Ever heard of the Audi R8 E-Tron? Nope, we haven’t either. We did hear a rumour many years ago that the German manufacturer was testing an all-electric supercar which they would go onto silently launch at a retail price of $1.1 million dollars or AED 4,040,465!
No wonder less than 100 individual’s bought it! At that price, you could buy six brand new 2017 Audi R8 models. Each model is powered by two electric motors planted in the rear end producing a combined 456 horsepower and 920 Nm of torque.
Unlike petrol versions, all-electric models are driven by the rear wheels controlled by a single-speed transmission. 0-100 km/h is attained in 3.9 seconds, and its top speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h.
There is some good news to come out of this. Seeing as such a low number of R8 E-Tron models were actually sold, those who forked over the cash are sitting on quite the investment as in a few years time these will become a collector’s item and fetch higher prices.
A few years ago, Mercedes faced a similar dilemma with their Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive. Although they sold in small numbers in 2013, four electric motors generated a respectable 740 horsepower, and each model cost around a $385,000 or AED 1,414,162 or the same price of roughly two petrol-powered versions.
It’s unknown if either of these two models are represented in the UAE. Next time you see an Audi R8 or Mercedes-Benz SLS, check the rear end for exhaust pipes as electric cars don’t have any.
Want to buy a petrol-powered Audi sportscar? Find used Audi R8 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
