Following the introduction of the e-tron SUV earlier this year, Audi’s second all-electric model will be the e-tron Sportback – a dynamic SUV coupe offering up to 300kW of power and a range of up to 446km (277.1 miles) in the WLTP cycle. Its digital matrix LED headlights are a first in a mass-production vehicle, enabling their light to be broken down into tiny pixels and controlled with “exceptional” precision.
Inside, the e-tron Sportback is designed to accommodate five occupants and their luggage. Despite the coupe roofline, rear headroom is just 20mm (0.8in) less than in the regular e-tron. Audi describes the interior as, “an elegant lounge featuring a seamless blend of design and technology”. An arc that spans the instrument panel, extending from door to door, harmoniously integrates the cover for the Audi virtual cockpit. Its sleek display stands visually free in space. The wrap-around in the door trims also integrates the screens for the optional virtual exterior mirrors. The instrument panel with its two touch displays is ergonomically angled toward the driver.
For the front seats, customers can choose between the standard design, sport seats, S sport seats, and the customized contour seats, with optional ventilation and massage functions. Their stitching pattern is reminiscent of electric circuits and can be enhanced with optional bright orange contrasting stitching and piping. The optional contour/ambient lighting package is said to illuminate surfaces subtly and edges sharply; it also issues a brief welcome jingle over the audio system when the motor starts.
Sophisticated soundproofing and aeroacoustic measures are claimed to keep the e-tron Sportback’s interior almost completely silent when driven in an urban setting. That should leave passengers free to enjoy the optional Bang & Olufsen Premium 3D Sound System. Meanwhile, Audi says that the phone box sets benchmarks in terms of connection and sound quality as well as wireless charging.
Orders for the Audi e-tron Sportback open this week; market introduction in Europe is scheduled for the spring of 2020.
