The plug-in hybrid rolls out in a variety of trim levels, including the Premium Plus trim for a price of $42,925 and Prestige trim for $47,725. The charging connection for the A3 Sportback e-tron is located behind the four rings in the Singleframe grille.
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The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is scheduled to go on sale in select Audi dealers this October.
Fortunately for Audi, those exceptions seem to be happening at the premium end of the plug-in market, where the A3 e-tron will reside. While yet to be finalized, Audi is anticipating each of these compact hatches will qualify for a $4,168 Federal income tax credit in addition to any other available state or local incentives. A maximum of 204 horses and 258 ft-lb is sent to the front wheels through a dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission.
That’s because while the Audi A3 e-tron does start in electric-only mode, it’s quite happy to operate in gasoline only mode for extended periods of time. The battery pack is packaged beneath the rear seats, meaning trunk space is undisturbed.
240-volt charging replenishes the battery in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. EPA fuel economy estimates have not yet been released. Sales of the Tesla Model S, BMW i3 and Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric (the latter two of which figure to be key e-tron rivals) were up in July. Recharging through a 120-volt outlet takes approximately 8 hours. When stomping on the accelerator in the pre-production model, the engine did come on once-but we were told that in the final product, no matter how far or fast the pedal gets pressed, provided that there’s adequate charge in the battery and the right mode is selected, the engine will stay dormant and the quick, smooth and quiet electric motor will provide all the propulsion.
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Beyond e-tron-specific exterior and interior styling elements that range from Xenon plus HID headlamps and LED taillights to bespoke instrumentation, badging and door sill treatments, the new A3 Sportback e-tron boasts a long list of high-line standard features. Like virtually all EVs and plug-ins, this new eco-oriented A3 will offer a smartphone app that allows owners to remotely check on the charge status of their vehicles as well as precondition the cabin temperature to help save energy.
