[Auto] Audi e-tron Sportback 55 quattro, test contact of the electric SUV with the air of a coupe

[G h o s t l y.]

 

Just over a year ago, when we tested the Audi e-tron, we mentioned the outstanding electric car offensive that had the brand of the four rings on its hands. Now, while other rivals have also been strengthening their ranges, an expected and surprising option in equal parts arrives on the market. It is the Audi e-tron Sportback 55 quattro with which we have had the opportunity to share an interesting day.

It was logical that Audi second electric was a variant that takes as its starting point the e-tron itself. Using that MLB Evo platform, one of the four that allow electrical mechanics, this specimen is created whose main difference will be its more dynamic design. Coupe shapes are all the rage, even in large SUVs with these characteristics and Audi is making the most of it by launching models like the Q3 Sportback and Q5 Sportback, as well as the future Q4 Sportback e-tron that will complete the electric range.

And that is precisely what is sought with this Audi e-tron Sportback, to dazzle the general public with its captivating design. This differential factor together with other advantages already implicit in the e-tron name, such as technology or quality, mean that we have before us one of the most complete high-end electric SUVs on the market. We are going to check what this specimen can offer us with an interesting route around Madrid.

And we start with the exterior design, which is probably the most differential of this new Audi e-tron Sportback. Departures from the pen of the Spanish Juan Carlos Huerta, it seeks to achieve a more emotional and recognizable image than in the conventional one. Although the truth is that in front of the B pillar everything remains practically the same. The front has a lot of personality thanks to the Singleframe grille furrowed by vertical slats and with a semi-fairing framework.

It should be noted that in this test unit there was a Black Line finish that added elements in black, such as the grill itself, the roof bars and some moldings such as the front or side air intakes. At the front there are also Full LED headlights that come standard (optionally Matrix LED) with a well recognizable light signature. By finishing this area, the lower part of the bumper takes a more sporty shape.


 

The side is one of the most prominent areas of the e-tron Sportback. We could tell by the charging sockets located on the fins, by the cameras that replace the rear-view mirrors or by the huge 20-inch wheels signed by Audi Sport that come in this unit. But also for that coupe silhouette that defines it. Starting from the B-pillar, the roof executes a very elegant drop that ends with a sloping rear window without wipers and a narrow and distinct C-pillar.

An aerodynamic coefficient of just 0.25 Cx is also achieved and leaves us with a very personal lag. On the boot lid there is a small spoiler that also gives it a dynamic touch and just below what is most striking. We are talking about the LED taillights, which are linked in the center horizontally across the car. They have a set of lights that attracts a lot of attention when the vehicle is opened or closed. At the bottom there is a kind of diffuser finished off in black and lacking exhaust outlets (of course).

To finish off the exterior of the Audi e-tron Sportback, it should be mentioned that it has dimensions very similar to those of its twin brother "no coupe". We are talking about a length of 4,901 mm, a width of 1,935 mm and a height of 1,616 mm; measures to take into account for those who move around the city or have small parking spaces. On the other hand, the wheelbase remains at 2,928 mm. Let's see how this affects your cabin.