2021 Audi e-tron Sportback Review: Baby Got Back
The first-generation e-tron Sportback made quite the splash when it landed in the US last year. The 2021 Audi e-tron Sportback EV is still a head-turner and comes with impressive performance, lots of practicality, and a sense of style that only a premium Audi can pull off. With over 400 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds, the 2021 e-tron Sportback EV isn't your average mid-size luxury crossover, but with only 218 miles of range, this German electric vehicle struggles to keep up with the more efficient Tesla Model X and Tesla Model Y.
e-tron Sportback Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 193.0 in | 115.0 in | 65.0 in | 76.2 in | 64.7 in | 64.5 in | 5,721.0 lbs |
e-tron Sportback Performance
Engine and Transmission
Under the shapely bodywork of the Audi e-tron Sportback SUV, you'll find two electric motors producing 355 hp and 414 lb-ft, which can be raised to a serious 402 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque in Boost Mode. The front axially parallel, asynchronous electric motor produces a total of 181 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque while the rear motor churns out 221 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. A single-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels via Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. With instant power on tap, this Audi will reach 60 mph in only 5.5 seconds, has a towing capacity of 4,000 lbs, and reach a top speed of 124 mph. It gets fuel-economy equivalent returns of 76/78/77 MPGe city/highway/combined, and charging takes 10.5 hrs on a standard outlet.
e-tron Sportback Interior
e-tron Sportback Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 1 Years / 10,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Audi e-tron Sportback A Good SUV?
Audi might be new to the world of EVs, and the Audi e-tron Sportback is only the second Audi EV to be introduced to North America, but at the end of the day, it's still an Audi, which means you get style, refinement, advanced tech, and good a safety rating all packaged in a handsome body. This is backed up by an impeccable crash test review of the 2021 Audi e-tron Sportback by the NHTSA. From the outside in, the 5-door Audi e-tron Sportback exudes class, and we love the refined and quiet interior. The electric powertrain might not offer the same range as its main competitors from Tesla, but you still get a handy 218 miles, quick charging times, and impressive performance. Audi also includes all the latest tech in this package, and although we found the infotainment system to be a bit tricky, new owners should quickly settle into this car without much hassle. At just under $70k, the asking price of the 2021 Audi e-tron Sportback SUV is also a bargain in this segment.
What Audi e-tron Sportback Model Should I Buy?
We'd opt for the entry-level Audi e-tron Sportback EV's Prestige trim, which includes standard features such as 20-inch alloy wheels, front power-adjustable seats, lane departure warning, and LED headlights. Since it comes so well stocked, there aren't any worthwhile packages to spec on, but we would pay a little extra for the Navarra Blue metallic paint and the rear passenger side airbags, just for that extra peace of mind. If you're going to be towing with your e-tron, the Towing Package is a must.