Although the base 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Premium is a well-equipped luxury compact, many desirable technology options are not available. Only the top-of-the-line Prestige includes all the technology and active safety features that many premium purchasers want, while the Premium Plus provides more alternatives.
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Audi A3 e-tron dependability
It scored extremely well in terms of dependability and quality, scoring 86 out of 100. According to Edmunds, the Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron is more reliable than average. The average rating given by the car’s owners, who rank it on a variety of factors, is four stars.
Is buying an Audi Etron worth it?
Do I need to buy an Audi e-tron? When looking into the luxury electric SUV sector, the 2022 e-tron is unquestionably something you should take into account. The Tesla Model X and Tesla Model Y are competitors that can both travel further on a single charge if you’re looking for a car with a longer driving range, though.
How long does the battery on an Audi A3 e-tron last?
Since the sole six-speed S tronic automatic version of the A3 Sportback e-tron was available, all of them share the same mechanical components. An 8.8kWh battery pack allows for a maximum theoretical range of 584 miles while utilizing both gasoline and electricity.
For the A3 e-tron, there was only one trim level initially offered, although it had a substantial amount of equipment. The 17-inch alloy wheels, GPS, eight-speaker stereo with DAB, sports seats, dual-zone climate control, and multifunction steering wheel were all included for the buyers. All versions came standard with front and rear power windows, parking sensors, automatic headlights, and wipers.
White, black, and red were the only conventional colors; however, 15 other metallic and pearlescent shades were also offered, including silver, red, blue, green, grey, black, and white. All e-tron interiors were equipped with fabric trim as standard, although leather or leather and Alcantara trim could be had for a fee.
Other optional extras for the front seats exclusively were heated seats, electric lumbar adjustment, and electric adjustability. A fixed panoramic glass roof, a Bang & Olufsen stereo, cruise control (with adaptive cruise control, which costs extra money again), privacy glass, a rear parking camera, and front parking sensors are other features that you might wish to focus on.
Alternatives
The Volkswagen Golf GTE, which is fundamentally identical to the Audi A3 e-tron, is its main opponent. There isn’t much to differentiate them in terms of the driving experience, and both have really high-quality interiors. Additionally, their running expenses are probably going to be fairly comparable.
If the hatchback design is not necessary, you should consider the BMW 330e or Mercedes C 350 e, both plug-in hybrid vehicles that are only available in saloon form for the BMW and an estate version for the Mercedes. These vehicles are wonderful to drive, well crafted, and simple to live with, as you would expect from the brands that represent them.
The i3, which is offered as a range-extender or in pure-electric form, is another BMW that is worthwhile of consideration. The latter claims to have a range of up to 206 miles when combined with a tiny petrol motorbike engine; the electric-only model reduces this to just 125 miles.
Verdict
One of the sleekest vehicles in its class, if not the sleekest of them all, is the Audi A3. By releasing a plug-in hybrid that wasn’t as stunning as all of the other vehicles in the A3 lineup, Audi was never going to compromise. As a result, even if it’s not the cheapest option available, you can be confident that the A3 Sportback e-tron will be enjoyable to own.
As with any plug-in hybrid, the price is substantially higher than the same A3 model with a diesel or petrol engine. You must determine whether the cost is worthwhile, as our sister publication Auto Express noted in its initial evaluation of the A3 Sportback e-tron: “Compared to competing range-extenders, the hybrid configuration feels less well-resolved, and the drive is weakened by the heavier batteries. Finally, if you drive a lot, your fuel economy will suffer.”
Checklist
- Owners can communicate with their e-tron with a free app. This shows the battery pack’s current charge level and fuel consumption information. It also makes it possible to remotely adjust the climate control using a smartphone. You may also remotely control charging.
- As a plug-in hybrid, the A3 Sportback e-tron features a larger battery pack (8.8 kWh) than a conventional hybrid. It is able to go up to 31 miles in electric-only mode as a result.
- According to manufacturer estimates, the A3 Sportback e-tron may be fully charged in two hours 15 minutes or three hours and 45 minutes using a wallbox.
- There is an active bonnet installed, which means that in the case of a collision with a pedestrian, it will rise to provide protection. Sadly, it may also appear if an animal is struck, resulting in a significant price to make things right.
- Make sure the vehicle has both of the two charging cables that come standard with the e-tron. One is for using at home, while the other is for usage at public charging stations.
- When the back seats are folded, the e-boot tron’s can accommodate 1220 liters and 280 liters, respectively. 380 and 1,220 liters are the equivalent for A3s with conventional engines, which also come with 50 or 55-liter gasoline tanks as opposed to the e-40-liter tron’s capacity.
Running costs
- 29-33 insurance groups
- MPg on average: 166176
- emissions of CO2: 3739 g/km
Although the A3 Sportback e-overall tron’s warranty was limited for three years, the battery pack’s warranty is for eight years or 100,000 miles. The interval between minor and major maintenance is set at 12 months or 9,000 kilometers. These cost $170 and $335, respectively, at the time of writing (October 2019), and a brake fluid change was also necessary every two years and cost an additional $65.
