Audi E-Tron Sportback (2020 - 2022) 300kW 55 Quattro 95kWh Launch Edition Auto 5d Owner Review

300kW 55 Quattro 95kWh Launch Edition Auto 5d

13 May 2021

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In their own words

The Audi E-Tron Sportback is an excellent introduction to electric vehicles and makes the case strongly for a switch to electric. While the overall range (at a Real World of c. 180 - 215 miles) is not outstanding, it is more than sufficient when combined with proper route planning and a fast charge network for most UK and some foreign driving (Netherlands etc.). The driving experience (subject to faults I noted above) is excellent. This includes seating position, front and side visibility (although rear is limited), suspension and overall ride comfort and acoustic noise insulation (especially with the optional double glazing). If you have not driven an electric before, the lack of gears and therefore completely smooth power delivery is a revelation. At something like 2700kg, this is not a light car and the 0-62 times will not win you a race with any Teslas, but in Dynamic Mode, with S selected and with the optional launch control, you have something of a sleeper vehicle for those times quick acceleration is needed. Space is excellent in the front, good to excellent in the rear and luggage storage is excellent. The vehicle also efficiently carries bikes on the optional tow-bar, which so far has not substantially reduced range. While the Sportback loses storage over the regular model, I found the overall shape, road handling and driving position better than the standard e-tron in SUV form. While the Taycan Cross-Turismo is better looking and there are significantly better value vehicles from KIA, the E-Tron probably represents a sweet point for those who were driving an X5, Q5, Q7 or vehicles of similar price/size as it does what those do, but better and obviously greener. My previous high spec Land Rover Discovery, while a great car, is not missed. One final word of advice, do not select the optional virtual mirrors. They look great, but Audi has not manufactured them to a high quality and if you get a bad unit (which there are a fair few stories on Audi forums) you will struggle with a safety critical aspect as there is no current fix and replacements aren't authorised.

How reliable do you find the car?

The main issue with the vehicle has been with the Virtual Door Mirrors. These replace traditional mirrors with cameras. During the November 2020 to March 2021 period, potentially due to the weather conditions visibility was heavily reduced due to fogging inside the camera unit. At night, major halo effects made the vehicle unsafe and overall in some cases visibility was zero. There is no camera specific heater control and while forcing the rear window demister also turns on the cameras, this didn't always work. The vehicle was also supplied with missing charging equipment and defective bodywork, all of which required months to resolve partly due to COVID, but mostly due to Audi centrally who do not seem setup to resolve issues with Electric Vehicles. As at May 2021, due to the warmer weather and forcing the rear demister on (which lowers range) the cameras are nearly always crystal clear. I am advised there is a "known fault" but no fix available from the manufacturer, which is very disappointing for a safety feature. Other niggles include poor Bluetooth stability and an Audi Application, which is required for ease of charging (e.g. remote charge) which often crashes, is down for repair or otherwise disconnects from the car. Sometimes the vehicle seems to forget that I am the owner and requires a complete reset. Basic technology that my Land Rover had and worked correctly.

Does the car do everything you expected it to do?

The vehicle, other than the problems described above has a range of functionality and kit that is excellent. The driving position is great, the air suspension is great and the noise insulation is superb.

How they rated it
Reliability: 3 out of 5 3.0
Meets Expectations: 4 out of 5 4.0
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 4.0
Paul Rosen recommends this car