2017 Audi A3 e-tron Costs More, Offers More
CARS.COM — For about a thousand bucks more, buyers of the 2017 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron will get a host of newly standard and optional safety, convenience and tech features. The luxury plug-in electric hatchback now starts at $39,850, including a $950 destination charge; that’s $1,025 more than the outgoing model.
Related: 2017 Audi A3: First Look
With the extra cash on all trim levels, however, comes standard features including a panoramic sunroof, backup camera, LED daytime running lights, and Audi’s Pre Sense Basic and Pre Sense Front crash-mitigation systems. Also available on Premium Plus and Prestige trims — which start at $42,950 and $48,500, respectively, including destination — are e-tron signature LED headlights.
Newly available tech features include the e-tron-specific Audi virtual cockpit, which includes a display easily visible to the driver showing range and consumption figures for both electricity and gas. Also among expanded tech offerings are the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration systems, as well as the automaker’s MMI Navigation and MMI touch multimedia functions.
Not changing for this light refresh is the Sportback’s powertrain. The 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, makes 204 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque. Audi says it’s good for a zero-to-60-mph sprint of 7.6 seconds. The e-tron has an 83-mpg-equivalent rating from the EPA. The driver can select from four modes, including hybrid mode, which automatically chooses the most efficient power source based on performance demand, and Sport mode, which uses all available power for max output.
Exclusive to the Sportback is the optional Sport package, which adds a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, 18-inch wheels, front sport seats and a trim-specific S line roof spoiler.
For comparison, the 2017 BMW i3 starts at $43,395 and has a 117 mpg-e rating from the EPA when equipped with a gasoline engine-powered range extender. The regular 2017 Audi A3 2.0T Premium model will start at $35,150 when it arrives in October, with the Sportback e-tron slated to arrive at a later date. All prices include a destination charge.
