Reviewing the Audi e-tron Sportback

The Audi e-tron Sportback Review

The “e-tron” reference is synonymous with anything electrified within the Audi group - hybrid, plug-in hybrid or all-electric - and so this appears on a number of incredible vehicles which the German manufacturer now produces. While Mercedes are without a doubt the leading automotive company for their product choice in pure electric format, it would also be fair to say that Audi are not too far behind with their Q4 SUV, e-tron GT sports car, the e-tron SUV  and this model shown, the e-tron Sportback.

And that doesn’t include their upcoming A6 e-tron which is set to launch in 2023 and which will provide an alternative to the Mercedes EQE and EQS Saloon, the BMW i4 or i7 and the Tesla Model 3 or S. Based on Audi’s PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture, this will begin Audi’s commitment to non-SUV options, which have so far dominated their product suite. And while many UK customers do prefer the aesthetics, comfort and practicality that SUVs do offer, these are not suitable for every personal or business leasing customer. Perhaps we will see smaller, and cheaper, saloon and hatchback models to replicate their A3 and A4 combustion models? 

Having launched as a concept around late 2018, the e-tron SUV officially made its way into global production around May 2019 and was the group’s first mass-adoption option. While the SUVs are the key option in the UK’s automotive fleet demographics, Audi’s launch of a more aggressive yet sleek Sportback model in 2020 highlighted just how cognisant this carmaker is.

Within most combustion, hybrid and all-electric derivatives you will now note that there is both an SUV and Coupe option to enjoy, as not every customer will prioritise practicality and cargo volume. Some customers do want the benefit of an upright position, safety and space but with the added extra of a more punchy external appearance. In the combustion world, this had already happened with the BMW X5 and X6, the Mercedes GLE SUV and Coupe plus the Audi Q5 SUV and Sportback as key example.

Why should electric cars be any different? And Audi show no signs of relenting their investment and updates with a version of this model set to be announced in November 2022. Officially named the Audi Q8 e-tron, there are rumours that the 2023 / 2034 models will see increased range and power from its battery configurations coupled with some stylistic upgrades. Head to Audi’s website from the 9th of November to see exactly what Audi are planning to offer with their new SUV and Sportback electric Q8 options. 

Because of the update above, as at today’s date (early November 2022) the e-car lease team cannot provide an exact analysis of what the next-gen e-tron Sportback will include. However, should Audi agree to adopt a similar route to the existing models these should include:

• Technik - from £63,835 the entry model includes 20” alloys, LED headlights, Audi Virtual Cockpit and navigation, climate control with preconditioning;
• Sport - from £66,535 this option includes 20” 5-arm grey alloys, front sports seats with Valcona leather, comfort centre armrest and Audi phone box with wireless charging;
•  S Line - from £70,635  this option includes 21” alloys, Audi matrix LED headlights, adaptive sport air suspension, S Line exterior styling;
•  Black Edition (shown) - from £72,185 this upgrades the 21” alloys and adds the Black styling pack and 3-spoke flat bottomed steering wheel; and
• Vosprung - from £96,635 the elite model adds 22” alloys, digital matrix lights, super sports seats and the Bang & Olufsen sound system.  

Many customers will add the Comfort and Sound Pack (for £1895) which provides the Bang & Olufsen sound system, extended LED interior lighting, Advanced Key (keyless entry and start) plus the 360 degree camera system.

Other key upgrades on the Sportback Audi include the digital Virtual Door Mirrors which can be added for £1250, remote pre-conditioning for £100, a Trailer Hitch for £650, a Tour Pack (adaptive cruise, camera-based traffic sign recognition, collision avoidance assistant, turn assist, lane departure warning) for £1950 or the 360 camera for £1895. 

The best specification of e-tron sportback to choose?

Most PCH and BCH customers enquire with our team on the Black Edition model. With a choice of 21” alloys, 2-zone automatic air conditioning, 3-spoke flat bottomed steering wheel, heated leather steering wheel, Valcona leather, electrically adjustable and heated doors, cruise control, lane departure warning system, black door mirrors, 4-way lumbar support, 40/20 split folding seats, adaptive sport air suspension, wireless charging for phones, Audi matrix LED headlights, pre sense front and basic, virtual cockpit, heated front seats,

extended twin leather pack, keyless go, LED interior lighting, parking system plus, power operated tailgate, rear view camera and windscreen acoustic glazing, this is a great spec. Apart from the Comfort and Sound pack, there really isn’t much else you or the company could need. 

But is the battery in the e-tron Sportback good?

What is the range? How quickly can it charge? To provide UK customers with flexible solutions, Audi produce three key battery configurations including: 

•  50 - this model has a usable 64.7 kWh lithium-ion battery which offers 0 – 62 times of 6.8 seconds, 118 mph top speeds and 230 kW (or 308 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 155 miles with warmer weather allowing for 205 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 7 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 120 kW DC maximum allowing 25 minute 10 – 80% times. With a towing weight (braked) of 1800 kg and a 615L cargo volume, this is a great family vehicle. The 50 has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 113 mpg;
•  55 - this model has a usable 86.5 kWh lithium-ion battery which offers 0 – 62 times of 5.7 seconds, 124 mph top speeds and 300 kW (or 402 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 200 miles with warmer weather allowing for 265 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 9 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 155 kW DC maximum allowing 26 minute 10 – 80% times. The 55 has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 110 mpg; and
•  S - this model has a usable 86.5 kWh lithium-ion battery which offers 0 – 62 times of 4.5 seconds, 130 mph top speeds and 370 kW (or 496 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 175 miles with warmer weather allowing for 230 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 9 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 155 kW DC maximum allowing 26 minute 10 – 80% times. The 55 has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 96 mpg.  

And how does the UK’s automotive media and review publications rate the e-tron sportback?

With What Car? at 4/5, Carwow at 8/10, Autocar at 4.5/5 and Car Buyer at 4.1/5, there seems to be a general consensus that this is a good electric car to lease. Some of the excerpts include “quiet, class and quick ...” “confidence-inspiring handling, very smooth and quiet and luxurious interior…” and “a beautiful interior and is great to drive …”

Where Audi can be critiqued is with their vehicle range, which does fall a little short of some of the competition. And while the 11 kW AC is market competitive, the rapid charge capability at sub-200 kW does need addressing if Audi are to keep up with some of the American, Chinese and Korean brands which are offering up to 250 kW DC for expedient fast charge sessions; charging speed is as important as range!

However, you cannot fault the exterior and interior styling. Audi’s design team have yet again produced an “easy on the eye” EV for anyone in the UK.

Audi E-tron Sportback 230kW 50 Quattro 71kWh Black Edition 5dr Auto Pure Electric Vehicle 

In terms of the car shown, the Audi E-tron Sportback 230kW 50 Quattro 71kWh Black Edition 5dr Auto Pure Electric Vehicle, this is based on the following configuration: 

•  Black Solid Paint
• Valcona leather - Black with rock grey stitching + front sports seats
•  21" 5 V spoke platinum look gloss star design diamond cut audi sport alloy wheel
•  Dark matt brushed aluminium inlay 

What is the range of the e-tron Sportback 50?

What is the battery capacity and charging speed on the e-tron Sportback 50? 

How long does it take to charge the e-tron Sportback 50?

Where can I charge the e-tron Sportback 50

What is the company car tax on the e-tron Sportback 50?