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 it’s 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 222 miles (or 218 miles for e-tron Sportback). In sport mode, the e-tron can even produce as much as 402 horsepower, but only for a moment. It’s 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-tron’s 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 that’s 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, Audi’s 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 standard, while Prestige trim levels of those SUVs now get Audi’s Matrix-design headlights.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Premium

$67,995

$71,195

Premium Plus

$75,995

Sportback Premium Plus

$79,195

Prestige

$84,595

Sportback Prestige

$87,495

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.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The regular e-tron has an EPA-estimated driving range of 222 miles, and the Sportback version is rated at 218 miles. However, both variants still trail rivals such as the I-Pace (234 miles) and the Model X Long Range (up to 371 miles). 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 cluster—called Virtual Cockpit—and 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 seats—one less than in the regular e-tron.

The Car and Driver Difference

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.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

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 TYPE

front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED

$89,490 (base price: $78,395)

MOTOR TYPE

2 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

TRANSMISSION

2 single-speed direct drive

CHASSIS

Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink

Brakes (F/R): 14.8-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc

Tires: Bridgestone CrossContact LX Sport, 265/45R-21 108H M+S AO

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 115.0 in

Length: 193.0 in

Width: 76.2 in

Height: 65.0 in

Passenger volume: 102 ft3

Cargo volume: 27 ft3

Curb weight: 5819 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

60 mph: 5.1 sec

100 mph: 13.3 sec

120 mph: 22.2 sec

Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.2 sec

Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.3 sec

Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec

1/4 mile: 13.8 sec @ 101 mph

Top speed (governor limited, mfr’s claim): 125 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 182 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.84 g

Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 73 MPGe
75-mph highway driving: 75 MPGe

Highway range: 220 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/city/highway: 77/76/78 MPGe

Range: 218 miles

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs