The 2022 Audi E-Tron Sportback Electric is one of those that have added another dimension to an already established segment of SUVs. The electric counterpart is in contention against their engine siblings and might soon overwhelm them in their respective market shares. Audi E-Tron Sportback is very much expected to have the same proposition as that of its predecessor in most of the domains including the cabin accents, ergonomics, and tech-ends. This directs us to suspect that the three-level trim hierarchy of the Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige is likely to be as it is as in the previous model. 

The Asynchronous Motor in Single-speed Direct Drive layout may retain its stature as a propulsion unit with an increase in its battery capacity, most probably, in the newer model which will, in the end, empower the dynamic-looking 20" 5-double-spoke Turbine design bi-color wheels. The narrative can be speculated to be true for the Volcano Gray Ash Natural Wood inlays, Moon Silver Headliners, and the Okapi Brown Leatherette for the ambiance touches that come as a standard in the Premium trim and continue in the higher trims as well.

Though the Premium trim, itself, is more than enough than required as per the spec-sheet, the Premium Plus takes the impression way beyond one’s expectation with the addition of features like the Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System and ventilation-cum-heat-incorporated seats. The safety propensity also does get better with the Audi adaptive cruise assist and Active lane assist in the Premium Plus trim. If this might have impressed you then the Prestige scale will probably even amplify that as the Valcona Full Leather package as a clouding is something that is not a daily business for anyone and can be availed of in this apex format. In addition to that, the convenience is analogous to an epic theoretical drama in the making with the Individual contour front seats with heating, ventilation, & massage that have been kept exclusive for the Prestige only. Therefore, as mentioned earlier, it is likely to maintain all such belongings in the upcoming model and will be content in its suite and offers.

Which Trim should you buy?

The price is a pretty hefty one and it scrambles with high increments as we move up the trim tree. So, being cost cautious and feature-addict at the same time compels us to keep the Premium trim at the top of the wishlist. Soberly convenient for long travels, no compromise in its ambiance, and the inherent Roll Stability Control & Collision Mitigation nudges make it no less than its siblings. Hence, it has to be the base trim among all to be chosen as per the cost to value ratio.

2022 Audi E-Tron Sportback Electric Release Date

There is no specific confirmation from any sides yet regarding the pre-booking dates or sales dates of the 2022 Audi E-Tron Sportback Electric, so we will also avoid making any prediction as such keeping Covid-19 in mind.

Audi E-Tron Sportback Electric comes equipped with a combination of two motors in different configurations. The front gets an Axially Parallel Asynchronous Motor while the rear has Rear Coaxial Asynchronous Motor attached to power the wheels in a single-speed direct-drive. The motor is capable of producing 355 hp of power and 414 lb-ft of torque because of which the machinery can take off from a standstill to 60 mph in a matter of 5.5 seconds and covers a quarter-mile in 16 seconds with a top speed of more than 120 mph.

The approach is way too promising in this electric SUV for two reasons. One, being, is its ability to achieve the feat with a much lighter motor setup compared to the equivalent engine variant and the other is the relatively lower numbers of mechanical components in function. As there is no official figure released yet, the 2021 model data has been given preference for reference.

As far as competition is concerned, if the Audi continues with the same powertrain-drivetrain coupling then it is no surprise that it will remain at the bottom of the strata among all the rivals. Tesla has been a pioneer and the first one to begin such a venture, so it is obvious to see it on the podium with an acceleration timing of 3.8 seconds and a quarter-mile ticking of 11.2 seconds. The Model X also beats the best of others by a significant margin of 31 mph in top-speed maneuvering. It is then followed by the Jaguar I-Pace and Audi E-Tron Sportback in the same order.

When one is given an opportunity to relish an extraordinary accent and appealing curvature with inspiring assists, there is hardly any sense in demanding returns on economic figures. But with the advent of electric mobility, it seems that the demand might not be an oddity as it is certain that per mile is going to be cheaper with promising range coverage. The expected values of 76 MPGe in cities, 78 MPGe on the highways, and 77 MPGe overall with a range of up to 218 miles by the upcoming model of the Audi E-Tron Sportback bolster the argument.

In comparison, the Audi E-Tron Sportback Electric might not look as impressive as others but it is still manageable to a large extent considering its 4000 lbs towing capacity. On the other hand, Tesla is not merely a performance beast but it has found the formula which is equivalently satisfying with its maximum return of 109 MPGe and range coverage of up to 360 miles. There is no doubt that it rules the domain without any hassle. The Jaguar I-Pace might have lower efficiency when compared against Audi, however, it does perform better when the range is concerned averaging 234 miles.

Audi always brings newness with whatever it does. There is no leniency from the brand’s end, especially, when it comes to what's inside the cabin. The 2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback is a perfect example of that intent and there will be a continuation of many such premium outflows in the upcoming model as well, most probably. If the characteristic is retained as that of the 2021 model, then the Premium will have those power-heated front seats along with driver-memory function which will further improve with power-ventilation and massage units in the highest trim. One of the plus points has been the liberalism in choosing among the Pearl Beige with Agate Gray stitching, Okapi Brown, and the Black with Rock Gray stitching seating accents throughout the trim structure.

Once one sways away from the touches, he/she realizes the temperature regulation complexity that has been bestowed through Dual Zone Front And Rear Automatic Air Conditioning along with a memory-functioned telescopic steering column at the disposal. Power-adjustability is more like a general phenomenon across all the trims. So, the innate nature is itself, enticing and has no reason not to be reintroduced in the 2022 model.

As per predictive analysis, Audi E-Tron Sportback does have sound ergonomics and cabin insulation on offer with a capacity of 5 passengers but it is still Model X which might outshine it in every possible aspect right from the spaciousness to seating capacity. The three-row arrangement with ample room in each one of them vouches for superior comfort altogether. Tesla Model X is really a threat even for other rivals as well like the Jaguar I-Pace which is parallel to the Audi offering. One might find the former's accent and feel a bit better than the latter; that is soon overtaken by the tech-assists that have been incorporated into it. 

Some of the expected features are:

• Pearl Beige with Agate Gray stitching
• Dual Zone Front And Rear Automatic Air Conditioning
• Steering Memory Function
• Driver’s Seat Memory Function
• Front Seats with Power-adjustability
• 40-20-40 Folding Seatback Rear Seat
• Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting
• HomeLink Garage Door Transmitter

How intuitive is the 2022 Audi E-Tron Sportback Electric’s infotainment unit?

Audi E-Tron Sportback Electric is an array of features that can be placed at par with whatever one may find as a benchmark for himself/herself. The Sirius Satellite, Audi connect, and MMI Navigation Plus are some of the assets that fill the blank in this category. Other advanced features such as the Audi Real-Time Traffic and Real-Time Traffic Display are also available for one’s service inside the cabin. The musical notes hit high with the premium Audi Sound System along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as a standard. 

Not just the entertainment unit but the self-reliant perspective has been given consideration with the Audio Theft Deterrent System and Speed Compensated Volume Control. The storyline ends with online services of CARE, PRIME, and PLUS including Aux Audio Input Jack and USB data/charge ports. These are the mentions of the 2021 model which we assume will find their relevance yet again in the upcoming model of 2022.

Some of the expected features are:

• Sirius Satellite
• Audi Real-Time Traffic
• Real-Time Traffic Display 
• Audi connect
• Audi Sound System 
• Speed Compensated Volume Control
• MMI Navigation Plus
• Online Services of CARE, PRIME, and PLUS

Bulky yet fluidically sculpted with a Pantone universality of Antigua Blue metallic, Catalunya Red metallic, Florett Silver metallic, and many more is a depiction of genius that has been put into the silhouette of Audi E-Tron Sportback and there is denial that we could not witness any major change in it any sooner, as per our assumptions. This 4-door electric SUV will certainly maintain that bold pursuit which is personified by the Digital Matrix-design LED Headlights along with the check-marked metallic-accented grilles on the front fascia. The body lines and creases on the bonnet are also visible making it appear more like an air-breeze. 

