Audi e tron SUV Luxury Meets Electric Performance

Audi e-tron

Get in and feel good

The contemporary, flowing design continues in the Audi e-trons interior; it's sweeping dashboard adding to the feeling of space and housing the two large MMI touch screens and the Audi virtual cockpit. The touch screens feature haptic and audio feedback, creating a clean and streamlined interior environment while still placing control of the e-trons vehicle systems and infotainment literally at the drivers fingertips. Combined with the voice command and multi-function steering wheel, the driver remains in complete control while still remaining completely focused on the road ahead.

Engineered to go the distance

Whether for a weekend trip or a longer trip - with a maximum range of up to 484 kilometers, the Audi e-tron is eminently suitable for long journeys. The large high-voltage battery and an intelligent recuperation system do their part.

More than meets the eye

• The Audi e-tron offers lightweight alloy wheels available in 50.8 centimeter which translate into lower consumption and optimized aerodynamics.

First class in the second row too

• In the rear, up to three people can enjoy the large space available for the Audi e-tron. Alternatively, you can use the functionality of the SUV: When the seat is folded down, the maximum storage volume is up to 1,725 liters.

2023 Audi e-tron / e-tron Sportback

Overview

The most charming element of the Audi e-tron and the sleeker e-tron Sportback is that its 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 226 miles (or 225 miles for e-tron Sportback). In Sport mode, the e-tron can even produce as much as 402 horsepower, but only for a moment. Its 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-trons 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 thats 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, Audis 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 Audis Matrix-design headlights.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

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 226 miles, and the Sportback version is rated at 225 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 208 miles of range on 20-inch wheels and 181 miles on 21- and 22-inch ones, while the similarly-shod e-tron S sportback eeks out 212 and 185, respectively, 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.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The e-tron's most impressive technology is its electrified systems, but the five-seat crossover also has a cutting-edge and practical cabin. Its dashboard is packed with multiple high-resolution screens that include Audi's digital gauge clustercalled Virtual Cockpitand two flush-mounted touchscreens in the center. Of course, there are a variety of upscale options such as a head-up display and massaging front seats to further round out the e-tron's sophisticated interior, which benefits from a flat floor thanks to its neatly packaged underfloor battery pack. That helps provide the regular e-tron with a commodious cargo area that measures 29 cubic feet behind the back row and 57 with the seatbacks folded flat. The Sportback's sloping roofline reduces both figures by 2 cubes, but we still fit seven carry-on suitcases behind its rear seatsone less than in the regular e-tron.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every e-tron's infotainment system runs through dual touchscreens, with a 10.1-inch display on top and an 8.8-inch unit below it. While the upper screen provides access to the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps as well as the available Bang & Olufsen audio system, the bottom screen is mainly used for controlling the climate settings. Along with several power points, the system also features a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot; a wireless smartphone charger is optional.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Audi deploys an array of standard driver-assistance technology on both e-tron body styles, and they're available with adaptive cruise control and self-parking assist. For more information about the e-tron SUV and e-tron Sportback's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Standard lane-departure warning

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi provides a competitive albeit unremarkable limited and powertrain warranty.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2020 Audi e-tron Sportback

VEHICLE TYPEfront-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED$89,490 (base price: $78,395)

MOTOR TYPE2 induction AC motors, 184 and 224 hp, 228 and 262 lb-ft; combined output, 402 hp, 490 lb-ft; 86.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack

TRANSMISSION2 single-speed direct drive

CHASSISSuspension (F/R): multilink/multilinkBrakes (F/R): 14.8-in vented disc/13.8-in vented discTires: Bridgestone CrossContact LX Sport, 265/45R-21 108H M+S AO

DIMENSIONSWheelbase: 115.0 inLength: 193.0 inWidth: 76.2 inHeight: 65.0 inPassenger volume: 102 ft³Cargo volume: 27 ft³Curb weight: 5819 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS60 mph: 5.1 sec100 mph: 13.3 sec120 mph: 22.2 secRolling start, 560 mph: 5.2 secTop gear, 3050 mph: 2.3 secTop gear, 5070 mph: 3.0 sec1/4 mile: 13.8 sec @ 101 mphTop speed (governor limited, mfr's claim): 125 mphBraking, 700 mph: 182 ftRoadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.84 gStanding-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.

C/D FUEL ECONOMYObserved: 73 MPGe75-mph highway driving: 75 MPGeHighway range: 220 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMYCombined/city/highway: 77/76/78 MPGeRange: 218 miles

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

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