DRIVERS are only just realising a major car firm’s new model set to “rival Tesla” has so many hidden features.
A YouTuber has revealed many of the surprise new elements in one of the latest electric vehicle produced by motoring giant Audi.
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Doug DeMuro, who posts reviews of both new models and classic cars to his channel with 4.5million viewers, has told of being impressed by the German manufacturer’s new SUV.
And his video title suggested Audi were taking “another shot at Tesla“, the EV firm run by billionaire Elon Musk who also owns X, formerly Twitter.
The Q8 E-Tron Sportback has been hailed for giving owners extra help when charging up before journeys.
It has not one but two charging ports, Doug told viewers – on both the passenger and driver sides, which helps not only powering up but also parking.
He said: “I’ve never really seen that before – certainly interesting.”
Doug also praised the size of the car’s battery, giving it a range of up to 296 miles per charge.
Other new features he pinpointed include a front grille bearing a new Audi logo as well as an LED light bar.
And he was pleased with how much space there is for people travelling in the back – as well as extra storage in the boot.
He also uncovered a hidden wireless phone charger tucked within the front seats.
Doug added: “It’s not particularly unusual, having one – but the way it’s done is cool.
“It’s vertical, rather than horizontal which takes up more space, and it has this little strap to keep your phone from moving around.”
He lauded Audi for what he called their “good thinking”, while also talking highly of two “very responsive” touchscreens which could help drivers find destinations more easily by providing a keyboard.
Online commenters responded by praising the new model for having special features – but nothing too complicated or off-putting.
One said: “Many people hate giant touch screens and crazy technology, so they desire a simple and elegant EV that doesn’t feel like they’re getting into a space ship.
“Audi built this car to cater to that market that wants an easy and simple transition from internal combustion to electric.”
Another posted: “The dual charging ports is actually a game-changer.
“I’ve pulled up to so many chargers where the one that’s open doesn’t have a charger positioned to easily reach my charging port and the other ones are all taken – honestly should be standard on all EVs.”
And Doug was also told: “I’ve always wondered why more manufacturers don’t include two charging ports – seems like a small price added with good convenience.”
Audi now has eight models in its electric vehicle portfolio, with plans to expand that to more than 20 by 2020.
The Sun’s review earlier this year described the latest Q8 – which has prices starting at £97,500 – as “the leading luxury electric vehicle”.
The latest praise comes days after another Audi SUV was removed from sale in the UK after becoming too popular.
The brand has also announced it’s scrapping the Tourist Trophy – known as TT – next year.
But a brand new Audi RS 3 has been spotted in testing.
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