In 2018, Audi did decide to stop making the A3 Sportback E-Tron in favor of other models, however the vehicle is still obtainable secondhand.
In This Article...
Why did Audi cease production of the 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.
Is the Audi A3 e-tron a good investment?
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.
Audi Etron has it been retired?
Only a few months have passed since the first prototype was spotted being tested on German streets when these latest spy photos were taken. The same camouflage is being worn by the new prototype. The front and back are mostly hidden by the camouflage. So, anticipate a new, narrower grille with a style influenced by the just-released e-Tron GT. The headlamps will get a new design, and the front bumper will also be updated. The thinner taillights are the sole observable modification at the rear.
You shouldn’t anticipate any significant interior modifications, but you should anticipate battery updates that enable a greater range and quicker charging. Recall that the present Sportback’s two electric motors, one in the front and one in the back, produce a combined 335 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque. The output is increased to 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet in an overboost mode. The battery in the vehicle has a 95 kWh capacity and a 218-mile range.
Recall that the Q8 E-Tron will replace the e-tron Sportback when it is retired in 2026. The next Q8 e-tron will receive its own dedicated EV platform, most likely the same modular PPE platform that Audi and Porsche developed for large vehicles. This is in contrast to the current e-tron models, which are built on the same MLB architecture that supports models like the Volkswagen Touareg and the Bentley Bentayga. This indicates that the performance and range of the next Q8 e-tron will be better.
But before then, anticipate the redesigned e-tron Sportback to make its public debut in late 2022 as a 2023 model.
Will the Audi A3 be entirely electric?
The brand-new Audi A3 40 TFSI e variant advertises 201 horsepower, 31 g/km of CO2 emissions, and a 41-mile electric-only range. A new A3 Sportback plug-in hybrid version’s specifications have been confirmed by Audi. Prices for the new model start at 33,060 this week, and orders can be placed.
How long does the battery last on an Audi A3 Etron?
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.
The Audi A3 e-tron can it be charged while it’s moving?
Charging management makes up the second leg of the objective triangle for Audi development. While cars in the medium-size class and full-size class can charge at up to 7.4 kW, the compact class PHEVs charge at 2.9 kW and 3.6 kW, respectively. For instance, utilizing an industrial power outlet to charge the battery takes two and a half to four and a half hours. The larger classes have a bigger battery and, as a result, a higher charging capacity because they use more electricity.
Most PHEV owners charge their cars once or twice a day, typically in their garage after work or on weekends. They can use certified Volkswagen Naturstrom, which is produced using only renewable energy sources, at home if they so choose.
95 percent of all private journeys in Germany are under 50 kilometers (31.1 mi) and 99 percent are under 100 kilometers (62.1 mi), according to research done by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. This indicates that the plug-in hybrid models from Audi serve the majority of their target market. In the NEDC, the Q3 and Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e travel up to 61 kilometers (36.7 mi) on purely electric power, while the Q8 55 TFSI e travels up to 59 kilometers (36.7 mi) (37.9 mi). With no local emissions, the little A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e may travel up to 78 kilometers (48.5 miles).
Audi’s e-tron Charging Service makes it easy to recharge while driving. It provides access to around 155,000 AC charging points throughout 26 European nations with only one card. The compact charging system with a cable for household and commercial power sockets and a mode 3 cable with a type 2 connector for public charging terminals are included as standard equipment with all plug-in hybrid vehicles from Audi.
By enabling users to access the Audi connect services on their smartphones, the myAudi app enhances the convenience of daily living. Customers can initiate charging operations, set a charge timer, check the battery and range status remotely, and obtain charge and consumption statistics. The charging stations at the present location as well as the destination are shown via the app and the vehicle. Before driving off, the app can be used to warm up or cool down the vehicle. By using electricity from an electrical socket, customers can keep the vehicle’s electric range intact. They can use the pre-entry climate control to turn on the steering wheel, seats, mirror, windshield, and rear window, as well as the seat ventilation, depending on how equipped they are.
Is the A3 e-tron an all-electric vehicle?
Audi is making serious efforts to use plug-in hybrid technology to electrify the drivetrain. The Audi A3 e-tron is on display at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show from the company with the four rings. Sporty performance is ensured thanks to the system’s 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque and 150 kW (204 hp) of system power.
True to the brand, the Audi A3 e-tron. It has a sprint time of 7.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and can reach a top speed of 222 km/h (137.94 mph). The five-door model emits 35 grams of CO2 per km (56.33 g/mile), or less than the ECE standard for plug-in hybrid vehicles’ average fuel consumption of 1.5 liters per 100 km (156.81 US mpg). The Audi A3 e-highest tron’s speed in electric mode is 130 km/h (80.78 mph), and its maximum range is 50 km (31.07 miles).
