Audi e-tron Sportback 50 quattro

Overview

The 2022 Audi e-tron Sportback 50 quattro was the more style-focused, coupe-roofed sibling in Audi's electric SUV lineup, offering a sleeker take on EV luxury. This specific 50 quattro trim, representing the entry-point to the Sportback range with a smaller battery, wrapped up its production in 2022. While not officially sold new in the United States, its appeal lies in that signature Audi build quality, smooth electric power, and standard quattro all-wheel drive. Think of it as the Audi EV for those who want to slice through the air with a bit more panache, even if it means slightly less practicality than its SUV counterpart.

What's New for 2022?

For the Audi e-tron Sportback 50 quattro, 2022 was less about "what's new" and more "farewell tour," as this marked its final year of production. Globally, Audi was gearing up for the significantly updated Q8 e-tron, which would succeed the original e-tron family. Consequently, the 2022 50 quattro largely carried over its existing package from its 2020 debut. Any minor tech or software updates would have been subtle, with the big engineering efforts focused on its successor. So, no major shake-ups, just the last chance to snag this particular configuration.

Design & Exterior

This machine is pure eye-candy! The 2022 e-tron Sportback 50 quattro rocks that distinctive Sportback silhouette, with a dramatically sloping roofline that screams "look at me" way more than the standard e-tron SUV. Up front, you get Audi’s signature Singleframe grille, adapted for EV duty, flanked by sharp LED headlights. It’s a big beast, measuring 193 inches long, 76.2 inches wide (mirrors folded, we presume!), and 63.6 inches tall, giving it serious road presence. The 50 quattro trim maintains the sophisticated Audi aesthetic, looking every bit the premium electric hauler.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside, and it's Audi business as usual – meaning top-notch materials and a seriously techy vibe. The e-tron Sportback 50 quattro boasts Audi’s dual-screen MMI touch response system (a 10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower screen) complemented by the brilliant Virtual Cockpit display. It’s a comfy 5-seater, though that sexy roofline nibbles a bit at rear headroom. Cargo-wise, you’ve got a decent 21.7 ft³ in the trunk, expanding to a useful 58.4 ft³ with seats down, plus a handy 2.1 ft³ frunk for your charge cables. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are naturally on board.

Performance & Driving Experience

The e-tron Sportback 50 quattro isn't the quickest EV on the block, but it’s no slouch, zipping from 0-60 mph in a respectable 6.5 seconds. Power comes from dual electric motors – an induction motor at the front and another at the rear – delivering a combined 230 kW (around 308 hp) and a chunky 398 lb-ft of torque through its famed quattro all-wheel-drive system. Expect a super smooth, refined, and whisper-quiet ride, thanks partly to standard air suspension. It’s a hefty car at 5401 lbs, but it handles with typical Audi composure and offers strong, adjustable regenerative braking.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 50 quattro is fitted with a 64.7 kWh usable battery pack, which, according to Green Cars Compare's calculated real-world estimate, should deliver around 173 miles of range. Energy efficiency is rated at 2.67 mi/kWh. For juicing up at home, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger can replenish the battery in about 6-7 hours. When you're out and about, it supports DC fast charging at up to 120 kW via its 400V architecture and a CCS Type 1 port (standard for the US), meaning you can hit an 80% charge in roughly 30 minutes under ideal conditions.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Audi doesn't skimp on safety, and the e-tron Sportback 50 quattro benefits from a strong chassis and a suite of protective tech. It proudly wears a 5-star overall safety rating from both NHTSA and Euro NCAP. Standard kit typically includes Audi Pre Sense Front with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, alongside lane departure warning. For a more complete co-pilot experience, features like adaptive cruise assist, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system would have been available through various packages, enhancing driver confidence on the road.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

While the e-tron Sportback 50 quattro wasn't officially sold in the US, if it had been, its warranty would likely mirror other Audi EVs. This typically means a 4-year/50,000-mile basic vehicle warranty. Critically for an EV, the high-voltage battery usually gets an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, often including protection against excessive degradation. Audi sometimes offers a period of complimentary maintenance, perhaps for the first year or 10,000 miles. Reliability for the e-tron platform has generally been in line with other complex luxury electric vehicles.