E-Tron Sportback Debuts at L.A. Auto Show
Those willing to sacrifice a bit of cargo space for style will undoubtedly love Audi's sleek new E-Tron Sportback.
Even More Stylish
If you're a fan of the all-electric Audi E-Tron but prefer a bit more style, we've got great news for you. Audi pulled the covers off its E-Tron Sportback at the 2019 L.A. Auto Show, and it's an even more stylish version of what was already one of the more stylish SUVs on the road. As usual, the coupe-like form sacrifices some cargo space but also gains a bit of range in the process.
Photos: Audi
Slight Tweaks
The Sportback debuts right on the heels of the regular E-Tron, which hit the road earlier this year. But the Sportback also features a few small tweaks to the original model as well, beyond just the chopped roofline. Regardless, the two share the same pair of electric motors producing 224 hp/262 lb-ft of torque up front and 224/262 in the rear.
Photos: Audi
>>Join the conversation about the new e-tron Sportback right here in the AudiWorld Forum!
Less Drag
Together, these engines offer up all-wheel-drive capability and 355 peak horsepower, or 402 for short bursts when needed. But unlike the regular E-Tron, the Sportback is capable of decoupling the front motor when it's not needed. This, in turn, reduces drag and improves efficiency.
Photos: Audi
>>Join the conversation about the new e-tron Sportback right here in the AudiWorld Forum!
Improved Range
Audi also tweaked the Sportback's hydraulic brakes a bit, which also further reduces drag. Coupled with the more aerodynamic shape, these changes result in an increase of 6 miles in the Sportback's range over the regular E-Tron. And hey, every little bit counts, right?
Photos: Audi
>>Join the conversation about the new e-tron Sportback right here in the AudiWorld Forum!
Making Strides
Audi didn't stop there, either. They also tinkered around with the E-Tron Sportback's battery pack, increasing its usable capacity from 80-ish percent to 91%. The automaker said that originally, their goals were to optimize reliability and longevity, but they've since made strides in thermal management that allow these changes to be made without any decrease in either category.
Photos: Audi
>>Join the conversation about the new e-tron Sportback right here in the AudiWorld Forum!
Illuminating
The new E-Tron Sportback also introduces new Digital Matrix Light technology, with headlights that feature 1.3 million pixel LED projectors that cast a finer and more complex illumination. Unfortunately, the previous two generations of Audi's matrix technology weren't legal here in the U.S., so don't expect that feature to be available this time around, either.
Photos: Audi
>>Join the conversation about the new e-tron Sportback right here in the AudiWorld Forum!
Pricing and Availability
Preorders for the E-Tron Sportback begin at the end of November, and Europe deliveries are scheduled to take place in March of next year. North American buyers will have to wait until summer. U.S. pricing hasn't been announced as of yet, but in Europe, the Sportback carries roughly a $2,500 premium over the regular E-Tron.
Photos: Audi
>>Join the conversation about the new e-tron Sportback right here in the AudiWorld Forum!
Formidable Offering
Which, of course, seems like a pretty small price to pay for both styling and efficiency enhancements. "Coupe" SUVs and EVs are all the rage these days, so kudos to Audi for offering up a product that looks like a serious contender in this ultra-hot market segment.
Photos: Audi
>>Join the conversation about the new e-tron Sportback right here in the AudiWorld Forum!
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