Overview: 2023 Audi e-tron / e-tron Sportback

The Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback are luxury SUVs that impressively conceal their fully electric powertrains. With an all-wheel-drive system generating 355 horsepower, these vehicles can go up to an EPA-estimated range of 222 miles (218 miles for the Sportback). In Sport mode, they can temporarily produce up to 402 horsepower, but their overall design is what sets them apart from other electric SUVs. The e-tron and e-tron Sportback have a traditional grille, LED headlights and taillights, and stylish wheels. The fast-charging 150-kW charger can restore up to 80% of the battery in just 30 minutes, and the frunk offers convenient storage space for adapters, cables, or small items. While not prioritizing maximum driving range, the e-tron and e-tron Sportback offer a luxurious and comfortable driving experience that emphasizes familiarity.

Price and Variants: 2023 Audi e-tron / e-tron Sportback

Audi has made some minor updates to its e-tron and e-tron Sportback trims for the 2023 model year. The base Sportback SUVs now come with a standard black headliner. The e-tron Sportback Prestige trims have received several new standard features, including 22-inch five-spoke wheels, orange front and rear brake calipers, rear side airbags, Audi's Matrix-design headlights, and the Black Optic exterior package. The e-tron S and e-tron Sportback S now come with carbon square inlays and the LED interior lighting package as standard. Additionally, the Prestige trim levels of these SUVs now come with Audi's Matrix-design headlights. Pricing for the 2023 e-tron lineup starts at $71,995 for the Premium trim level, while the Sportback Premium starts at $75,195. The Premium Plus starts at $78,995, and the Sportback Premium Plus starts at $82,195. The Chronos Edition starts at $87,595, and the Sportback Prestige starts at $90,495. If you're looking to purchase an e-tron, we recommend going for the entry-level Premium trim level, which is reasonably priced and comes with several upscale standard features such as blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats, four-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. To add even more desirable features, we suggest opting for the Convenience Plus package, which includes black exterior trim, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a 360-degree camera system. Additionally, the Tow package is worth considering if you plan to utilize the e-tron's 4000-pound towing capacity. Pairing the Premium trim level with the Sportback body style adds an extra touch of sleekness, making the e-tron stand out even more.

Power and Performance: 2023 Audi e-tron / e-tron Sportback

The e-tron vehicle is equipped with two electric motors, positioned at the front and rear axles, that work together to offer electronic all-wheel drive. The rear motor is responsible for most of the vehicle's propulsion. In normal driving conditions, the combined power output is 355 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque. However, switching to Sport mode briefly increases the output to 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque. Our test drive of the e-tron revealed that it's a fast and well-handling vehicle, with the expected quick acceleration and a comfortable, quiet ride. The regenerative braking system works well in conjunction with the traditional brakes, though we did find that it wasn't strong enough to allow for one-pedal driving in the Sportback model. Despite its electric powertrain, the e-tron retains the ability to tow up to 4000 pounds, making it a versatile SUV. For those seeking even more power, the e-tron S and e-tron Sportback S models utilize three motors and boast an output of 496 horsepower and 718 pound-feet of torque. Although we haven't tested it yet, Audi estimates that the S models can reach 60 mph in a full second less than the non-S e-tron models.

Range, Charging and Battery: 2023 Audi e-tron / e-tron Sportback

The e-tron and e-tron Sportback have a decent driving range according to the EPA estimates, with the regular e-tron model able to travel up to 222 miles, while the Sportback can go up to 218 miles on a single charge. However, compared to its competitors such as the I-Pace and Model X Long Range, both e-tron variants have a shorter range. The e-tron S performance model, with its 496-hp, can travel up to 181 miles on a single charge, while the e-tron S Sportback can cover 185 miles. One of the strengths of the e-tron models is their fast charging capabilities. The 150-kW fast charger allows the e-tron to recharge 80 percent of its battery in just 30 minutes, which is quite impressive. In contrast, the Jaguar EV has a 100-kW DC charger that takes longer to recharge its battery. For those using a 240-volt outlet, the e-tron can be fully charged in approximately nine hours.

Interior: 2023 Audi e-tron / e-tron Sportback

The e-tron electric crossover boasts an impressive range of advanced technology, but it also delivers a practical and innovative interior design that prioritizes comfort and cargo space. The dashboard is a marvel of digital screens, featuring Audi's Virtual Cockpit and two touchscreens seamlessly integrated into the center console. The e-tron offers a wide range of luxury options, such as a head-up display and massage front seats, adding to the sophistication of the cabin. Thanks to its compact and flat underfloor battery pack, the e-tron's interior space is maximized, with a cargo area of 29 cubic feet behind the back row and 57 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded flat, making it one of the roomiest electric crossovers on the market. While the Sportback's stylish roofline reduces these numbers by two cubic feet, it still provides ample space for carrying cargo, fitting seven carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats with ease.

Infotainment and Connectivity: 2023 Audi e-tron / e-tron Sportback

The e-tron model boasts a cutting-edge infotainment system that utilizes two touchscreens, each with different functions. The top screen, which measures 10.1 inches, allows drivers to access standard apps like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as premium audio features from Bang & Olufsen. On the other hand, the 8.8-inch unit below the top screen is primarily responsible for adjusting climate settings. Aside from these, the system also comes with several power points, which are useful for charging devices on the go. It even offers a Wi-Fi hotspot that runs on a subscription basis. Drivers also have the option to add a wireless smartphone charger for added convenience. Overall, the e-tron's infotainment system is designed to provide seamless connectivity and entertainment to its users.

Safety and Warranty:  2023 Audi e-tron / e-tron Sportback

When it comes to safety and driver-assistance features, the Audi e-tron SUV and e-tron Sportback offer a variety of standard technology. These models come with forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. Additionally, adaptive cruise control and self-parking assist are available. For those interested in checking out the crash-test results, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites offer more information. The e-tron models have received an overall safety rating from NHTSA. In terms of warranty and maintenance coverage, Audi provides a limited and powertrain warranty that covers four years or 50,000 miles. Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. However, there is no complimentary scheduled maintenance included.