For buyers who don’t want the full SUV look, the Audi e-tron is now also available as the more style-oriented Sportback. Initially launched in 55 quattro form – a lower-powered 50 quattro will follow later – prices range from £79,900 to £95,100.
With a “coupe-inspired roofline and performance-orientated specification” according to Audi, the Sportback is claimed to lose little in outright practicality compared to the regular SUV. Rear headroom is reduced by 20mm while luggage capacity ranges from 615 to 1665 litres when the 60 litres available under the bonnet is included.
The 55 quattro is fitted with a 95kWh battery and one asynchronous motor per axle – operating mostly in rear-wheel drive the front motor kicks-in as traction and performance demands. Claimed range is 241 miles while performance figures are a top speed of 124mph with 0-60mph in 6.6, although a boost mode available for eight seconds liberates the full 402bhp of power, reducing the benchmark sprint time to just 5.7 seconds. The 50 quattro will produce a peak output of 308bhp and is fitted with a 71kWh battery pack.
As for recharging, the 55 quattro supports 150kW charging which replenishes the battery to 80% in around 30 minutes. The 50 quattro is capable of 120kW charging, and using a 7kW wall box a full charge is achieved in 10.5 to 14 hours. Audi’s e-tron Charging Service supplies an RFID card that is compatible with a variety of charging points, while using the myAudi App allows for setting charging times remotely as well as the pre-setting of cabin temperature.
The Sportback range starts with S line trim which brings 21-inch wheels, Matrix LED headlights and adaptive air-suspension along with the Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument display and touchscreen MMI infotainment system. Costing £85,900, stepping up to the Launch Edition bags unique exterior styling elements, a panoramic roof and conventional door mirrors that are replaced by rear-view cameras linking to OLED screens in the cabin. Vorsprung trim tops the range and includes the likes of 22-inch wheels, orange brake calipers, powered door closure and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
There’s also a full suite of driver assistance systems which, depending on model, includes the likes of adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, the predictive efficiency assistant to optimise battery usage and range and camera-based parking systems.
The 55 quattro is available to order now, with the order book for the 50 quattro opening in the autumn.
Find more info:
Audi
Join the Club:
Audi Owners Club
Club Audi
