Audi E-Tron Sportback Prototype Is The E-Tron SUV’s Fancier Sibling

Audi is previewing its next electric vehicle, the e-tron Sportback, with a namesake prototype at the Geneva Motor Show.

Displaying a dizzying orange, black and grey camouflage pattern, the e-tron Sportback Prototype envisions a sportier, coupe SUV version of the e-tron SUV. As with the model that will soon arrive in dealerships, the e-tron Sportback uses components from Audi’s modular longitudinal platform (MLB).

While it doesn’t use a bespoke EV architecture, the new model features electric quattro all-wheel drive, fast charging with up to 150 kW and “a range suitable for long-distance journeys.” While Audi doesn’t offer any more details, we should expect the e-tron Sportback to use the same powertrain as the e-tron SUV. In said model, two electric motors produce a combined 402 hp (407 PS) and 490 lb-ft (664 Nm) of torque.

A 95 kWh battery pack enables a driving range of 259 miles (417 km), while the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 5.7 seconds. As with the e-tron, charging the batteries to 80 percent of capacity should take around 30 minutes with a 150kW fast charger.

Styling-wise, the e-tron Sportback looks like an A7 Sportback on stilts and that’s not by chance. Audi targets potential A7 Sportback customers who would want a more commanding driving position and an all-round capability. Design highlights include a similar LED light bar to Audi’s recent A7 and A8 models, a sloping roofline, and a similar front end to the e-tron SUV. The prototype also features digital rear-view cameras in place of regular mirrors, which should mean they will be offered as an option on the production version.

No interior photos were revealed but the dashboard should look pretty much like the Audi e-tron‘s. Expect the production model to arrive before the end of the year, following a public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

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