Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Review

More and more manufacturers are adding plug-in hybrids to their vehicle lineups. This is especially true of luxury automakers. Audi's A3 Sportback e-tron is a compact, four-door plug-in hybrid hatchback that serves as an appealing option for those in search of premium green transportation.

Hybrids often provide tepid acceleration, but the A3 Sportback e-tron outpaces the pack with a zero-to-60-mph time of just 7.6 seconds. The downside is fuel economy. With just the gas engine factored in, combined mileage stands at 34 mpg. Total plug-in range is also modest. But the hatchback body style endows the A3 Sportback e-tron with enhanced utility, and its cabin is home to all the fine craftsmanship you'd expect from an Audi.

The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron offers its eco-friendly talents at a relatively accessible price. If you're looking for a hybrid that is both versatile and luxurious, the A3 Sportback e-tron easily earns our recommendation.

Current Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is sold in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trims. With the Premium trim, the list of standard features includes xenon headlights, a panoramic sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, forward collision mitigation with automatic braking, leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The Premium Plus trim adds features such as LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a digital gauge cluster display and heated front seats. Stepping up to the range-topping Prestige trim brings in amenities such as a Bang & Olufsen stereo, adaptive cruise control, lane departure intervention, blind-spot monitoring, a Wi-Fi hotspot with 4G LTE connectivity, and a navigation system. All trims can be upgraded with a Sport package that adds a spoiler and sport front seats.

Power comes from a turbocharged 1.4-liter gas engine that works with an electric motor and an 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The A3 Sportback e-tron has total system output of 204 horsepower with both the gas engine and electric motor factored in, and it applies power to the front wheels through a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. The e-tron can travel for up to 16 miles solely on electric power. Note that though the Audi brand is known for offering all-wheel drive, this feature isn't available on the A3 Sportback e-tron.

In reviews, we've hailed the A3 Sportback e-tron for its responsive handling and relatively crisp acceleration. Its transmission delivers shifts that are smooth and seamless, and the car's low center of gravity helps this hybrid feel stable and secure on the road. Another strength is the tranquility of the car's interior, and this stillness persists even when the gas engine is in play. The A3 Sportback e-tron comes with a deluxe cabin that's home to high-quality materials. There's abundant room in the front row; however, the second row won't comfortably accommodate most adults. But fold the rear seats and cargo capacity is competitive with that of other hybrid hatchbacks.

Used Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Models
Introduced for the 2016 model year, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is still in its first generation. In its second year of production, the A3 Sportback e-tron received a minor face-lift. Its list of standard features was expanded slightly to include enhanced smartphone integration and forward collision avoidance with automatic braking. The expanded digital instrument cluster was added to the list of optional amenities this year as well.

Read the most recent 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron review.

If you are looking for older years, visit our used Audi A3 Sportback e-tron page.