stations at no additional cost. The Volkswagen ID.4 gives you access to the mobility you crave, in a way that is fun, functional and within reach. Starting at $39,995, the ID.4 will transform your everyday driving experience. With the clean lines and aerodynamic design you expect from the new generation of VWs it’s an electric SUV that fits seamlessly into your daily drive or vacation travel. Inside, there’s plenty of room so that you and your passengers can relax and enjoy the journey. And you don’t have to worry about losing charge: The ID.4 can drive up to 250 miles between charges. You can choose from Pro and 1st Edition trims – with a base model launching sometime next year. Upgrade to the Statement package and you get a larger 12.0-inch infotainment display, a panoramic sunroof, a power-operated rear liftgate and 20-inch wheels, among other features. The rear-mounted motor produces 201 horsepower while the dual-motor all-wheel drive model will offer 302 hp. Camping or fishing? You’ll love that the towing capacity is a whopping 2700 pounds. And there’s regenerative braking that helps recapture energy when you slow down. The ID.4 will get you from zero to 60 in a crisp 7.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 99 mph. And you’ll love it’s smooth and comfortable ride as well as the quiet cabin. All you have to do is charge and go!
Other things to love about the ID.4: The battery pack holds enough electricity to power the SUV up t 250 miles between charges; The battery can be charged at home on 110- or 240-volt connections, of course, but is also capable of DC fast charging; The EPA rates the ID.4’s fuel economy at 104 MPGe city and 89 MPGe highway; The interior offers contemporary design with high-tech features, ambient lighting and lots of cargo space.
Want to see more of the best EVs? Check out our inventory below:
