Driven: Audi E-Tron 55 Sportback Review with Video

Sexier, sleeker but fundamentally unchanged — is the Audi E-Tron 55 Sportback the pick of the electric SUV range or just a case of style over substance?

You’ve probably seen the Audi E-Tron quietly cruising around the streets of the UK. In 2020, Audi sold more than double the number of E-Trons compared to the previous year. Thanks, mostly, to some borderline silly lease deals that made taking the plunge almost a no-brainer. I was one of those people who managed to get a base-spec E-Tron 50 for less per month than most run-of-the-mill hatchbacks. But what if you want something that has a bit more curb appeal? That’s where the E Tron Sportback comes in.

It isn’t hard to describe the Sportback. It’s essentially the same car but with a swoopy roofline that makes it look sportier and more desirable overall. You’ll have to decide for yourself if it’s successful. Personally, I’m not a fan of these faux-coupe SUV things. Thankfully, Audi’s approach isn’t ugly. Far from it, in fact. The Sportback is a good-looking car. As SUVs go, it’s a great-looking car and is one of the rare times that this kind of design language improves upon the original. 

Thankfully, in the real world, the sexier styling doesn’t compromise the E-Tron’s practicality. The boot is still cavernous and allowed me to click and collect a wardrobe from IKEA without too much hassle. Of course, big, boxy items like washing machines won’t fit, but if that’s your concern, save yourself the bill at the chiropractor and pay for delivery instead. The back seat headroom is almost exactly the same, so there is no issue there either. 

The rest of the car is identical to any other E-Tron 55. It’s fast, quiet, and smooth to drive. Backroads are still best approached with restraint. You can’t hide 2.5 tons even if the centre of gravity is surprisingly low for an SUV. For the best ride, avoid the bigger wheels. The smallest wheels still look good and will make long journeys feel like you’re driving on a road of pillows. Almost.  

Range is still poor by Tesla standards. I managed 190 miles with sensible driving in early Spring weather. Some can get over 200, but it’ll take serious restraint. Another EV owner once told me to turn off the climate control to get better range, but frankly, that’s not how these cars are meant to be used. You shouldn’t be shivering in your £90k SUV. 

Like most press cars, this E-Tron comes stuffed full of extras. Some are well worth it, and some really aren’t. I’d avoid the fancy camera mirrors. They simply aren’t as nice to live with as normal mirrors. Spend the money instead on the panoramic roof option. It makes the cabin so much airier. The standard stereo is also rather good in my base model, so the hefty price for the better speakers and amps is only really for real audiophiles. 

Overall, the Audi E-Tron 55 Sportback is one of the nicest electric SUVs on the market, thanks to its amazing interior and some great exterior design. You just have to decide if you can afford the asking price and can live with the meagre range. Go and drive one, and you’ll find every other diesel or petrol SUV will feel unrefined.