• Available with three power outputs
• Two battery sizes
• All are four-wheel drive

The E-Tron Sportback was available with the same 50 Quattro, 55 Quattro and E-Tron S drivetrains as the SUV, although initially only the more powerful version was available for early adopters, reflecting the more performance-focused nature of the Sportback.

The entry-level 50 Quattro produces 312hp and 540Nm of torque, while the mid-range 55 Quattro develops 360hp (boosted to 402hp and 664Nm of torque for short periods of time). The most powerful E-Tron S has three electric motors (one at the front, and two rears) for an overall power output of 505hp.

There are two battery sizes – 71kWh for the 50 Quattro and 95kWh for the 55 Quattro and E-Tron S. Even the biggest model struggles to get more than 170 miles on a full charge, but it can be charged to 80% in as little as half an hour at a 150kW DC fast charger.

In the unlikely event you find yourself needing more acceleration in your 2.5 tonne, five metre SUV, the 55 Quattro and E-Tron S have a trick up the sleeve. Shift the drive mode selector into S (or choose the Dynamic drive mode) and you’ll unlock an even spicier Boost setting. Push the accelerator pedal past the stop and you’ll get eight seconds of full power, shaving nearly a full second off the 0-62mph time.

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What’s it like to drive?

• Quattro all-wheel drive as standard
• Very planted and grippy handling
• Stiff body with low centre of gravity

Although both 50 and 55 models feature Quattro all-wheel drive, for the most part the E-Tron Sportback runs with just the rear wheels driven to maximise efficiency. The heaviest components are positioned low and centrally between the axles, which means the E-Tron Sportback feel very planted on the road and balanced when cornering quickly.

It also has a sportier set-uo for its air suspension, it does a great job of negating bodyroll too, without adversely affecting the way the car rides. You can fine tune this balance with Audi’s drive select system, a choice of seven modes from Comfort to Sport and Offroad, to set the car up just the way you want.

There’s also a more dynamic setting for the traction control called ESC Sport (plus you can turn it off altogether) if you want to add a bit more involvement into what is otherwise a very tied down driving experience. It’s still no match for the livelier Jaguar I-Pace in this department though so we think you’re better off leaving everything on and enjoying the E-tron’s natural state of being stuck so hard to the tarmac it feels like the tyres will pull the top inch off the tarmac before they let go.

Like other coupefied SUVs in the Audi stable the E-Tron Sportback features something of a firmer suspension set up. It’s not uncomfortable – far from it – you only really feel that stiffness when riding over tarmac defects or rough roads, otherwise it’s a smooth and serene experience. It’s an excellent motorway cruiser, being supremely quiet and unruffled, which makes it brilliant for long-distances. Shame it doesn’t go further between charges

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