2023 Audi e-tron Sportback is a well-rounded electric SUV

The 2023 Audi e-tron Sportback is a well-rounded electric vehicle (EV) SUV with robust powertrains, agile acceleration, and a roomy, luxurious cabin. Its unique design and commanding presence set it apart from all other vehicles on the road.

Underneath the intricately designed exterior of the e-Tron Sportback, there are two electric motors - one positioned at the front and the other at the back. They work together to deliver electronic all-wheel drive, with most of the power generated by the rear motor. In typical driving scenarios, these motors collectively produce 300 kW and 664 Nm of torque. 

The e-tron Sportback S, which is more robust, generates 370 kW and 973 Nm of torque utilising three motors. It can zoom to 100 km/h from a standstill position in 4.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 210 km/h. All e-tron models are equipped with Quattro all-wheel drivetrain as a standard feature. The Sportback S variant combines all-wheel drive with electric torque vectoring, enabling active and fully adjustable torque distribution on the rear axle.

The e-tron Sportback uses a 95kWh battery that can deliver 372-453 km range on a full charge, Audi claims. The expected range after an 8-hour charge at home is around 256 kilometres. Audi South Africa has collaborated with GridCars and Rubicon to provide e-Tron customers with access to a network of over 300 charging connectors. This network is rapidly expanding and includes mostly fast chargers. The Sportback S offers a range of up to 378 km (claimed) between charges. 

The e-tron’s design resembles regular SUVs, featuring attractive wheels, LED headlights, and taillights. In contrast to the Tesla Model X or Ford Mustang Mach-E, the e-tron sports a conventional grille on its front bumper. Additionally, the e-tron's fast charger allows for a battery recharge of up to 80 per cent in approximately half an hour. The frunk provides convenient storage space for various items such as adapters, cables, or small groceries.

The interior exudes opulence, featuring velvety-soft surfaces and prominently placed expansive displays on the dashboard. These displays encompass the infotainment system and the digital cockpit, which can be customised according to your preferences. 

In each e-tron model, the infotainment system is operated via a pair of touchscreens. The upper screen measures 10.1 inches and grants access to standard applications like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the optional Bang & Olufsen audio system. The lower screen, measuring 8.8 inches, primarily controls the climate settings. 

The interior provides ample space and versatility, boasting a generous luggage capacity of 615 litres. Additionally, folding the rear seats allows for an impressive expansion of capacity up to 1665 litres.  

Audi ensures safety through forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights, and more.

The German automaker offers an array of accessories and packages in South Africa to elevate the new e-tron’s convenience and looks. These include the S Line interior package, black appearance package plus, and black styling package.

Audi sets a substantial price tag of R2,115,000 for the base model Sportback S Line, whereas the Sportback S carries a higher price of R2,425,000. (Prices correct at time of publication.)

Interested in electric vehicles?

We are too! Keep an eye on the MotorHappy blog. Every month we review the latest cars to arrive in South Africa, and as more electric vehicles become available, we will review those too.