Skip advert
Advertisement

2020 Audi e-tron Sportback: prices, specs and release date

The Audi e-tron Sportback has a 278-mile range and starts at £79,900

  • e-tron Sportback is Audi’s second electric SUV
  • On sale now
  • Entry-level version due later

The Audi e-tron Sportback is now available to order for a starting price of £79,900. The coupe-SUV styling costs approximately £3,600 more than the equivalent Audi e-tron SUV, but less expensive entry-level models will join the range later on.

Advertisement - Article continues below

From launch you can only choose from high-spec S line and Launch Edition versions. S line cars feature huge 21-inch alloy wheels, sports air suspension, Matrix LED headlights (giving full-beam brightness without blinding other drivers) and eye-catching exterior trim. Launch Edition trim includes a different wheel design, a black styling pack, cameras instead of door mirrors and some of Audi’s very latest safety tech.

What other cars can you look forward to in 2020?

The similarities to the regular Audi e-tron are clear to see; in fact, everything from the front doors forwards is the same. The front end has sharp LED headlights and an eight-sided grille that can open and close automatically, while the rear features a full-width light bar that connects the two tail lights. There’s black plastic cladding around the wheel arches and sills to emphasise its SUV size and appearance. Towards the back end, the design is much more rakish than the car it’s based on, to give a more coupe-like shape.

Just like the Audi e-tron SUV, there are two different versions of the Sportback. The entry-level ‘50 quattro’ model has a 71kWh battery; it develops 308bhp and offers a claimed range of 216 miles. A ‘55 quattro’ model has a 95kWh battery pack and a motor on each axle. Total output is 402bhp, so 0-62mph is dealt with in just 5.7 seconds and the top speed is limited to 124mph. You’ll get up to 278 miles of range between charges. At present, S line and Launch Edition models are only offered with the 55 quattro powertrain.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

We expect most Sportback buyers will be sold on the looks alone, but it actually manages more range than the e-tron SUV. That’s partly thanks to a more streamlined shape, which adds six miles of extra range.

A host of other upgrades include more powerful charging capability, stronger brake regeneration (to slow down, you’ll only need to take your foot off the accelerator), and the removal of one of the cooling pumps. Audi found it could function fine with one cooling pump instead of two, so the other has been ditched to save weight. The front motor can also stop working to save energy. These features will be rolled out to the e-tron SUV too.

Inside the cabin, the car is far more conventional and a lot of the hardware is shared with other big Audis. All models will get the company’s Virtual Cockpit digital dashboard display, while the centre console is likely to house two touchscreens; the top one will include a navigation system that is tailored to electric cars.

As you might expect from the sportier shape, the e-tron Sportback isn’t as practical as the SUV. While 35 litres fewer than the SUV, the Sportback still has a big 615-litre boot with the rear seats up - as well as a handy front trunk under the bonnet.

Read more about the Audi e-tron SUV, or compare our favourite electric cars currently available.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Audi Q6 e-tron SUV sneaks under £60k
Audi Q6 e-tron front quarter tracking
News
30 Apr 2024

New Audi Q6 e-tron SUV sneaks under £60k

What is Audi quattro all-wheel drive?
Audi quattro all-wheel drive
Tips and advice
30 Apr 2024

What is Audi quattro all-wheel drive?

Audi Virtual Cockpit: what is it, and should you have it?
Audi virtual cockpit
Tips and advice
13 Mar 2024

Audi Virtual Cockpit: what is it, and should you have it?

Most Popular

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV
Renault 5 front quarter
In-depth reviews
7 Oct 2024

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV

New Tesla Model 3 Long Range ups the ante with 436-mile range
Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD
News
8 Oct 2024

New Tesla Model 3 Long Range ups the ante with 436-mile range

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
11 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024