AUDI might be a little late to the full electric vehicle (EV) club, but it can be seen clearly that being late is never a bad thing. Sharing most of its technology with the Porsche Taycan, this e-tron Sportback has all the right features to make it a bestseller like its sibling.
Yes, Audi and Porsche are both under the Volkswagen Group, therefore a lot of engineering and features have been shared for some years now. Porsche has taken the lead in some areas and remains a super premium brand, however Audi is not far behind.
With this brand new SUV, Audi is challenging the latest Mercedes-Benz EQC400 at US$68k (RM275,000) which is priced very close to this Audi e-tron Sportback at US$65k (RM262,000).
Mercedes Benz Malaysia previewed the EQC back in June 2019 with an estimated selling price of RM600k plus. This means the e-tron Sportback might have a selling price of between RM550k and RM600k in Malaysia.
Take note that the selling price for the entry-level Porsche Taycan starts from RM605,000. From now until June 30, 2021, prices start from RM584,561 (inclusive of the current sales tax incentive), and will be available at our Porsche Centres in the second quarter of 2021.
Local Audi brand guardian, Euromobil has not given a hint if they have any intention to launch an electrified range like the e-tron GT or this Sportback any time soon.
With the increased presence of premium electric vehicles coming to Malaysia, this range of very attractive Audi battery powered vehicles could outsell what BMW, Mercedes and even Volvo will be offering in coming years.
Physical Attributes
The Audi e-tron Sportback combines the power of a spacious SUV with the elegance of a four-door coupe and the progressive character of an electric car.
It is 4,901mm long, 1,935mm wide and 1,616mm high. Its roof extends flat over the muscular body, dropping down steeply to the rear-in typical coupe style and flowing into the steeply raked D-pillars. The lower edge of the third side window rises towards the rear with a typical Sportback feature.
Cabin Features
The interior of the Audi e-tron Sportback is an elegant lounge featuring a seamless blend of design and technology. With a wheelbase of 2,928mm the Audi e-tron Sportback has ample space for five occupants along with their luggage. The rear footwell is virtually level with just a flat step remaining in place of the center tunnel.
Including the 60-liter stowage compartment underneath the hood, which houses the vehicle tool kit and charging cable, this EV SUV offers a total of 615 liters of luggage capacity. Folding down the rear seat backrests increases the luggage capacity to 1,655 liters.
A generous arc that spans the instrument panel, extending from door to door, harmoniously integrates the cover for the Audi virtual cockpit.
Driving Range
With an estimated 350 km of driving range, a fast charging network around Malaysia will be needed to encourage ownership.
Audi e-tron Sportback Specifications
Electric Motor Front: Axially Parallel, Asynchronous Motor
Electric Motor Rear: Coaxial, Asynchronous Motor
Max power: 355 hp (402 with Boost Mode)
Max torque: 561 Nm (664 with Boost Mode)
Top Speed: 200km/h
0-100 km/h: 5.5secs (with Boost Mode)
Estimated Driving Range: 350 km – The Vibes, February 18, 2021
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