The 110 kW combustion engine is a modified 1.4 TFSI (150 hp). The TFSI is connected to a 75 kW electric motor using a clutch. The new six-speed e-S tronic, which transmits power to the front wheels, incorporates the disc-shaped electric motor. The two engines work well together. The TFSI’s maximum pulling power is accessible between 1,750 and 4,000 rpm, while the electric motor’s peak torque is available from idle to about 2000 rpm.
The Audi A3 e-tron has three different driving modes: combustion engine, electric drive, and hybrid. It provides strong acceleration even in electric mode without requiring the TFSI to be engaged. The driver has the option to use both engines simultaneously ” (“boosting). They both briefly deactivate when the driver releases the accelerator ” (“gliding). Efficiency improves as a result of eliminating motor braking torque.
The Audi A3 e-tron will offer a practical look into the future of mobility as Audi is planning it at the Geneva Motor Show. The electrification of the drivetrain, particularly with plug-in technology, is a key component of the brand’s overall strategy.
Is the Audi e-tron an electric/hybrid vehicle?
Thanks to the electric propulsion, the e-tron promises fun to drive and endless appropriateness for everyday use. This includes all-electric cars, plug-in hybrids, and the new Audi e-tron, the automaker’s first all-electric production model. Technology takes on the role of product series and model classification with the Audi e-tron.
e-tron in everyday life.
astonishing acceleration the virtually silent driving the wonderful sensation of local CO2-free driving. You already know how intriguing electric mobility is if you’ve ever driven an electric car or a plug-in hybrid. However, the electric propulsion of the e-tron offers more than just enjoyable driving; it also means unrestricted appropriateness for daily use. Because a trouble-free daily life with an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid requires first and foremost a trouble-free charging process.
What number of Etron did Audi sell?
Despite all of the barriers in place and the fact that the majority of electric Audis don’t have the kind of range you’d expect from Tesla, the company experienced a 57.5 percent increase in the sales of fully electric vehicles. In fact, Audi sold 81,894 totally electric cars globally in 2021, by far the most of any automaker.
How many electrons exist?
With a 95 kWh battery with an EPA range of 328 kilometers (204 miles), an SUV simply known as “e-tron” began manufacturing in 2018[3][4] and was first delivered in 2019, with Norway being one of the first customers.
[5] The car is sold (delivered) in a number of nations, including the United States, Canada, and several nations in Europe. More than 10,000 e-trons were registered worldwide as of the end of September 2019. [6] [7] [8]
The Audi e-tron is manufactured where?
A media rumor claims that due to great demand, Audi plans to begin producing its Zwickau-made Q4 e-tron electric SUV in Brussels starting in November 2022. The VW planning meeting on December 9 will be where the final decision is taken.
According to business circles, Automobilwoche reported this. The Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback are currently constructed in the VW facility in Zwickau, Saxony, alongside other MEB vehicles, specifically the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and Cupra Born. At Skoda’s primary manufacturing facility in Mlada Boleslav, only the Skoda Enyaq is built as a MEB model.
The Volkswagen brand has already raised the possibility of using the Wolfsburg factory for excess production because to the generally high demand. However, it appears that Audi is also thinking about constructing the Q4 e-tron in a second factory in the future. The decision is alleged to have been taken in favor of the Belgian facility in Brussels and against the Neckarsulm combustion engine location.
Since 2018, Audi has solely produced the e-tron quattro and its Sportback derivative in Brussels. The larger Audi SUV is still built on the MLB Evo combustion engine platform, unlike the MEB model Q4 e-tron. Brussels is also where the e-tron quattro’s batteries are put together. It is unknown if MEB battery packs will be shipped pre-assembled or if Audi will follow suit with the Q4 e-tron.
What is certain, however, is what will occur at the Brussels factory starting in 2026: as Audi CEO Markus Duesmann stated at a local event in November, Audi aims to start producing the Q8 e-tron in Belgium at that time. While the e-tron quattro (technically connected to the internal combustion model Q5) and the future Q6 e-tron (from Ingolstadt from 2023) are in a different class, the huge electric SUV is projected to be about the same size as the internal combustion model Q7.
The overflow production of the Q4 e-tron would be a huge success for Brussels if the planning round next week is successful. The factory likely also bid to produce the Audi Artemis vehicle, but the Hanover plant of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles won the contract. The German plant in Neckarsulm, where, according to the source, expectations had also been banked on gaining production of an electric car model, would have lost to Brussels if the information from Automobilwoche is accurate.