Audi is previewing ithe
e-tron Sportback, with a namesake prototype at the Geneva Motor Show. Displaying a dizzying orange,
black and grey camouflage pattern, the e-tron Sportback Prototype envisions a
sportier, coupe SUV version of the e-tron SUV. As with the model that will soon
arrive in dealerships, the e-tron Sportback uses components from Audi’s modular
longitudinal platform (MLB).
hile it doesn’t use a bespoke EV architecture, the
new model features electric quattro all-wheel drive, fast charging with up to
150 kW and “a range suitable for long-distance journeys.” While Audi doesn’t
offer any more details, we should expect the e-tron Sportback to use the same
powertrain as the e-tron SUV. In said model, two electric motors produce a
combined 402 hp and 664 Nm of torque.
A 95 kWh battery pack enables a driving range of 417 km, while the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 5.7 seconds. As with
the e-tron, charging the batteries to 80 percent of capacity should take around
30 minutes with a 150kW fast charger.
The e-tron Sportback looks like an A7
Sportback on stilts and that’s not by chance. Audi targets potential A7
Sportback customers who would want a more commanding driving position and an
all-round capability. Design highlights include a similar LED light bar to
Audi’s recent A7 and A8 models, a sloping roofline, and a similar front end to
the e-tron SUV. The prototype also features digital rear-view cameras in place
of regular mirrors, which should mean they will be offered as an option on the
production version.
No interior photos were revealed but the dashboard
should look pretty much like the Audi e-tron‘s. Expect the production model to
arrive before the end of the year, following a public debut at the Frankfurt
Motor Show.
