The Audi e-tron S Sportback at a glance
The battery weighs 700 kg
Three electric asynchronous motors (two at the rear, one at the front), a permanent system output of 320 kW / 435 PS and 808 Newton meters of torque (briefly up to 370 kW / 503 PS and 973 Nm) make the Audi e-tron S Sportback one on paper quite sporty driving (combined power consumption: 26.4–28.4 kWh / 100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g / km²).
But it is important to take a closer look at high-performance electric cars. Because on the other side of the coin is a vehicle weight of 2,695 kilograms (!), Of which 700 kilograms alone are attributable to the roughly 95 kWh gross battery in the vehicle floor.
Heavy acceleration, against heavy vehicle weight
Of course, the e-tron S Sportback, a typically powerful electric car, also shoots away as if there were no more tomorrow. 4.5 seconds from standstill to 100 km / h in “boost mode” is more than befitting, with a top speed of 210 km / h the sports version can run ten to 20 km / h faster than the other e-trons.
Whether that is worth an additional price of 10,850 euros compared to the e-tron Sportback 55 quattro (also with 95 kWh battery from 85,200 euros) remains a matter of taste (Audi e-tron Sportback 55 quattro combined power consumption: 24.0 –21.6 kWh / 100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g / km²).
An expensive pleasure
All in all, the “e-tron” pleasure is not cheap anyway. If the basic versions still qualify for part of the innovation bonus, our very well-equipped test car, including the current maximum engine, costs a mere 126,525 euros.
For this money, there is also a perfectly equipped SQ7 or an Audi S8 at Audi – both with a long-serving eight-cylinder engine (combined fuel consumption: 12.1-10.7 l / 100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 278-245 g / km²). The transition may seem inappropriate, but it can be accessed at the latest at the next e-charging station.
In the video test: the Audi e-tron Sportback 55 quattro
Keep an eye on electricity costs
Because in winter conditions, the Audi e-tron S Sportback hangs on the power cable much earlier than its colleagues with a petrol engine have to go to the petrol pump. Depending on the outside temperature and how far the available power was used during the last trips, the Audi showed a range of 250-290 kilometers with a full battery. A combined power consumption over two test weeks (according to the on-board computer) of 36 kWh per 100 kilometers is also not a stick-out problem and clearly different from what Audi officially reports.
The theoretical charging speed of up to 150 kW, which can be achieved, for example, at the Ionity charging stations, is consoling. Less great: Depending on the charging power provider, 1.09 euros per kilowatt hour are due, which would have resulted in electricity costs of 39.24 euros per 100 kilometers with our test consumption. Audi customers who use an e-tron tariff, on the other hand, pay 0.49 cents per kilowatt hour with Ionity, plus a monthly fee of 17.95 euros. These invoices did not take into account the costs for the specific charging loss, which the customer also has to pay.
140 kilometers range in 20 minutes
Once the price has been clarified, the charging process can start. Our best value on the fast charger was 140 kilometers in a good 20 minutes. On the much slower 11 kW AC charger from the local public utility company, however, a complete charging process takes 8.5 hours. Worth mentioning at this point: With the vast majority of charging tariffs, a not inconsiderable and precise to the minute blocking fee is due on the electricity column after the third or fourth hour.
It is beneficial for urban charging that the e-tron S Sportback can be supplied with electricity on both sides at the level of the front wheel arch via an AC connection. The 150 kW fast charger can only be found on the driver’s side. The recuperation also works well, either automatically or manually in three stages using the steering wheel paddles. The Audi does not come to a complete standstill. In the last few meters before the traffic lights, the regular and at the same time courageously gripping brakes must be applied.
Stromer with high travel comfort
The overall limited range of use of the e-tron S Sportback appears to be only partially competitive in view of the steadily growing range of electric cars, cannot be compensated for by Quickcharger alone and is annoying for another reason. This is how the energetic Stromer has become a wonderfully coordinated touring car per se, which would actually like to cover longer distances in one go. The standard air suspension swallows road damage cleanly, the steering weight is pleasing in everyday life and its three drives also appeal to dynamics.
But if you think you have to go on a Porsche hunt (at least for a short time) thanks to the large power reserves – done! A dry run on a practiced home route is necessary, especially to get to know the braking distance of the all-wheel drive vehicle.
The weight remains a stumbling block
2.7 tons of weight (plus passengers, luggage and other equipment) slide mercilessly over the front wheels in case of doubt, which ensures exciting moments, especially on snow. Since the full torque is available immediately after the vehicle is started and the e-tron S Sportback has a rear-biased electric quattro drive, it can also be animated to oversteer with a little practice.
On the other hand, the very high level of grip and the comparatively agile handling are surprising on dry and winding country roads. Lots of bits and bytes as well as an electronic torque vectoring system keep the driver happy (and in the lane), while fellow travelers enjoy the Bang & Olufsen sound system with 16 loudspeakers and optional TV reception, which is subject to a surcharge. The latter also makes the waiting time at the charging station noticeably more bearable.
High quality interior, easy operation
As usual, the interior of the Audi e-tron S Sportback is manufactured like a factory. The sports seats fit like a bespoke suit, leather and Alcantara adorn many surfaces. As usual, the operation of the MMI system is also impressive. Real buttons and large touch surfaces do not have to be mutually exclusive and complement each other perfectly in the Audi. What should be emphasized is the very natural haptic feedback of the screens, which also impress with their high-resolution image.
There is more than enough space in the front and in the back, even tall people don’t have to bend their heads because of the coupé silhouette in row two. The trunk measures 615 to 1,655 liters with the rear bench seat folded down. Meanwhile, the general all-round visibility is modest. The 360-degree cameras get dirty quickly, the two OLED displays of the virtual exterior mirrors are mounted far too low. If they have been and are touted by Audi as an innovative gimmick, the analog exterior mirrors remain the first choice.
Conclusion
The biggest point of criticism of the Audi e-tron S Sportback remains the insufficient electric range, also in view of the juicy pricing. Otherwise, the Ingolstadt-based car is a comfortably coordinated touring car that impresses with its performance and interior quality. People like to cover longer distances with it, even if the journey is often interrupted by the forced stop at the charging station. The virtual exterior mirrors are unnecessary, the vehicle weight is far too high for real sporty ambitions. (Text and image: Thomas Vogelhuber)