Audi's Electric Offensive Vanguard, the Audi 'e-tron Sportback', is Launched | Audi
Audi e-tron Sportback | Audi e-tron Sportback
Audi Launches First Japanese Electric Vehicle, the "e-tron Sportback"
Audi Japan announced on September 16 that it would launch the Audi "e-tron Sportback," the brand's first electric vehicle introduced to the Japanese market, on the same day.
Text by HARA Akira
Audi Aims for 40% of Sales to be Electrified Models by 2025
Audi began its electrification offensive with the world premiere of its electric SUV, the Audi "e-tron," in September 2018. By 2025, the company aims to launch over 20 BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) models in major global markets, with electrified models, including plug-in hybrids, accounting for approximately 40% of total sales. The e-tron Sportback marks the beginning of this push in Japan, with the e-tron SUV set to follow.
The press conference for the Audi e-tron Sportback was held online. Pictured is Philipp Noack, President of Audi Japan K.K.
The press conference for the Audi e-tron Sportback was held online. Pictured is Philipp Noack, President of Audi Japan K.K.
The powertrain features two electric motors, driving the front and rear wheels respectively. The system's maximum output is 300 kW, with 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.7 seconds (in boost mode with S mode; 6.6 seconds in D range). The drive battery has an energy capacity of 95 kWh, providing a maximum range of 405 km on a single charge (WLTC mode).
The drive system is an electric all-wheel-drive, a new generation of quattro realized by two electric motors. Typically, it primarily uses the rear motor to reduce driving resistance and conserve energy. However, when the system detects conditions where all-wheel drive is desirable, such as on slippery surfaces, during rapid acceleration, or when cornering, it engages the front motor. The electric motors respond in just 0.03 seconds, a far quicker reaction time than any previous quattro technology, allowing for instantaneous and complete transfer of motor power to the road.
The body utilizes a composite construction of aluminum and steel, strategically placed for a lightweight yet highly rigid structure. The drive battery is positioned between the wheels beneath the body, contributing to a low center of gravity. The suspension features a five-link setup at both the front and rear, with adaptive air suspension as standard equipment.
The virtual exterior mirrors are an Audi first. Images captured by the cameras are displayed on OLED screens located between the dashboard and the doors, allowing for adjustments to brightness and optimal viewing angles. The drag coefficient (Cd) is 0.26, and the reduced air resistance compared to standard door mirrors also minimizes wind noise at high speeds.
Virtual Exterior Mirrors
Virtual Exterior Mirrors
The exterior adopts an octagonal Singleframe grille, reminiscent of the Audi Q family. Differentiated from other Q models by its platinum gray frame and the e-tron logo at the bottom. The side profile expresses the stylishness of an SUV coupe with its low, arcing roofline, while the blister fenders at the front and rear visually represent the powerful driving performance of quattro.
Price Starts at 13.27 Million Yen for the e-tron Sportback 1st Edition
The interior features two MMI touch response displays arranged vertically in the center of the horizontal dashboard. Digital operation functions, including the Audi virtual cockpit, symbolize Audi's advanced technology. When the displays are turned off, the upper display blends almost invisibly into the surrounding black panel. The use of orange, evoking high voltage, accentuates the unique character of the e-tron.
The "e-tron Sportback 1st Edition," a limited model commemorating its launch in Japan, comes with special equipment including the Silence Package (acoustic side glass, privacy glass, Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, power closing doors), 21-inch five-V-spoke star design alloy wheels, and colored orange brake calipers. A version with the virtual exterior mirrors is also available.
Charging for the Japanese specification e-tron Sportback can be done using the standard AC (200V, standard 3kW, optional 8kW) home charger, or primarily using public DC rapid chargers. CHAdeMO standard rapid chargers (up to 50kW output), installed at 7,800 locations nationwide, are also compatible. Charging the e-tron's 95 kWh battery (net capacity 86.5 kWh) from 0 to 80% takes approximately one and a half hours at a 50kW output.
To coincide with the introduction of the e-tron, Audi Japan is offering the e-tron Charging Service (waiving the monthly fee of 5,000 yen and usage charges of 15 yen per minute for the first year). Additionally, purchasers are eligible for approximately 400,000 yen in tax savings on the e-tron Sportback, and can receive a further subsidy of 400,000 yen under the "Clean Energy Vehicle Introduction Business Subsidy" program provided by the Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center.
Furthermore, Audi supports the installation costs of home charging units and, in partnership with Shizen Denryoku Inc., offers customers a plan providing electricity from 100% renewable energy sources (with a monthly discount of 1,000 yen for one year).
Additionally, owner support via a dedicated LINE account for the e-tron will commence on September 17th (Thursday) at 2 PM. Operators from the Audi Communication Center will respond to owner inquiries, with the option to switch to a phone call for more complex issues.
The price for the e-tron Sportback 1st Edition is 13.27 million yen, and the e-tron Sportback 1st Edition with virtual exterior mirrors is 13.46 million yen.
