Review of the Audi e-tron Sportback

The Audi e-tron Sportback is the epitome of electric vehicle innovation. Combining striking aesthetics, impressive performance, and advanced technology, this sleek and futuristic electric SUV is a standout in the ever-growing electric vehicle market.

Rivals to the Audi e-tron Sportback include the Tesla Model X, BMW X6 and Jaguar I-Pace.

Our Audi e-tron Sportback review covers:

• Eye-catching design that effortlessly blends elegance with sportiness
• Spacious and luxurious cabin creates an ambience that is both refined and comfortable
• 615-litre boot, expanding to 1,655 litres with rear seats down and 60 litres in the front
• Houses a formidable electric powertrain that delivers exhilarating performance
• Five trim levels are available: Technik, Sport, S-Line, Black Edition and Vorsprung

Pros:

• Striking Design
• Luxurious Interior
• Impressive Performance

Cons:

• Expensive Pricing
• Weight and Handling
• Limited Rear Headroom

The Audi e-tron Sportback boasts a design that seamlessly blends sportiness with elegance. Its sleek coupe-like silhouette sets it apart from traditional SUVs, exuding a sense of style and sophistication. The sculpted body lines and aerodynamic shape not only enhance the vehicle's aesthetics but also contribute to its overall efficiency. The front features a sleek grille with the iconic Audi rings, while the striking LED headlights and taillights add a futuristic touch. With its attention to detail and refined design elements, the e-tron Sportback is a head-turner on the road.

While the e-tron Sportback prioritizes its sleek design, it still manages to offer a practical and versatile interior. The cabin provides ample space for passengers, with comfortable seating and generous legroom in both the front and rear seats. However, due to the coupe-like roofline, rear headroom may be slightly compromised for taller passengers. Nonetheless, the e-tron Sportback offers a spacious and luxurious environment for occupants.

In terms of cargo capacity, the e-tron Sportback offers a practical solution for everyday needs. It features a rear cargo area with a capacity of 615 litres with the rear seats up. This provides enough space to accommodate groceries, luggage, or other everyday items. If additional cargo space is required, the rear seats can be folded down, expanding the capacity to 1,655 litres. This versatility allows for larger items or bulkier loads to be easily transported.

Furthermore, the e-tron Sportback offers a frunk (front trunk) located under the bonnet. This additional storage compartment provides 60 litres of space, ideal for storing smaller items or keeping the charging cables neatly organized.

The interior of the Audi e-tron Sportback is a testament to Audi's commitment to luxury and craftsmanship. Step inside, and you'll find a spacious and inviting cabin that showcases high-quality materials, meticulous attention to detail, and advanced technology.

The e-tron Sportback features a modern and driver-focused cockpit. The centrepiece is Audi's Virtual Cockpit, a digital instrument cluster that replaces traditional analogue gauges. This 12.3-inch high-resolution display provides customizable information, including speed, navigation, and vehicle settings, ensuring that essential data is easily accessible to the driver.

In the centre console, you'll find a dual-touchscreen setup that houses Audi's MMI infotainment system. The upper 10.1-inch touchscreen handles functions such as navigation, media, and connectivity, while the lower 8.6-inch touchscreen is dedicated to climate controls and other vehicle settings. The system is intuitive and user-friendly, providing a seamless integration of technology into the driving experience.

Five trim levels are available: Technik, Sport, S-Line, Black Edition and Vorsprung.

The Audi e-tron lineup offers a range of five distinct trims, beginning with the entry-level Technik. This trim is generously equipped with notable features, including 20-inch design alloy wheels, LED headlights, and air suspension. Inside the cabin, you'll find a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, a 12.4-inch screen behind the steering wheel, a 10-speaker audio system, and deluxe two-zone climate controls. The Technik trim is an excellent choice for those who prefer a well-equipped e-tron Sportback without all the extra bells and whistles.

Moving up the ladder is the Sport trim, which adds a touch of style with contrasting grey 20-inch alloys. The seats receive a sporty upgrade, upholstered in Valcona leather, lending a premium feel to the interior. Additional features in this trim include wireless phone charging and extra USB ports for rear passengers. For those considering the e-tron Sportback as a family car, these added features enhance comfort and convenience, especially during longer journeys.

The S line trim brings an element of excitement to the e-tron Sportback. Previously the base spec, it now offers a balance between sportiness and luxury. This trim includes stunning 21-inch contrasting grey alloy wheels, digital matrix LED headlights with dynamic front and rear indicators, and a multi-function steering wheel. Rear privacy glass and illuminated door seals add a touch of flair to the overall package. If you're seeking a sporty electric car, the S line trim is worth considering among the Audi e-tron models.

The Black Edition stands out with its 21-inch gloss Anthracite black Audi Sport alloy wheels and black styling pack, which enhances the front grille, window surrounds, and front and rear bumpers. Inside the cabin, you'll find a flat-bottom steering wheel, adding a sporty touch to the overall aesthetic.

At the top of the range is the Vorsprung trim, offering a high-level of luxury and sophistication. This trim includes impressive 22-inch matte titanium alloy wheels, sporty front seats with diamond stitching, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, perfect for audiophiles. If you're a business owner seeking a sleek and professional vehicle to make a lasting impression on clients, the Vorsprung trim is an excellent choice.

The e-tron Sportback range offers different models with varying power and battery capacities. The entry-level model is the 50, equipped with a 71-kWh battery pack and two electric motors generating 313 bhp (brake horsepower). The next model is the 55, featuring a larger 95 kWh battery pack and a maximum output of 408 bhp in 'boost' mode. The S version stands out with three motors - one at the front and two at the back - delivering a total power output of 503 bhp.

In terms of driving range, the e-tron Sportback models cover approximately 188-241 miles on a single charge. Charging the battery from zero to 80% can be accomplished in as little as 30 minutes using a high-powered public charger. The 55 and S models support charging at 150 kW, while the Sportback 50 model is capable of charging at 120 kW.

On the road, the Audi e-tron Sportback is a quiet and comfortable electric car, perfect for city driving. It has supportive seats and ample space for passengers. The air suspension smooths out bumps, and the light steering makes it easy to manoeuvre. Parking is made easier with external cameras and sensors, and there's even a self-parking option. The elevated seating position provides a good view, and the blind-spot warning lights on the wing mirrors help in navigating lanes and spotting other road users.

Acceleration is smooth, making it great for crowded city roads. The brakes are responsive, and the regenerative braking system helps recharge the battery when slowing down. On open roads, the Sportback showcases its powerful performance, especially in the 40-50mph range, allowing for easy overtaking. However, pushing the car to its limits may affect the range on long trips.

The cabin is also quiet and comfortable, even at high speeds, thanks to good insulation. The regenerative braking system is useful on highways, but it can only be activated manually using the steering wheel paddles.

The Audi e-tron Sportback is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of Price On Request*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £389.36.

If you're considering leasing an Audi e-tron Sportback, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing an Audi e-tron Sportback can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest Audi retailer.