My E-tron isn’t the fully loaded Launch Edition, but even the regular one is classy and luxurious inside, with a configurable digital instrument panel and a pair of sharp, responsive, central touchscreens for the infotainment and secondary functions such as the climate control.

Although the interior is very high-tech, it’s remarkably close to what you’d find in any other recent high-end Audi, so there’s nothing too intimidating about it. Having said that, I haven’t seen a gear selector like the E-tron’s before. It’s a smooth, flat slab of metal that you operate with your fingertips and thumb.

Surprisingly, you have to add the £1950 Tour Pack (which we’ve done) to get extra driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition and other collision avoidance systems. Our car has conventional door mirrors rather than the optional camera-based alternatives (sadly) and differs slightly from UK spec in that it has, as individual options, an advanced key for high-security keyless entry (normally part of the £1895 Comfort and Sound Pack) and super-clear Audi Beam LED puddle lights (otherwise available on the Launch Edition only).

Despite the question mark over its efficiency, the E-tron is such an interesting and significant car that I consider myself lucky to be running one. I can already say with confidence that it’s one of the smoothest, quietest and plushest-riding cars I’ve driven, aided by the optional double-glazed side windows we’ve got on our car.

And If I’m going to run a luxury SUV, I’m glad it’s an electric one that doesn’t put out any CO2 or pollutants and will save me a fortune in fuel bills. The fact that the E-tron seemingly won’t go as far on a charge as its rivals might not matter when all of its other qualities are taken into account. This isn’t just any electric car, after all. It’s an electric Audi.

Second Opinion

After a succession of EVs that have been deliberately different and all too keen to shout about being battery powered, the E-tron is refreshingly normal. It’s a luxury car first and an electric one second, fitting right in with the rest of Audi’s range – but, given the price, it’ll be interesting to see if this subtlety is so endearing at the end the test.

Tom Morgan

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Audi E-tron 55 quattro prices and specification

Prices: List price new £68,020 (after £3500 government grant) List price now £68,060 Price as tested £74,725 Dealer value now £63,760 Private value now £60,010 Trade value now £57,125 (part exchange)

Options:Tour Pack (£1950), Advanced Key (£850), fourzone deluxe automatic climate control (£825), Glacier White metallic paint (£750), acoustic side window glazing (£525), rear side airbags and illuminated seatbelt buckles (£475), privacy glass (£475), aluminium roof rails (£425), Audi Music Interface, rear (£175), Audi Beam (£150), Storage and Luggage Pack (£125)

Fuel consumption and range: Official range 237 miles Test range 220 miles Test best 2.9 miles/kWh Test average 2.3 miles /kWh

Tech highlights: 0-62mph 5.7sec (boost mode) Top speed 124mph Engine Twin electric motors Max power 402bhp (boost mode) Max torque 490lb ft (boost mode) Transmission single-speed automatic Battery capacity 95kWh Boot capacity 660-1725 litres Wheels 9.0Jx20in, alloy Tyres 255/50 R20 Bridgestone Alenza 001 Kerb weight 2565kg