Audi's EV lineup continues to expand with the 2021 e-tron Sportback. This more stylish derivative of 2019’s e-tron SUV, is arriving in the U.S. now.  

Most of the specs are the same as the original e-tron, meaning a twin-motor arrangement; one up front and one in rear for all-wheel-drive and a combined output of 402-horsepower. Max range is just 218-miles from the 95kwh battery, but it offers some of the fastest charging in the business, adding 174-miles in as little as 30 minutes with 150kw high speed charging.  

The big draw here is obviously the coupe-like silhouette of the Sportback, with sharply angled D-pillars lending a sportier hatchback vibe. While the front end gets some tweaks of its own just to keep up.

There’s still plenty of space inside to take up to four friends along, and the ability to tow up to 4,000-lbs. of fun behind; only losing a small amount of cargo space, falling from 28.5 cubic-ft. to 27.2.

Adaptive air suspension delivers a smooth and confident ride, while the wealth of standard features provide the lavish experience we’ve come to appreciate from Audi.  

Brian Robinson: "Audi has always been great at straddling that line between luxury and performance. And that doesn’t change here now that power is coming from a battery instead of a gas or diesel engine.  It’s equally adept at hammering through corners, or relaxing during commute time. And here in the E-tron Sportback, you can even attract a few more eyes your way, if you’re into that sort of thing."

Pricing starts at just under $70,000; and following closely on the heels of this 2021 e-tron Sportback, is a smaller Q4 e-tron, and a high performance e-tron GT; all part of the brand’s plan to have 20 EVs on the road by 2025. That’s a lot of new rides in the next few years; and we’ll have info on all of them.

 

Specifications

  • Range: 218 miles