Overview
Essentially the most charming component of the Audi e-tron and the sleeker e-tron Sportback is that it’s not visually apparent that these luxurious SUVs are fully-electric. Each fashions share an all-wheel-drive powertrain that generates 355 horsepower with an EPA-estimated vary of as a lot as 222 miles (or 218 miles for e-tron Sportback). In sport mode, the e-tron may even produce as a lot as 402 horsepower, however just for a second. It’s styled like typical SUVs, with trendy wheels, LED head- and taillights, and in contrast to the Tesla Mannequin X or Ford Mustang Mach-E, the e-tron wears a conventional grille on its entrance bumper. The e-tron’s 150-kW fast-charger can recharge the battery as much as 80 p.c in about half-hour, and adapters, cables, or small groceries can all be conveniently saved within the frunk. For the e-tron, familiarity and luxury take precedence over most driving vary producing an expertise that’s extra luxurious than flamboyant.
What’s New for 2023?
Audi makes delicate modifications to e-tron and e-tron Sportback trims for 2023. Black headliner is now normal on base Sportback SUVs. For e-tron Sportback Status trims, new normal gear consists of 22-inch five-spoke wheels, orange entrance and rear brake calipers, rear facet airbags, Audi’s Matrix-design headlights, and the Black Optic exterior package deal. Each e-tron S and e-tron Sportback S get carbon sq. inlays and the LED inside lighting package deal normal, whereas Status trim ranges of these SUVs now get Audi’s Matrix-design headlights.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
We like the value level of the entry-level Premium trim degree, and pairing it with the sleeker Sportback helps the e-tron garner extra consideration. This mix advantages from upscale normal options reminiscent of 20-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring, heated entrance seats, four-zone local weather management, leather-based upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. We would add much more fascinating gear with the non-compulsory Comfort Plus package deal that brings black exterior trim, adaptive cruise management, lane-departure warning, and a 360-degree digital camera system. We would additionally go for the Tow package deal to make the most of the e-tron’s 4000-pound towing capability.
EV Motor, Energy, and Efficiency
Beneath the e-tron’s closely creased bodywork are two electrical motors, one positioned on the entrance axle and the opposite on the rear. Collectively they supply digital all-wheel drive, however the rear motor does many of the work. In common driving conditions, they make a mixed 355 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque. Nonetheless, placing the transmission in Sport mode briefly unlocks 402 ponies and 490 pound-feet. Our driving impressions revealed that the e-tron was swift and composed. Its snappy acceleration is typical of electrical autos, and the sleek and quiet experience high quality confirmed its luxurious bona fides. Its stopping system expertly blended its conventional brakes with the compulsory regenerative braking system. Nonetheless, we have been dissatisfied that its regen wasn’t aggressive sufficient to allow one-pedal driving throughout our take a look at of the Sportback mannequin. Nonetheless, the e-tron demonstrates conventional SUV traits with the power to tow as much as 4000 kilos.
Vary, Charging, and Battery Life
The common e-tron has an EPA-estimated driving vary of 222 miles, and the Sportback model is rated at 218 miles. Nonetheless, each variants nonetheless path rivals such because the I-Tempo (234 miles) and the Mannequin X Lengthy Vary (as much as 371 miles). Each e-tron options a formidable 150-kW quick charger that permits it to replenish 80 p.c of its battery in about half-hour. By comparability, the Jaguar EV has a 100-kW DC charger that takes longer to recharge its battery. These utilizing a extra typical 240-volt outlet will have the ability to absolutely cost the e-tron in about 9 hours.
Gas Financial system and Actual-World MPGe
The e-tron SUV is predicted to earn 78 MPGe mixed, and the Sportback mannequin is rated barely decrease at 77 MPGe mixed. We examined each physique kinds on our 75-mph freeway fuel-economy route, which is a part of our in depth testing routine. The common e-tron returned 67 MPGe and the Sportback returned 75 MPGe. For comparability, the final I-Tempo we evaluated achieved 64 MPGe in the identical take a look at.
For extra details about the e-tron’s gas financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
The e-tron’s most spectacular know-how is its electrified methods, however the five-seat crossover additionally has a cutting-edge and sensible cabin. Its dashboard is full of a number of high-resolution screens that embody Audi’s digital gauge cluster—referred to as Digital Cockpit—and two flush-mounted touchscreens within the heart. After all, there are a number of upscale choices reminiscent of a head-up show and massaging entrance seats to additional spherical out the e-tron’s refined inside, which advantages from a flat ground because of its neatly packaged underfloor battery pack. That helps present the common e-tron with a commodious cargo space that measures 29 cubic ft behind the again row and 57 with the seatbacks folded flat. The Sportback’s sloping roofline reduces each figures by 2 cubes, however we nonetheless match seven carry-on suitcases behind its rear seats—one lower than within the common e-tron.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Each e-tron’s infotainment system runs via twin touchscreens, with a ten.1-inch show on prime and an 8.8-inch unit beneath it. Whereas the higher display screen supplies entry to the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps in addition to the obtainable Bang & Olufsen audio system, the underside display screen is principally used for controlling the local weather settings. Together with a number of energy factors, the system additionally incorporates a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot; a wi-fi smartphone charger is non-compulsory.
Security and Driver-Help Options
Audi deploys an array of ordinary driver-assistance know-how on each e-tron physique kinds, they usually’re obtainable with adaptive cruise management and self-parking help.
For extra details about the e-tron SUV and e-tron Sportback’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:
- Commonplace forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Commonplace blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Commonplace lane-departure warning
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
Audi supplies a aggressive albeit unremarkable restricted and powertrain guarantee.
- Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Electrical parts are lined for eight years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled upkeep
Specs
Specs
2020 Audi e-tron Sportback
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE AS TESTED
$89,490 (base worth: $78,395)
MOTOR TYPE
2 induction AC motors, 184 and 224 hp, 228 and 262 lb-ft; mixed output, 402 hp, 490 lb-ft; 86.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
TRANSMISSION
2 single-speed direct drive
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 14.8-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone CrossContact LX Sport, 265/45R-21 108H M+S AO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 115.0 in
Size: 193.0 in
Width: 76.2 in
Top: 65.0 in
Passenger quantity: 102 ft3
Cargo quantity: 27 ft3
Curb weight: 5819 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.1 sec
100 mph: 13.3 sec
120 mph: 22.2 sec
Rolling begin, 5–60 mph: 5.2 sec
Prime gear, 30–50 mph: 2.3 sec
Prime gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec
1/4 mile: 13.8 sec @ 101 mph
Prime velocity (governor restricted, mfr’s declare): 125 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 182 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.84 g
Standing-start accel instances omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Noticed: 73 MPGe
75-mph freeway driving: 75 MPGe
Freeway vary: 220 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Mixed/metropolis/freeway: 77/76/78 MPGe
Vary: 218 miles