Audi e-tron Sportback 55 quattro

Overview

The Audi e-tron Sportback 55 quattro was a swanky all-electric SUV coupe, blending Audi's signature luxury with zero-emission motoring. It turned heads with its sleek, sloping roofline while packing a punch with its dual-motor quattro all-wheel-drive system. Aimed squarely at the premium end of the EV market, it offered a compelling package of style, tech, and refined performance. Though now discontinued (produced 2020-2022), you might snag one on the used market in Europe for around €30,888. It was a statement piece, proving EVs could be both practical and seriously desirable.

What's New for 2022?

The 2022 model year for the e-tron Sportback 55 quattro was more about refinement than revolution, as it was one of the final outings before the Q8 e-tron refresh. Key updates were subtle, focusing on software enhancements for the MMI infotainment system, potentially improving responsiveness and user experience. Some markets saw minor adjustments to standard equipment lists or option packages. The excellent optional 22 kW onboard AC charger continued to be a desirable upgrade for faster home charging, making top-ups a breeze. Essentially, it was a polished version of an already accomplished machine.

Design & Exterior

The e-tron Sportback 55 quattro is a proper looker, with that rakish coupe roofline giving it a more dynamic stance than its standard SUV sibling. Audi's sharp design language is evident everywhere, from the signature Singleframe grille (adapted for EVs) to the slick, optional Digital Matrix LED headlights that animate and impress. Standard wheels were typically stylish 20-inch alloys, enhancing its premium appeal. Dimensionally, it’s a substantial machine, measuring 4901 mm in length, 1935 mm in width (mirrors excluded), and 1616 mm in height, giving it serious road presence.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the 55 quattro, and you’re greeted by typical Audi opulence – plush materials, impeccable build quality, and a futuristic vibe. The dual-screen MMI Touch Response system (10.1-inch upper, 8.6-inch lower) handles infotainment and climate, looking super slick, complemented by the brilliant Audi Virtual Cockpit. It seats five, though that sloping roofline nibbles a bit at rear headroom for taller folks. Cargo is generous: 615 litres in the boot, expanding to a massive 1655 litres with seats down, plus a handy 60-litre frunk for your charge cables.

Performance & Driving Experience

This electric beast doesn't hang about! The e-tron Sportback 55 quattro, with its two asynchronous motors (IM front, IM rear), musters a potent 300 kW and a hefty 664 Nm of torque. This translates to a swift 0-100 km/h sprint in just 5.7 seconds, all delivered with silky smoothness via its electric quattro AWD. Top speed is a respectable 200 km/h. The driving experience is pure Audi: refined, comfortable thanks to standard air suspension, and incredibly quiet. Regenerative braking is well-integrated, allowing for efficient energy recuperation through various modes.

Range, Battery & Charging

The e-tron Sportback 55 quattro packs an 86.5 kWh usable battery, translating to a real-world range of around 351 km, as calculated by Green Cars Compare – decent for most journeys. Its efficiency clocks in at 4.06 km/kWh. For charging, it sports a CCS Type 2 port for European compatibility. AC charging is handled by a standard 11 kW onboard unit (a full top-up takes roughly 8-9 hours), with a zippier 22 kW version optional. When you’re out and about, it can gulp down DC juice at up to 155 kW, meaning a 10-80% charge can be done in about 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is top-notch in the e-tron Sportback 55 quattro, backed by a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Audi loads it with kit: Pre Sense Front, which includes autonomous emergency braking, and lane departure warning are typically standard. For the full suite of semi-autonomous driving goodies, you’d often look to optional packages, which could include adaptive cruise assist (combining adaptive cruise control and lane keeping), blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. These systems make long journeys less fatiguing and city driving a bit safer, working seamlessly in the background.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Audi's warranty for the e-tron Sportback 55 quattro in Europe typically included a 2-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, though some markets might have offered longer terms like 3 years. The crucial high-voltage battery was covered for a more substantial 8 years or 160,000 kilometres, whichever came first, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. Maintenance on EVs is generally less demanding than petrol cars, with fewer moving parts. Audi dealers offered specific EV servicing, but don't expect extensive complimentary maintenance schemes as standard across all European markets.