The Audi e-tron Now Gets a Sleeker Sportback Cousin

• The e-tron Sportback is expected to share the powertrain with the e-tron.
• Twin electric motors help push out 408PS and 664Nm of twist.
• Styling stays in tune with the standard SUV baring the roofline.
• The Sportback is expected to carry all the features from the e-tron.
• The standard e-tron is likely to be launched in India by year-end.

SUV coupes are all the rage with the Mercedes GLE Coupe and the Cayenne Coupe slated to make their way into India. Audi’s much-anticipated all-electric e-tron electric SUV, which was showcased in India, is also set to be launched sooner than you think. Now, the e-tron’s stylish coupe version, the e-tron Sportback, has been spotted testing abroad. Expected to pack all the trick electronics and the same 95kWh battery pack capable of 408PS and 664Nm of torque, the Sportback sure does justice to its name. Although the entry-level e-tron 50 makes the most sense for our market, the Sportback, if launched in India, might catch on given our increasing penchant for SUV coupes. We will also get our first look at the e-tron Sportback at the Los Angeles Auto Expo happening next month.

First unveiled at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show as a concept, the e-tron Sportback follows the same ethos with all the changes focused after the B-pillar. The roofline now slopes towards the boot lid giving it the coupe/sportback look. The front fascia of the test mule looks closely similar to the e-tron while moving on to the sides and rear will reveal the obvious changes. The rear end seems to sport some camouflage but most of the design elements are retained. The test mule was also spied with cameras instead of the conventional rear-view mirrors. 

Mechanically, the e-tron Sportback will be similar to the standard SUV meaning it will also share the twin electric motor setup good for 408PS and 664Nm of torque. Backed by a 95kWh battery pack, it is also expected to return a maximum driving range of 400km on a single charge. The e-tron Sportback will also most likely feature the same fast-charging setup helping it juice up from zero to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. 

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The set of features and the cabin design are also likely to be carried on from the e-tron. Some notable features include four-zone climate control, virtual cockpit, panoramic sunroof, Bang and Olufsen sound system, and a 360-degree camera. 

The standard e-tron will come with a sticker price tag of Rs 1.4 crore (ex-showroom) in India. Whether the e-tron Sportback will find its way into India remains to be seen. If it does, expect the same to happen sometime after the global debut next month. Meanwhile, it is safe to speculate that the entry-level e-tron 50 with a smaller battery pack and a more affordable price tag might be offered in India over time.

Image Source: MotorAuthority