The most practical member of Audi's entry-level A3 line, the A3 Sportback e-tron offers both hatchback versatility and the efficiency of plug-in hybrid power. Add Audi's impeccable quality to the mix, and you have one interesting luxury ride.
The A3 Sportback e-tron gets a revised front end for a more Audi-like appearance. A collision mitigation system is now standard. Newly available features include rear cross-traffic alert and Audi's excellent all-digital instruments.
The front-drive A3 Sportback e-tron is powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 75-kilowatt electric motor, which is fed by a lithium-ion battery packed under the backseat. This setup delivers a total of 204 horsepower, strong output for a compact hybrid. The A3 Sportback uses the same six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission found in other A3 models. However, Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system is not available.
The 8.8-kilowatt-hour battery takes 2.5 hours to recharge on a 240-volt outlet and eight hours on a more traditional 110-volt plug. Fully charged, the A3 Sportback can travel up to 16 miles on electric power, before it switches to gas/electric hybrid mode, returning an EPA-rated 34 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Factoring in the gas-free miles, the EPA estimates that the average driver can achieve up to 83 MPGe (mile per gallon equivalent).
The maximum speed in all-electric mode is 80 mph. Note that you can disable the electric mode in case you want to preserve battery charge for a later time. The charging port is neatly disguised within the regular Audi grille.
Like the A3 sedan, the Sportback e-tron is available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels:
Comes fully equipped with leather upholstery, power front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, heated mirrors and washer nozzles, 17-inch wheels (18-inch available), and Audi's MMI infotainment system, which includes a 10-speaker stereo, satellite and HD radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Safety gets a boost from a front collision warning system with automatic emergency braking. Heated front seats are a $500 standalone option.
Adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED headlamps, aluminum interior trim, and standard heated seats. The available Technology package ($3,150) adds navigation, virtual instrumentation, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and the Audi Connect telematics system. You can also upgrade to a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system for $950.
Adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, assist, and power-folding mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming to Premium Plus equipment.
All models are available with a $1,350 Sport package that includes unique 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, front sport seats, and a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters. Aluminum roof rails are available for $300.
If you want to say under the $40,000 mark, simply add heated seats to the Premium and call it a day. While we usually recommend the Sport package on A3 models, it's mostly cosmetic in this case, so feel free to skip it.
