Audi’s first-ever, pure-electric model, the e-tron, has a new derivative. Nope, it isn’t the Sportback that we know is coming. In fact, it is an entry-level variant of the e-tron and wears the tag 50 Quattro. For the record, the sole e-tron variant we knew about until now is in Audi’s world known as the 55 Quattro.

Right then, how does the 50 compare to the 55? A difference of 5? No. That’s not how Audi plays its game. The 50 Quattro is essentially a lesser version of the 55. The new variant packs a 71kWh battery pack, which is 24kWh less than the 55 Quattro. Naturally, the smaller battery has less travel range on offer. Audi claims that according to the WLTP cycle, the e-tron 50 quattro can travel up to 299km on a single charge. That’s 118km less than the 55 Quattro.

Propelling the new variant are two electric motors, one for the front and rear axles each. That makes for an electric all-wheel-drive setup. The total system output is 308hp/540Nm, which is good for a 0-100kmph time of 7 seconds and a top speed of 190kmph. The 55 Quattro, on the other hand, has up to 402hp/664Nm on tap and that enables the e-tron to crack the 0-100kmph sprint in 5.7 seconds and top out at 200kmph.

The Audi e-tron 50 Quattro also has quick charging capability at up to 120kW (up to 150kW in 55 Quattro). With the DC feed connected, the battery pack can replenish from zero to 80 per cent in approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, the electric vehicle can also be charged via an AC feed from 2.3kW/230V single-phase, which is typically found in a house, to 11kW/400V three-phase – an industrial-level charge point. Needless to say, energy recuperation technology is also available in the lesser version.

It is pretty clear what Audi is trying to do here. It wants the e-tron to cover a wider range of buyers. Will the new version attract more customers? Only time will tell. Audi says that the e-tron 50 Quattro will go on sale in the UK early next year. Since the e-tron is also slated to land in India in the near future, expect the lesser of the two versions to arrive first.