On top of that, the rear lip spoiler looks mandatory for such an exterior appeal that is intensified by the 20" 5-Spoke Bi-Color Design Wheels. Apart from these features and extensions, packages like the Black Optic package for wheel variations and Towing package that improve the appearance and functionality respectively are also to choose from. Since there are no concrete details available, that is why the 2021 model has been taken into account for the newer model continuation.

The affair of dimensions and handling has been a known matter for many years and that is evident in the overall silhouette of the Audi E-Tron Sportback Electric as well. The widened figures serve for the interior space management and the corresponding attachments like the adaptive air suspension and anti-roll bars manage to curb the “Butterfly Effect” that is driven by these numbers. As per our speculations, if most of the limits are retained, then it might remain the heaviest among all that can have negative dive in the front while hard braking which is then compensated by a regenerative 4-wheel ABS unit. It is this pursuit where every competitor is quite parallel to one another without any leader of the pack.

Some of the expected features are:

• 20" 5-Spoke Bi-Color Design Wheels
• Lip Spoiler
• Antigua Blue metallic accent
• Metallic-accented grilles
• Power Liftgate
• Digital Matrix-design LED Headlights
• Towing package
• Black Optic package
• Adaptive Air Suspension

Though Audi has a rich reputation in its peer for its attention to safety prowess, the Audi E-Tron Sportback Electric seeks to take it to another level with its construction of a sandwich of Steel and Aluminum. The steel allows it to have high ultimate strength making the frame impact resilient while the brittle nature of aluminum panels makes sure of breaking the chain of force propagation. As a result, the chassis is worthy of tackling any sort of crash. 

The structural soundness is further enhanced by active features such as the Front Collision Mitigation System and Audi side assist Blind Spot. The safety suite does entail the Electronic Stability Control and Roll Stability Control which work together with the Electromechanical progressive steering system, this unit as a whole makes handling a forte of the Audi E-Tron Sportback. The ride height and frequency are further taken care of by the couples of Audi adaptive air suspension in it. In the end, comes the Audi Parking System and Audi Pre Sense around the frame while the Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags and SideGuard Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags on the inside. Honestly speaking, after gauging such artillery, it is quite reasonable to believe that the features will most likely remain the same for a long time as of now which means the 2021 safety aids, with high probability, will remain intact as it is in the 2022 curvature. 

Some of the expected features are:

• SideGuard Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Audi Parking System
• Audi Pre Sense
• Front Collision Mitigation System 
• Audi side assist Blind Spot
• Electromechanical progressive steering system
• Adaptive Air Suspension
• Electronic Stability Control 
• Roll Stability Control

2022 Audi E-Tron Sportback Electric vs 2022 Jaguar I-Pace 

The Jaguar I-Pace is one of the genuine electric SUVs that radiates the same virtue as that of the Audi E-Tron Sportback for many reasons. Accent-wise, performance-wise, economy-wise, and many more in the list. Even weighing less than the Audi, Jaguar is a real deal. However, it is not at all negative for the E-Tron Sportback as the towing capacity of 4000 lbs with such luxury and handling dynamics is a major boost for its overall image. But the powertrain efficiency gives the Jaguar I-Pace an edge over it and preference too follows the same lead.

2022 Audi E-Tron Sportback Electric vs 2021 Tesla Model X

Tesla didn’t just bring the concept of electric mobility into the limelight rather proved its worth and practicality. A cornerstone to be inspired and followed, the Model X is way above any other that has ever been brought into the market. Cabin spaciousness, performance demon with long hauling reach are those features where it has a miles apart variation from the rivals. The technology and sensor-bound chassis are no less than an engineering epic in any sense. Therefore, it is safe to say that the Audi E-Tron Sportback can be good but the Tesla Model X is better.

Audi has brought a bright and shining armor that is content in its display of prowess and paves the way of optimism with obstacles and expectations. Speaking of its overall charm, there is nothing as such that can be comparable to its appearance and accents but it lags way behind the Tesla Model X when it matters the most. Therefore, it is advisable to visit other rivals before making one's final call.