“The future is electric.” That’s what Audi is saying as it leans into battery-powered vehicles under the Volkswagen Group banner, and today that extends to the new Audi e-tron Sportback. Front the front, it looks like your typical SUV that is now on sale here in the U.S., but its raked d-pillars play on style in place of sheer practicality in this model. That does help in the way of aerodynamics, as Audi claims a low 0.25 drag coefficient in the new e-tron Sportback.
Under the skin, the 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback is much the same as the standard e-tron. The U.S. market will get the more powerful “55” version, with a total output of 265 kW (355 hp) and 414 lb-ft of torque. Those motors are feed by a 95 kWh (86.5 kWh net) battery that should provide 277 miles of range on the WLTP cycle. Mind you, the normal Audi e-tron is rated for 255 miles on the global cycle, while the EPA rates it at just 204 miles on a charge. The more powerful version we’re getting supports 150 kW fast charging. As it has a larger battery, it can charge up to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.
A less powerful “50” version of the e-tron Sportback will be available in other markets.
What you gain in style, you lose in space
As ever, springing for the 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback means you lose headroom and cargo space from the standard e-tron. Although, Audi says the changes are slight, as you lose 0.8 inches of headroom in the back. Including the front trunk, the coupe version offers 21.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the seats in place. Fold the seats down, and that space increases to 58.4 cubic feet.
Apart from the styling and practicality, the e-tron Sportback is more or less the same as the standard model. You still get two electric motors, all-wheel drive, and Audi’s dual-screen infotainment system. The company is also launching a special “edition one” model to usher in the coupe version of their first all-electric SUV.
No U.S. pricing yet
Audi didn’t announce U.S. market pricing for the e-tron Sportback, but said it will launch in Europe next spring. Over there, the less powerful base version will start from 71,350 euros (about $79,000) and go up from there. Since we’re only getting the more powerful version, it’s likely the 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback will start somewhere north of $80,000.
Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more news from the 2019 LA Auto Show!
