You can also get a little more range with the Sportback roof.
The new Audi E-Tron Sportback may not immediately be recognized as an electric vehicle when you first see it on the road. The new Sportback isn’t proud to be an EV vehicle, just like its predecessor. However, if you spot one at night, and its headlights do strange things, there will be no doubt about what’s ahead. We’ll get to that in a moment.
The newest electric Audi is exactly what we expected. The Sportback has the same 402-horsepower, dual-motor powertrain and the same battery. The Sportback’s range can be extended to 277 miles using WLTP standards, which is 22 miles more than the SUV. This is the European standard. It’s higher than what you’ll find on U.S-bound models.
The Sportback can still be driven longer distances than the standard Etron due to its unique shape. Audi claims that the coupe-like roofline makes it more efficient, which accounts for an additional 6.2 miles in range. Although the airflow is smoother, rear-seat passengers will feel a slight decrease in headroom as the second row has 20 millimeters less. The Sportback’s total cargo area is slightly smaller than the E-Tron. However, you still have 21.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 58.4 when they are folded.
The optional virtual side mirrors are another enhancement for the Sportback. These replace standard analog mirrors with cameras, further improving vehicle efficiency. Drivers will not need to check the mirrors but instead, they’ll inspect small displays that are located between the door frame and the instrument panel. These display show what’s behind the vehicle and to the sides. Mirrorless mirrors are able to adjust to different driving conditions, such as backing up or turning sharp corners. The Sportback has a wider range of features, including improved brake efficiency.
The E-Tron Sportback’s most distinctive feature is the available Digital Matrix LED Headlights. These units are said to be “high resolution” and will lighten the roads in “high resolution.” This chip contains no less than 1 million micromirrors. Each tiny mirror can be tilted up to 5,000 times per minute by using electrostatic fields. Although it sounds crazy science fiction, the end result is headlights capable of lighting specific areas of the road or even off the road. These headlamps are capable of projecting specific images and can even block light from other traffic so that opposing drivers don’t get blinded while keeping your side of street lit. This is a great idea.
The E-Tron Sportback will launch in Europe next spring. It will be available as a limited Edition One model. This model will feature S line touches like body-colored trim and 21-inch wheels. The E-Tron Sportback will be priced at PS71,350 in the United States, although it is not yet available.