The Audi e-tron Sportback has established itself as one of the most eye-catching vehicles in the luxury electric SUV segment. Joining the e-tron family in 2020, the Sportback is the sportiest version of the regular all-electric e-tron SUV, featuring the same sloppy roofline that spices up the e-tron lineage with a little more pizzazz and athleticism.
The Sportback is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a new taste of the e-tron drive but in a sportier and more refined way. Audi’s flagship E-tron Sportback EV offers a good balance between price, features, performance, and functionality, and is very competitive in the automotive segment. Needless to say, it's not a flawless vehicle, though. You may have a feel for a more tesla-like driving range, with lesser consumption or a lower curb weight. Also, the roofline does eat a little into the rear passenger headroom and cargo space area behind the rear seats. But that should be a less price to pay for a luxury crossover that has a lot to offer.
The 2022 e-tron Sportback carries on from the predecessor and is offering exciting features that make it an all-time segment winner. This includes the excellent build quality, an advanced automatic regenerative braking system, excellent driving dynamics, a chassis and electric drive that mask its high weight, and more features that leave you wanting more, all within a price range that’s comparable to combustion SUVs, if not less. The Sportback is available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Chronos Edition. In a market full of inspiring electric crossovers, the Audi e-tron Sportback is definitely worth your consideration.
Read on to find out why the e-tron Sportback deserves to be your everyday driver.
The Audi E-Tron Sportback: Engine Power, Efficiency, And Charging
The entire 2022 Audi e-tron lineup is equipped with a strong 95-kWh battery that sends power to a pair of electric motors to generate 355 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque. If you need extra power, you can activate the available boost mode, which bumps the power output to 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque, allowing the e-tron Sportback to achieve a 60 mph sprint in just 5.5 seconds.
You'll be glad to know while the Audi E-tron isn't the most efficient crossover EV in the segment, it's still among the best right now, with around 77 combined MPGe at best, depending on the conditions of the road and the chosen body style. It also has an excellent charging capability, which utilizes either the standard 11-kW onboard charger or the available 22-kW option. You can charge the e-tron at home in Level 1 mode. This will take around 9 hours to attain a full charge. If you’re on the road, you can charge at public chargers in Level 2 mode. We love the fact that you can also charge at a public fast-charge Level 3 station, which will give you an 80 percent of charge in just under 30 minutes.
The Audi E-Tron Sportback Has A Luxurious And Comfy Interior
The e-tron Sportback has one of the most enticing interiors in the SUV class, with luxury that spans across the entire cabin, from the interface placement to the spatial geometry and every panel, with incredible attention to detail. Adding to its upscale look and feel, it has high-quality materials, including its soft-touch plastics, that add elegance and charisma. Plus, all models flaunt leather upholstery, with the upper Premium Plus and Chronos Edition trims featuring wood accents. Audi’s design team understands that luxury isn’t just about fitting in the best and most expensive materials. Rather, it’s about adding more details that allow for a smooth and enjoyable experience to call occupants. And that is the philosophy that separates the Audi e-tron lineage from the rest of its competition.
Aside, from all the luxury materials, another reason we love the interior of the e-tron is the seating and comfort. The Sportback can sit up to 5 passengers comfortably, with lots of headroom in the front and rear occupants, with seats are that are both supportive and relaxing, taking the stress and discomfort out of long travels for a more pleasant riding experience. The front row is the roomiest and offers heat functions for both seats, with optional features like ventilation and massage. The rear passengers get optional heating, and, in spite of the sloppy roofline, have plenty of space. We can’t say the same about the cargo space, though, which only offers 27.2 cubic feet behind the back row. But, with the rear seats folded, the cargo hold grows to a decent 54.5 cubic feet.
The Audi E-Tron Sportback: Tech And Connectivity Features
The e-tron has plenty of appealing standard tech features, which include the state-of-the-art MMI infotainment system, featuring the 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch dual-touch screens. The upper touchscreen gives you access to navigation, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and satellite radio.
With the bottom screen, you can control the climate settings. The bottom of the dash features two USB ports to plug in your devices. For a few extra bucks, you can unlock a wireless charging function
The Audi E-Tron Sportback Has Great Handling
Behind the wheel, the e-tron delivers an active and more composed ride quality, with decent driving dynamics. There is an excellent synergy between the 95-kWh battery, the motors, the steering, and the swift drivetrain that gives you a unique identity, whether you’re in the city or on the highway. Thanks to the highly efficient regenerative braking, you’ll always feel in control.
Plus, the interior soundproofing specs on the e-tron are insane, eliminating the unnecessary and annoying road and wind noises. The suspension system is another strong attribute, which gives you a smoother and comfier drive regardless of the road conditions.