2022 Audi e-tron Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

All-electric SUVs aren't too prevalent in the market just yet, so your choices are going to be rather limited. But the ones that are out there are all decent vehicles. And the 2022 Audi e-tron is definitely one of them. You can get a good performance from the standard e-tron, which serves up an eye-catching interior design, a lot of premium features, and a smooth ride quality that exudes luxury.

Plus, if you want something a little sportier, you can now select the performance-centered S model. This all-wheel-drive SUV has three motors that, combined, put out a total of 429 hp, which can be temporarily boosted to 496 hp. With launch control employed, the S model might actually be able to get from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.3 seconds. The 5.5 seconds that the base 355-hp model manages is nothing to scoff at though. A Tesla isn't going to leave the S model in the dust.

The one drawback to getting the e-tron is its range. At 222 miles of electric range, the e-tron is functional as a daily commuter but not so much for longer distances. It falls a little bit short of industry standards, for which Tesla is setting some seriously high standards. Some of these rivals get at least 250 miles on a charge, if not more. At least it seems that the e-tron's estimates can be matched in real-world driving.

Charging the e-tron at home is quick. The e-tron comes with a 9.6-kW onboard charger that gets matched up with a cord that features a NEMA 14-50 plug end. The car won't take too long to charge at 150-kW on the Electrify America DC fast-charging network.

There are a few competitors out there, but the e-tron stands out with its strikingly European vibe and refined interior design. With a strong sense of luxury and lengthy list of standard safety and infotainment features, the e-tron is an attractive vehicle. But which of its three trim levels holds the most value?

In order to help you make a more informed buying decision, we will compare the 2022 Audi e-tron's three trim levels: the Premium, Premium Plus, and the Chronos Edition(which simply replaces last year's line-topping Prestige trim level). Which one will be the right fit for you? Time to find out.

Compare the Premium vs Premium Plus Trims. What is the difference?

The 2022 Audi e-tron's line-up commences with the Premium trim level. The Premium is followed up by the mid-tier Premium Plus trim level. These trim levels are both powered by a standard twin electric motor which is able to put out 402 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque with boost engaged. These vehicles have a top speed of 124 miles per hour and can get from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Max towing capacity tops out at 4,000 pounds when the vehicle is properly equipped. A 95 kwh battery comes equipped as well. Power gets directed to all four wheels (a system that Audi calls quattro) via a single-speed automatic transmission.

The steering system is an electromechanical progressive steering system with a steering ratio of 15.9:1. The curb to curb turning diameter is an even 40.0 feet. The e-tron comes with a five-link with adaptive air suspension for the front and a rear five-link with adaptive air suspension as well. If you wish to opt for them, there are available orange brake calipers that add a degree of sportiness to the e-tron.

Audi backs its battery with an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty. The charging port is located on the driver's side front fender with a secondary port located on the passenger front fender (which is AC only). Charging from 0-100% on AC 9.6 kW takes about 10.5 hours and will give you that 222 miles of all electric range. On the Premium Plus, there is an additional charging port on right side of the e-tron.

Now, let's talk exterior features. The Premium rides on top of 20-inch 5-double-spoke turbine wheels with a bi-color design. The adaptive air suspension allows you to raise and lower the ride height as needed, plus you can change the handling stability and ride comfort settings this way. There is a hands-free power liftgate that allows easy access to the cargo area so that you can load an unload your cargo. Take note that the cargo area is rather generously spaced and easy to load due to its flat load floor design. Additionally, there is a little cargo hold located under the hood of the e-tron for extra storage space should you need it.

Up top of the vehicle, you get a power operated panoramic sunroof that lets in extra light and - when you need it - more airflow. It doesn't cut down too much on head room for tall rear seat occupants either. In the front of the vehicle, you get LED headlights that come equipped with high-beam assist. There are also LED daytime running lights and tail lights, not to mention the dynamic rear indicators. Of course, the Premium Plus one-ups this with fancy digital matrix-design LED headlights, dynamic turn signals, and a full array of LED taillights that have an animation function built into them.

Inside of the cabin, you will find that there are some superbly comfortable seats fore and aft. On the Premium, the front seats are heated and power adjustable eight ways and come with driver 4-way power lumbar and driver memory. Leather upholstery is standard. On the Premium Plus, you get treated to upgraded eight-way power adjustable front seats that are heated and ventilated and come with 4-way power lumbar support and driver memory settings. There is a digital instrumentation display up front, and you can easily slide in behind the power adjustable (and - bonus - heated) steering wheel. Mounted onto this steering wheel are multiple controls, allowing you easier access to things like volume and audio control and cruise control. A four-zone climate control system distributes air throughout the cabin, sticking closely to the set preferred temperatures.

