*By Amanda Weston* Audi just entered the EV ring with the launch of e-tron, the company's first all-electric vehicle. For Filip Brabec, the VP of product management of Audi of America, the car has the potential to attract pretty much anyone. "This is a cool car, and we want to sell a cool car, and we believe that it really appeals to a broad audience of customers," he said Tuesday in an interview on Cheddar. Audi unveiled the [e-tron](https://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-e-tron), complete with two electric motors, on Monday. An optional "Driver Assistance Package" can detect driving conditions and adapt to dangerous situations like construction zones. It also automatically adjusts to the current speed limit and slows down at corners. A parking assist feature steers the car into parallel parking spaces. Audi also announced the company is partnering with Amazon for its new release, in what will be the e-commerce giant's foray into the auto market. Amazon Home Services will give drivers a fully-digital experience for in-home charging installations. The collaboration is designed to make setting up home charging easier and more interconnected. Customers can now reserve an e-tron ahead of delivery in mid-2019. The SUV starts at $74,800. The most expensive model, the first edition, has a price tag of $86,700. By comparison, Tesla's Model X has a starting price just below $80,000. But Brabec said the e-tron comes with more bells and whistles. "In reality, what you have there for $74,800 is essentially a fully-loaded car, and a car that really has all the features that are expected in this segment when it comes to leather seats, ventilated seats, sunroof, navigation system, you name it," Brabec said. "It's all in there." Brabec said customers who end up choosing an Audi over other models are usually seeking peace of mind. "This is why \[consumers are\] going to a company that has a very robust history and very robust engineering team," he said. Audi has over 300 dealers that service the cars and ensure full, safe performance, he added. Audi plans to release the e-tron by 2020. The company anticipates about 30 percent of its customers in the U.S. will go electric by 2025. For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/audi-launches-first-all-electric-vehicle).

Share:
More In Business
Securitize: The Private Credit Boom Is Here
Cheddar News' Need2Know is brought to you by Securitize, which helps unlock broader access to alternative investments in private businesses, funds, and other alternative assets. The private credit boom is here and the Hamilton Lane Senior Credit Opportunities Fund has tripled in assets under management in just six months from November 2022 through April this year. Visit Securitize.io to learn more.
Load More