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Making its world premiere in 2018, the Audi e-tron became the first full-electric model from the brand with the four rings, and introduced a new perspective to the electric vehicle (EV) market. An array of innovative new technologies and forward-thinking design quickly led the Audi e-tron to becoming an example of what the next generation of cars will be like, combining the space and luxury of a typical luxury class vehicle with the efficient performance of an electric all-wheel drive powertrain. But now, with the introduction of the Audi e-tron Sportback, your choice is expanded to a dynamic SUV coupé option as well. This begs the question: which model should I pick?
Both the e-tron and e-tron Sportback offer a comprehensive package of space, versatility and electric performance, but it’s important to understand the differences between the two models before making a decision so that you know which option best fits your lifestyle and needs. Here we’ll give you all the details you need to make an informative decision and find the perfect Audi e-tron model for you.
"The e-tron is Audi’s first all-electric production car, but it excels with a fantastic blend of performance, comfort and refinement."
As standard on both models you can expect a raft of technology to make life behind the wheel a breeze. Audi’s MMI Navigation Plus gives you access to two high-definition, touch screen colour displays and a full-colour, fully digital Audi Virtual Cockpit to accentuate the next-generation feel of the e-tron and makes for a digitally brilliant driving experience.
Included in the navigation system is Audi Connect, which provides high-speed 4G internet through an embedded SIM card with no data charge. You’ll have access to navigation through Google Earth or Google Maps, as well as travel information, weather and news online. Combine this with the standard-fit Audi smartphone Connect, which lets you connect your smartphone wirelessly or via USB, and you’ve got a car that will always be connected on the move.
Both the Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback share the same platform, meaning underneath the car there is a very similar setup. As standard, you can expect a 71 kWh lithium-ion battery and quattro electric all-wheel drive powering both models from the entry ’50 quattro’ specification. This state-of-the-art battery performs exceptionally, providing a peak electrical output of 230kW (roughly 308 hp) and 398.3 lb-ft of electrical torque. This makes for an incredibly dynamic drive, with instant power and exhilarating acceleration – 0-62 mph can be achieved in a staggering 6.8 seconds. Fancy even more power? Opt for the ’55 quattro’ variant and you’ll have access to 300kW of electric power in boost through a larger 95 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Both power options let you complete daily commutes as well as extended journeys without the worry of needing to charge your car. You can expect to achieve an all-electric mileage of over 200 miles according to combined WLTP test cycles with the 50 quattro version, or a staggering 270 miles with the 55 quattro option.
Whether you choose the e-tron or e-tron Sportback model, Audi has you covered when it comes to charging. Unlike on almost any other electric vehicle, the e-tron provides the ability to plug in your charging port on either side of the car, making charging at home or at charging bays a hassle-free process.
Convenient AC charging at home ensure your e-tron is always ready for action, and Audi are currently offering a 7kW home wall box charger for free when placing an e-tron or e-tron Sportback order before December 31st 2020*. This 7kW wall box has the ability to charge a totally depleted 50 quattro to full charge in around 10.5 hours, meaning your e-tron can be charged and ready for a day of heavy commuting with ease. For even better ease of use, the myAudi app lets you activate and deactivate charging remotely from your smartphone. The e-tron is also capable of 150kW charging. Find a public charging point with this capability on your journey and you can charge from 20 – 80 percent in a lighting fast 30 minutes.
Both variants of the Audi e-tron provide extra space for rear passengers as, unlike many other manufacturers, the battery is positioned underneath the car. This means there is no requirement for a central tunnel. To improve versatility further, the standard-fit electrically adjustable, heated front leather Sport seats make manoeuvring the interior to your preference an easy task.
"It’s an SUV you can imagine slotting easily into your everyday life, with more charging options, and packages easing you over the ever-shrinking hurdles of EV ownership."
At first glance, the key difference between the e-tron and e-tron Sportback is their exterior design. While the e-tron features more conventional SUV dimensions with a modern, electric vehicle flare, the e-tron Sportback offers a sportier SUV coupé design with a lower roofline that focuses on style. This gives the Sportback the edge when it comes to dynamic proportions, although the standard e-tron still provides appealing looks more reminiscent of the current Audi Q7.
A significant difference between the e-tron and e-tron Sportback is their choices of specification grades. While the Audi e-tron offers five specification grades, including a ‘Technik’ and ‘Sport’ grade, the Sportback offers three. This is because, due to the Sportback’s more dynamic nature, the base grade is ‘S line’, which is available on both models and comes with 21” alloy wheels as well as S line exterior styling.
This therefore means that the two models start at different price points. The entry specification e-tron Technik starts from £61,350, whereas the base specification Sportback S line starts from £69,850 – the equivalent e-tron S line is slightly cheaper at £68,150.
While subtle, the interior space differs between the two e-tron variants. This is most obvious with the boot, where the Sportback loses 45 litres of luggage capacity compared to its sibling, however it still lets you fit a staggering 615 litres of life clutter in the boot – 15 carry on cases to put this into perspective. The two-inch lower roofline also decreases rear head room, but by an almost unnoticeable amount. If you want to put man’s best friend in the boot, you will be better off with the more conventional styling of the e-tron.
This decision will depend on your lifestyle and personal styling preferences; both variants provide a comprehensive package of dynamic all-electric performance, a contemporary and digitally connected interior, and practicality throughout. If space, versatility and price are high on the agenda, the standard Audi e-tron is the favourable choice. If you want your e-tron to offer an extra dose of style and dynamic looks however, the Sportback may be the more suitable choice.
In short, however, you won’t be disappointed whichever variant you opt for – contact our team today to explore our range of offers and availability on the superb Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback.
audi e-tron offer audi e-tron Sportback offer
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New e-tron & e-tron Sportback customers who place an order from the 1st January 2020 – 31st December 2020 and who are eligible for a £350 government Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme grant can receive a free Pod Point 7kW home wallbox with standard installation (with Audi UK funding the balance of the cost after the grant has been applied). The wall box must be ordered via a participating Audi Centre at the time of ordering your new Audi e-tron. Full details can be found on audi.co.uk.