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January 5, 2021
Audi's Electric Offensive Vanguard, the e-tron Sportback—First Drive | Audi
Audi e-tron Sportback | AUDI
First Drive: Audi's Electric Offensive Vanguard, the e-tron Sportback
The Audi e-tron Sportback, introduced to Japan in September 2020, is a pure EV. Motor journalist Fumio Ogawa test drove this model, which can be considered the vanguard of Audi's electrification offensive, equipped with a "new generation quattro" system that drives all four wheels using two motors, one front and one rear.
Text by OGAWA Fumio | Photographs by KAWANO Atsuki
A Drive Befitting Audi's Expertise in Sporty SUVs
"We have launched our electrification offensive." This is the statement currently being made by Audi AG in Germany. The "Audi e-tron Sportback," released in Japan in September 2020, is an EV that anticipates future CO2 regulations, but its distinctiveness goes beyond simply being "emission-free." When you drive it, it's surprisingly sporty.
The styling is that of a crossover with a coupe-like cabin design. While the vehicle's dimensions are generous at 4900mm in length, its stylish form prevents it from feeling excessively large. It comfortably seats four people without being bulky, and it's an EV – a rare combination of attributes.
Even people not particularly interested in cars will unconsciously think, "I like this car," the moment they grip the steering wheel. The e-tron Sportback is one such vehicle. Even if your initial interest is sparked by the Audi brand and its style, you're likely to find it enjoyable to drive and grow to love it.
The e-tron Sportback is powerful. Its acceleration is stronger than that of gasoline or diesel cars, with a quick start that is characteristic of BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles). Furthermore, its high driving stability and the excellent balance between speed and handling are particularly commendable.
It is rear-wheel drive, primarily using the rear motor. The front wheels are driven as needed. The time it takes for the front wheels to engage is said to be 0.03 seconds. It's interesting that Audi calls this the "new era quattro" (quattro being Audi's proprietary full-time four-wheel-drive system), suggesting a shift in the times.
Its stability when cornering is due to the low center of gravity, achieved by placing the heavy battery under the floor. This is characteristic of Audi, which has a history of developing sporty specifications even for SUVs. Many automotive engineers agree that experience-based know-how in car manufacturing is crucial, even for pure EVs, and the e-tron Sportback's dynamic performance is a prime example of this.
Audi's Signature Refined Interior
The styling does not overtly emphasize differences from ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles. Viewed purely as a design, it is flowing, sporty, and well-executed. The intentional bulging of the rear fenders is a design theme shared with the latest Q3.
The front features a large, prominent air intake, giving it an aggressive impression. Even in EVs, an opening is necessary because key components of the electric system, such as the inverter, generate significant heat. They are typically water-cooled, requiring airflow for the radiator.
Additionally, on both sides of the front, there are slits designed to streamline airflow around the front wheel wells during driving, smoothing the air. Even in the era of EVs, managing airflow remains crucial.
The interior craftsmanship is also a hallmark of Audi. The comfortable seats and the dashboard, crafted from a combination of different materials, exude a strong sense of quality. The shifter on the center console has a unique design that makes operation enjoyable.
The combined output of the front and rear motors is 300 kW. The battery output is 95 kW, with a driving range of 405 km. It supports CHAdeMO rapid charging up to 50 kW. During seasons when air conditioning use can be minimized, such as summer or winter, it might be possible to commute daily without charging and recharge on weekends.
The price is 13.27 million yen. The "Virtual Exterior Mirror" specification, which uses cameras instead of traditional mirrors to view the rear, costs 13.46 million yen. Japan's EV market has become quite diverse, ranging from the Nissan Note (which includes an engine for charging) at the lower end to the Porsche Taycan at the higher end.
Among these, the Taycan 4S (14.481 million yen) comes to mind as a rival to the e-tron Sportback. In terms of sporty driving, they are quite competitive. In this context, the e-tron Sportback is likely a better fit for those who frequently travel with four or more people.
