If you’re looking to upgrade your car this year, then you’ve no doubt considered the environmental impact of your next purchase, and with a string of new and exciting electric-only cars now available to choose from on the market, making a more sustainable choice is easier than ever. But, if you’re keen not to have to compromise on all the other elements of what makes a breath-taking drive and still want to feel excited about getting behind the wheel, then finding a luxury car that ticks all the boxes can prove a little more of a challenge.
The Audi E-Tron Sportback, however, is one of the few options that does just that, and this head-turning model boasts impressive power and performance and a sleek and sophisticated look alongside its rather impressive eco-credentials. The manufacturer’s first all-electric S model features not one, but three electric motors and a host of high-tech features that take the driving experience to lofty new heights.
We asked the experts at leading car parts website LLLParts (https://www.lllparts.co.uk/audi-parts) to break down just what’s so special about the E-Tron Sportback for us. Here, they share the five best features that ensure it stands out from the crowd.
A high-voltage battery and two charging ports
One of the biggest factors that has historically caused hesitation amongst would-be all-electric car drivers is the limited driving range offered by many models, and concerns around the need to pause and recharge mid-way through a journey. But to avoid disruptions and provide peace of mind, the E-Tron Sportback features a high-voltage battery with a gross energy capacity of 95kWh, 91 percent of which is usable. That gets you up to 226 miles of driving from just one charge, which should comfortably see you through even most long journeys around the UK.
When you do need to recharge your battery, you’ll have a choice of both driver-side and passenger-side AC-only ports with the Premium Plus and prestige trim levels, with level one and two charging stations, making it as quick and easy as possible to get some juice and go with minimal hassle.
Dynamic performance features
This sophisticated drive has garnered plenty of attention from high-end car enthusiasts not just due to its eco-credentials, but also its enviable dynamic performance features. Its adaptive air suspension automatically adjusts ride height for maximum comfort as it adapts to driving conditions, keeping driving dynamics optimised at every stage.
The car’s intelligent Quattro all-wheel drive system injects a little something special into the handling experience by ensuring traction and acceleration also remain on point, and while drivers can enjoy the same level of efficiency you might expect from a single-axis system, it feels considerably swifter and more agile.
Cutting-edge technology
Just as you’d expect from a modern luxury car, the E-Tron Sportback comes with its fair share of technological innovations. All essential information is presented via an impressively large display on the sprawling 12.3-inch cockpit, with a range of digital services also at your fingertips to control and enhance the driver experience.
There’s a rather remarkable infotainment system accessible through not one, but two touchscreens, both of which boast large displays for ease of use and allow instant access to the likes of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MMI Navigation. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, of course, come as standard, too – and it all sets you up for an enjoyable and user-friendly drive.
Safety and driver-assistance features
Safety is, of course, always a key consideration when shopping for your next luxury car, and while it’s easy to get swept off your feet by a stunning look and feel, it all means nothing without the relevant systems and features in place to put you and your passengers at ease.
The Audi E-Tron Sportback does not disappoint, and as well as the usual standard security features like airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounting and electromechanical power steering, it goes above and beyond to deliver a superior package. As a result, you get integrated and adaptive cruise control, along with lane guidance and departure warnings, parking-system plus and a whole host of other bells and whistles designed to keep you safe and secure before, during and after each journey.
Sophisticated interior design
While it certainly isn’t the most important factor to consider when shopping for a luxury car, a stylish and sophisticated interior is a definite bonus, and the E-Tron Sportback offers just that.
Highlights include the opulent leatherette interior package, S-line aluminium door sills and walnut wood inlays, with heated and ventilated front seats for optimal comfort, and that also include driver memory with certain trims so that you’ll never have to readjust or reset when getting in.