LED interior lighting graces the cabin of the e-tron Premium, but on the Premium Plus, you get to configure how you want your ambient interior lighting to look. The MMI 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen system is standard issue, and it is one of the more user-friendly models on the market right now. The prompts are easy to follow, and the screen doesn't produce a whole lot of glare. You get standard smartphone app integration through both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A 10-speaker sound system comes equipped on the Premium, but on the Premium Plus, you get to rock out to the 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System, which produces crystal-clear, concert-like sound quality throughout the cabin. Navigation is built into the infotainment system, and you can use the voice controls to set up your route. The voice controls do a thorough enough job of recognizing and interpreting natural speech patterns and commands. Opting for the Premium Plus tacks on the wireless phone charging and an onboard signal booster.

Audi equips the e-tron with a fairly broad array of driver aids. This list includes forward collision mitigation, a blind spot monitor with accompanying rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors for the front and rear of the e-tron, and lane departure warning. On the Premium Plus, you also get a traffic sign recognition, which notifies the driver of any new road signs, including stop signs and posted speed limit signs.

The Premium does leave you with a few options. First, the Towing package - which boosts you up to the max towing capacity of 4,000 pounds - outfits the e-tron with a seven-pin tow connector and a trailer hitch.

The other optional package you are left with on the Premium trim level is the Convenience Package (which does become standard issue on the Premium Plus). The Convenience Package gives the e-tron black-painted exterior styling elements (which are actually left off of the Premium Plus trim level), rear automatic braking, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, turning assist, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and emergency assist.

On the Premium Plus, you can still opt for the Towing Package if you want it. You also get to select the Black Optic Package, which includes those orange brake calipers. It additionally features black painted 21-inch wheels and special black-painted exterior styling cues.

Compare the Premium Plus vs Chronos Edition. What is the difference?

This year's Chronos Edition basically replaces last year's Prestige trim level, which was the line-topper for the e-tron. The Chronos Edition doesn't really change anything - it essentially just gives the Prestige a cooler name. It makes the Black Optic package standard, and it upgrades the headlight design too. The cabin benefits from a dual-pane acoustic glass design that keeps things nice and quiet inside. A head-up display projects important vehicle info onto the windshield in front of your eyes, and there is extended leather on the dash, seats, and armrests.

Up front, you get massaging on the front seats. The rear windows come with their own sunshades. The upgraded soft close doors will catch as you close them before they gently pull themselves shut. Also, intersection assist will warn you of traffic at an upcoming intersection.

Compare the S Premium Plus vs S Prestige Trim. What is the difference?

Since we are talking about the standard e-tron, we might as well go over the differences on the S models. Now, they are a bit different from the standard e-tron in terms of power. As we already mentioned, the S models come with an additional rear-mounted electric motor. This gives them that combined power output of 429 horsepower and 596 lb-ft of torque. When boost is engaged, those numbers temporarily go up to 496 hp and 717 lb-ft of torque.

The S Premium Plus essentially has the same equipment as the regular Premium Plus. It does, however, give you a few more options. For example, you can select the Individual Contour Seat package, which gives the front seats the massaging function and ventilation. This also equips premium leather upholstery. The available 21-inch Black Optic package gives you 21-inch black painted wheels plus black roof rails, configurable ambient interior lighting, and black painted exterior styling cues. There is also a Towing package with a 3,300-pound towing capacity instead of the 4,000-pound max towing package.

The S Prestige adds the dual-pane glass for a quieter ride inside of the cabin. Also, you get the head-up display, soft close doors, intersection assist, configurable ambient interior lighting, and rear window sunshades.

Options on the S Prestige include a 22-inch Wheels Black Optics package, upgraded headlights, the Towing package, and the Individual Contour package.

Final Thoughts

It should be pretty evident by now that the 2022 Audi e-tron is a stylish and modern vehicle geared toward those looking to leave a smaller carbon footprint upon on gorgeous green earth. 222 miles of pure electric range does not seem like a lot compared to what some of the e-tron's rivals achieve, but it is certainly a vehicle that is quick to charge - and that quick-charging capability does help to offset the lower electric mileage.

Overall, the e-tron is a relaxing ride. If you're looking to get the most bang for your buck though, go for the e-tron S Premium Plus. This gives you that crucial extra motor for better acceleration. And the Premium Plus adds enough extra features to justify the cost. The Chronos Edition/Prestige just does not quite tack on enough features to make the leap in price feel justifiable. The S Premium Plus is a great middle-of-the-road option for the average buyer in this segment.