Every five years or 140,000 miles, the 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine that powers the e-tron needs to have its cambelt replaced. An authorized Audi dealer will charge a fairly high 725 for this service.
Is buying an Audi A3 worthwhile?
Yes, the Audi A3 is a quality vehicle. It boasts three eager turbocharged engines, two of which are in high-performance variants, and has nimble handling and a comfortable ride. The interior of the A3 is gorgeous and has many high-end materials. Additionally, it offers user-friendly technological elements and two rows of roomy seats.
Why is the Audi e-tron flawed?
2019 Audi e-tron vehicles are being recalled by NHTSA due to problems with moisture accumulation in the electrical system.
A poor seal on the system’s charging socket can allow moisture to get inside the high voltage system of the car and accumulate there. The Audi e-tron may short circuit as a result of this moisture accumulation in the high-voltage electrical system of the vehicle.
The risk of a car fire might significantly increase as a result of moisture accumulation in the e-high tron’s voltage system. When the “electrical system: fault” warning light appears on the Audi e-tron display, drivers should immediately halt their vehicle.
Make sure you park your car outside, away from buildings, and without charging it. To have your car taken somewhere secure, outside, and away from buildings, call Audi Roadside Assistance, AAA, or a towing service.
Is maintaining an Audi e-tron expensive?
After five years of ownership, the average cost of auto insurance for an Audi e-tron is $9,535 or $1,907 per year.
Based on national averages for a 40-year-old driver with full coverage, a clean driving record, and acceptable credit, these insurance rates are estimates. They do not take into account multi-car discounts and also presume a single-car insurance. To check rates by state, for various driver ages, credit scores, and driving records, visit our Audi e-tron Insurance Tool.
Rates for the same coverage for an Audi e-tron will differ dramatically between carriers.
Get new quotes if you’ve been with your current insurance provider for more than a few years to be sure you’re not overpaying.
To get free quotations to reduce your insurance expenses, use the form below or our Competitive Quote Tool.
How long is the battery life of an Audi e-tron?
Given its enormous battery and predicted range of roughly 220 miles per charge, the Audi e-tron is expected to last between 300,000 and 400,000 kilometers. You may anticipate 1015 years of dependable service at an average annual mileage of 15,000 miles before needing to replace the battery.
How much does it cost to replace the battery in an Audi e-tron?
Between $36,521 and $36,765 is the typical price range for an Audi e-tron Quattro hybrid high voltage battery replacement. While parts are priced at $35,586, labor costs are predicted to range from $935 to $1,179. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account.
What should I expect to pay for an Audi e-tron?
The starting price for the electric SUV Audi e-tron in 2022 is $65,900. The starting price for the e-tron Sportback is $69,100. There is a $7,500 federal tax credit available, as well as several state incentives and a free charging scheme.
What caused the Audi A3 Etron to be retired?
The 2009 International Motor Show Germany included the debut of the e-tron concept car. Four UQM Technologies motors[26] power a two-seater that looks somewhat smaller than the Audi R8 and has four-wheel drive. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds thanks to its combined 313 PS (230 kW; 309 horsepower) and 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 lbft) of torque.
In front of the rear axle is a 470 kg (1,036 lb) 42.4 kWh lithium-ion battery that has a range of about 248 km (154 mi)[27] and can be fully charged in 68 hours using a regular household outlet. Both ceramic disc brakes and regenerative braking are present. [28] Audi started a development program in 2010 with the goal of producing a R8 e-tron with a limited run. [29] [30] In the 2013 Marvel Studios film Iron Man 3, the R8 e-tron had a brief appearance. [31]
After creating 10 prototypes for testing and research, Audi opted to stop building the electric vehicle in May 2013 due to its short all-electric range and the fact that battery technology had not developed as quickly as Audi had anticipated, rendering the R8 e-tron unworkable for mass production.
[32] Audi changed its mind in March 2014 and declared it would construct the R8 e-tron upon request. The automaker stated that their most recent research work boosted the range from 215 km (134 mi) to roughly 450 km (280 mi). [33]
Is there still a supply of the Audi A3 e-tron?
Due to the implementation of WLTP emissions standards, Audi has discontinued the A3 Sportback e-tron, joining a number of other plug-in hybrid vehicles, such as the Audi Q7 e-tron.
The German company said that procedural changes, not other factors like sales success, were to blame for the adjustment. In the UK last year, 637 A3 Sportback e-trons were sold in total.
How far can an Audi e-tron travel?
The EPA estimates the ordinary e-range tron’s to be 222 miles, while the Sportback model’s range is 218 miles. Both variations, however, still fall short of competitors like the Model X Long Range and I-Pace (234 miles) (up to 371 miles). Each e-tron is equipped with a powerful 150 kW fast charger that enables it to recharge 80% of its battery in roughly 30 minutes. The Jaguar EV, in contrast, features a 100-kW DC charger that recharges the battery more slowly. The e-tron may be completely charged in around nine hours using a more common 240-volt outlet.