Better standard features than the base model that include - 2020 Audi E-Tron Sportback Review
0Overview
The most charming element of the Audi e-tron and the sleeker e-tron Sportback is that it’s not visually obvious that these luxury SUVs are fully electric. Both models share an all-wheel-drive powertrain that generates 355 horsepower with an EPA-estimated range of as much as 222 miles (or 218 miles for e-tron Sportback). In Sport mode, the e-tron can even produce as much as 402 horsepower, but only for a moment. It’s styled like typical SUVs, with stylish wheels, LED head- and taillights, and unlike the Tesla Model X or Ford Mustang Mach-E, the e-tron wears a traditional grille on its front bumper. The e-tron’s 150-kW fast-charger can recharge the battery up to 80 percent in about 30 minutes, and adapters, cables, or small groceries can all be conveniently stored in the frunk. For the e-tron, familiarity and comfort take priority over maximum driving range, producing an experience that’s more luxurious than flamboyant.
What's New for 2023?
Audi makes mild changes to e-tron and e-tron Sportback trims for 2023. Black headliner is now standard on base Sportback SUVs. For e-tron Sportback Prestige trims, new standard equipment includes 22-inch five-spoke wheels, orange front and rear brake calipers, rear side airbags, Audi’s Matrix-design headlights, and the Black Optic exterior package. Both e-tron S and e-tron Sportback S get carbon square inlays and the LED interior lighting package as standard, while Prestige trim levels of those SUVs now get Audi’s Matrix-design headlights.
We like the price point of the entry-level Premium trim level, and pairing it with the sleeker Sportback helps the e-tron garner more attention. This combination benefits from upscale standard features such as 20-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats, four-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. We'd add even more desirable equipment with the optional Convenience Plus package that brings black exterior trim, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a 360-degree camera system. We'd also opt for the Tow package to utilize the e-tron's 4000-pound towing capacity.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Beneath the e-tron's heavily creased bodywork are two electric motors, one located at the front axle and the other at the rear. Together they provide electronic all-wheel drive, but the rear motor does most of the work. In regular driving situations, they make a combined 355 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque. However, putting 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 electric vehicles, and the smooth and quiet ride quality confirmed its luxury bona fides. Its stopping system expertly blended its traditional brakes with the obligatory regenerative braking system. However, we were disappointed that its regen wasn't aggressive enough to enable one-pedal driving during our test of the Sportback model. Still, the e-tron demonstrates traditional SUV characteristics with the ability to tow up to 4000 pounds. The more powerful e-tron S and e-tron Sportback S boosts output to 496 horsepower and 718 pound-feet of torque. That's possible via its triple motors, and while we haven't tested it yet, Audi estimates it can arrive at 60 mph a full second sooner than non-S e-trons.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The regular e-tron has an EPA-estimated driving range of 222 miles, and the Sportback version is rated at 218 miles. However, both variants still trail rivals such as the I-Pace (234 miles) and the Model X Long Range (up to 371 miles). The e-tron S 496-hp performance model gets an EPA-estimated 181 miles of range, while the e-tron S sportback eeks out 185 on a single charge. Every e-tron features an impressive 150-kW fast charger that allows it to replenish 80 percent of its battery in about 30 minutes. By comparison, the Jaguar EV has a 100-kW DC charger that takes longer to recharge its battery. Those using a more conventional 240-volt outlet will be able to fully charge the e-tron in about nine hours.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The e-tron SUV is expected to earn 78 MPGe combined, and the Sportback model is rated slightly lower at 77 MPGe combined. We tested both body styles on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. The regular e-tron returned 67 MPGe and the Sportback returned 75 MPGe. For comparison, the last I-Pace we evaluated achieved 64 MPGe in the same test. For more information about the e-tron's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.