The all-electric E-tron SUV has been with us for a little over a year now, a model that marked the beginning of Ingolstadt’s EVs offensive. The second of the series has now arrived, in the form of a sleeker, coupe-styled E-tron. UK prices are still to be confirmed, but expect them to sit marginally higher than for the standard E-tron. Order books open at the end of the month and first cars will hit the road in Spring next year.
As with many coupe SUVs, the E-tron Sportback sacrifices function for form, lowering height and adding a sloping roofline for a more sporty, coupe appearance. Practicality hasn’t taken too much of a hit, though, as just 20mm of headroom has been lost with the design changes, and the model receives unexpected improvements in other areas.
Subscribe to evo magazine
> Ford Mustang Mach-E uncovered as all-electric SUV
Though admittedly marginal gains, drag coefficient now sits at an improved 0.25 over that of the standard car, giving the Sportback increased efficiency for a 6.2-mile (WLTP) increase in range, bringing the total to 278 miles. Though a respectable figure, this only just puts it in line with the Mercedes-Benz EQC, below the 298 miles of the Jaguar I-Pace and significantly under the quoted 370 miles of the new Ford Mustang Mach-E.
As you’d expect, specs remain similar to those of the standard E-tron, with power output for the 55 model sitting at 396bhp and 414lb ft, with an eight-second boost offering an extra 76lb ft (490 in total) for a 0-62mph sprint of 5.7sec. Meanwhile, top speed is 124mph. Though a cheaper, less powerful 50 variant will arrive soon, the 55 sports an asynchronous electric motor on each axle, powered by a 95kWh battery pack.
Kerb weight for the Sportback hasn’t been quoted, but we don’t expect to see much change from the rather hefty 2498kg figure of the standard car – to soften the blow, this mass is distributed almost perfectly across both axles, with a near-50:50 ratio. Helping improve ride comfort is Audi’s air suspension, with a 75mm range of movement allowing it to adapt to road conditions.
Features specific to the E-tron Sportback are trick new digital matrix LED headlights, coming as standard for the first time in a mass-produced vehicle – in simple terms, the technology turns headlights into high-tech projectors, allowing the beam to be directed precisely where it’s needed, and away from where it’s not. A larger 22-inch wheel option is also available as an option on the Sportback, larger than on the standard car, as is a new Plasma Blue metallic paint scheme.
> New Audi e-tron review – heavyweight electric SUV is fast, but not much fun
The same rear light bar and 20-inch wheels come as standard, alongside a host of optional extras such as virtual mirrors and an uprated Bang & Olufsen sound system. Inside, you’ll find a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, and dual-display infotainment system comprised of 12.1- and 8.6-inch displays. Should you want to make things easy for yourself, the limited-run ‘Edition one’ comes with a handful of optional extras as standard, from the panoramic sunroof to virtual mirrors and more.
UK prices are yet to be announced, but €71,350 (£60,976) is the figure for Germany.
