All-new E-Tron Sportback Delivers Thrilling Addition to Audi Lineup
Second all-electric Audi e-tron Sportback expected to arrive at dealerships in summer.
The 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback, the second fully electric model from the brand, arrives for the summer season. Distinguished by its refined coupe SUV design, the e-tron Sportback – with an EPA-estimated range of 218 miles – offers everyday utility and dynamic design through its sportback silhouette. This latest addition to the electric lineup will be on sale and available for test drives at Audi dealerships.
The e-tron Sportback, the latest addition to the growing Audi electric portfolio, combines the functionality of a spacious SUV with the elegance of a four-door coupe, all with the underpinnings of the most progressive brand in electrified mobility. With two rows and a sunroof, the Audi e-tron Sportback delivers SUV utility with comfortable seating for five adults and ample space for luggage. The e-tron Sportback features standard adaptive air suspension with controlled dampers to ensure the premium ride experience expected from an Audi. Furthering its everyday usability, the e-tron Sportback offers a towing capacity up to 4,000 pounds when equipped with an available towing package.
True to coupe form, the sportback design is highlighted by a flat roofline extending over the linear SUV body, before dropping steeply to the rear at the angled D-pillars. Despite the sloped roofline, interior dimensions ensure for ample headroom in all seating positions. The Sportback’s distinct road presence is defined by a large, enclosed Singleframe grille framed by vertical struts. Lighting design at the front and rear is distinguished by four horizontal segments that distinguish the Sportback as an electrified e-tron model.
Sportback Character
Showcasing a progressive electric esthetic and the distinct form inspired by the Audi A7, the e-tron Sportback stands out with an emotional design. At the front, the distinctively contoured bumper is flanked by uniquely designed air intakes for optimized airflow. These vents extend below the headlights, thereby creating a dynamic appearance even from a distance. At the rear, the spoiler and diffuser extend across the entire vehicle width contributing to vehicle aerodynamics. The e-tron Sportback comes standard equipped with 20-inch wheels and air suspension. Distinct for the U.S. model, the exterior trim components come painted in the exterior body color – including the wheel arch trims, door sills, bumpers and exterior mirrors for a cohesive and sleek design. Creating an aggressively styled variant, Audi also offers the Black Optics package that accentuates the area of the Singleframe grille, the side windows, bumpers, and exterior mirror housings as an option.
Consistent with the e-tron model line, the Sportback features uncompromised premium Audi traits including standard heated/cooled front seats, top-view camera, e-tron badging, in addition to available massage front seats, and a full suite of standard and available driver assistance systems.
Limited Edition One Model
In celebration of the new e-tron model, a limited series e-tron Sportback variant will be produced. Distinguishing these U.S. Launch Edition units, the exterior will be fitted with exclusive Plasma blue metallic paint and paired with Dynamic orange brake calipers. Alu-optic trim will highlight design elements, including the unique S-line front and rear bumpers. Unique for the Edition One models is an exclusive interior in Monaco Gray Valcona leather seating surface with two-tone stitched dash and black headliner. Edition One puddle lamps cast a logo onto the ground beneath the driver and passenger door further differentiating it for driver and bystander.
Electric Mobility
Merging efficiency, power and a serenely quiet drive, the e-tron Sportback delivers in style and experience. With an asynchronous electric motor placed on both e-tron axles, power is efficiently distributed to provide nearly instantaneous torque and powerful electric performance. Standard-equipped electric quattro all-wheel drive pairs with this electric power plant to provide exceptional control and confidence in a variety of driving conditions. The e-tron achieves 355 horsepower, and with Boost Mode engaged – unlocking the full power output of the vehicle – achieves an increased 402 horsepower, reaching 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. Expertly designed aeroacoustic body panel design and available double-pane windows helping insulate passengers from road noise and ensuring near silence within.
Powering the e-tron Sportback is a unique, Audi developed battery system. Positioned low in the vehicle within a protective honeycomb structure, the Sportback battery is engineered to utilize 91 percent, or 86.5 kWh, of the 95 kWh total battery capacity. This engineering approach is designed to optimize battery longevity, repeatable performance, and peak charging power for longer amounts of time during the charge cycle. A revolutionary cooling system separates the battery modules from cooling fluid to help maintain optimal efficiency and enhance performance.
A key factor behind the e-tron Sportback’s dynamic driving performance and outstanding handling is the low position of the drive components—resulting in a low center of gravity. All of the heaviest components are concentrated in the center of the vehicle. The axle load distribution, with a ratio of almost 50:50, is perfectly balanced and the steering behavior is neutral, resulting in a responsive and active driving experience.
The regenerative braking system provides for variable regulation of energy recuperation between both electric motors—in coasting mode when the driver releases the accelerator pedal as well as during braking. The degree of coasting recuperation can be set to three stages via paddles on the steering wheel. Overall, the energy gained through recuperation contributes to about 30 percent of the Sportback’s total range.
Standard-equipped electric quattro all-wheel drive continuously regulates the ideal drive torque distribution between both axles within fractions of a second. In most driving situations, the Audi e-tron Sportback relies exclusively on its rear electric motor to aid efficiency. If the driving behavior requires greater output, the front unit is instantly, and undetectably activated. This also happens predictively before slip occurs in icy conditions or when cornering fast, or if the car understeers or oversteers. Consistent across the Audi lineup, Audi drive select allows the driver to switch between Audi drive select modes. This adjustment can create a marked difference between smooth-rolling comfort and sporty, stable handling.
Rapid Charging
The e-tron Sportback’s 150 kW rapid charging capability when charging at a high-speed commerical charger is achieved in large part by a highly flexible thermal management system. This system is comprised of four separate circuits and regulates the temperature of the high-voltage components. In addition to high-speed charging, a long battery life cycle and reproducible performance, even under heavy loads, are significant resulting benefits. The standard heat pump, which harnesses waste heat from the high-voltage battery, can capture up to 3 kW of actual power losses for heating and air conditioning the interior.