2020 Audi e-tron Sportback
2020 Audi e-tron Sportback Review
- Smooth and decisive acceleration
- Well-executed driver assistance systems
- Healthy list of standard safety and luxury features
- Complex touchscreen user interface
- EPA-estimated range is merely adequate compared to others
- More expensive and less practical than the standard e-tron
- New coupe-like version of the all-electric e-tron SUV
- Same performance as the standard e-tron SUV
- Slightly less rear headroom and cargo capacity
- Part of the first e-tron generation introduced for 2019
Audi introduced its e-tron electric SUV for 2019. Now it has followed it up with the 2020 e-tron Sportback. The two models are mechanically identical and mainly differ in styling. Put simply, the Sportback is a regular e-tron with a tapered rear roofline. It looks sleeker than the regular e-tron but has a little less rear headroom and cargo capacity. The e-tron — regular or Sportback version — is one of just a few luxury electric SUVs available.
The e-tron Sportback matches the power output of the standard e-tron at 355 horsepower and 414 lb-ft of torque. A special Boost mode can be activated to increase output to 402 hp and 489 lb-ft, but only for 8 seconds. That was sufficient enough to propel the standard e-tron to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds at Edmunds' test track. The Sportback feels just as lively when given the juice, and we expect it to return similar, if not slightly quicker, times.
The Audi e-tron Sportback has many things going for it. We think it's a bit more practical and solidly built than Tesla's Model X with a quieter and more luxurious cabin. But the Tesla certainly has more attractive numbers when it comes to range, performance and price. The Sportback's loss of rear headroom and cargo space isn't a huge compromise. But when combined with a higher price, it's hard recommending it over the more conventional e-tron SUV. Check back for a full e-tron Sportback rating coming soon.
Which e-tron Sportback does Edmunds recommend?
Audi e-tron Sportback models
The 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback is offered in three trim levels: Premium Plus, Prestige and Edition One. Power is derived from the 95-kWh battery pack and sent to a pair of electric motors. There's one in front and one in back, making the e-tron all-wheel-drive. Maximum output is 355 horsepower with a boost up to 402 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque in Sport mode for up to 8 seconds. Range is estimated to be 218 miles, and the e-tron has fast-charging capability up to 150 kW.
2020 Audi e-tron Sportback pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Safety
Our experts’ favorite e-tron Sportback safety features:
- Audi Pre Sense City
- Warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time.
- Audi Side Assist
- Notifies the driver if a vehicle is lurking in a blind spot or if rear cross traffic is approaching when in reverse.
- Vehicle Exit Warning
- Alerts passengers when a vehicle or bicyclist is approaching from behind, to prevent them from opening the door into traffic.
Audi e-tron Sportback vs. the competition
2020 Audi e-tron Sportback
2020 Tesla Model Y
Audi e-tron Sportback vs. Tesla Model Y
If you park the e-tron Sportback and the Model Y next to each other, the Model Y's dimensions won't quite match up. The larger e-tron Sportback is a bit more spacious inside. Still, the Tesla has adequate space for four adults, and it has a considerably longer range. The EPA estimates the Model Y Long Range has more than 300 miles of range, while the Audi checks in at just 218 miles. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Tesla Model Y Performance.
Audi e-tron Sportback vs. Jaguar I-Pace
The e-tron Sportback and the I-Pace are very similar offerings. Starting prices are similar, and range is similar too — although the Jag does slightly edge out the Audi (an EPA-estimated 234 miles of range compared to the Audi's 218 miles). The Jaguar has the Audi outpaced on the accel straight, with the Jaguar getting to 60 mph nearly a full second quicker than a standard e-tron.
Audi e-tron Sportback vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E might not seem like a luxury SUV, but it comes surprisingly close. The interior is well built and has plenty of technology features. It's also one of our favorite EVs to drive, with excellent road manners and impressive acceleration. And depending on how you spec one, it could come in at a fraction of the Sportback's price.
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FAQ
Is the Audi e-tron Sportback a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback:
- New coupe-like version of the all-electric e-tron SUV
- Same performance as the standard e-tron SUV
- Slightly less rear headroom and cargo capacity
- Part of the first e-tron generation introduced for 2019
Is the Audi e-tron Sportback reliable?
Is the 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback?
The least-expensive 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback is the 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $77,400.
Other versions include:
- Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 (electric DD) which starts at $77,400
- Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/55 (electric DD) which starts at $83,400