Audi Adds Some New Technology to the A3 Sportback E-Tron for 2017

2017 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (Credit: © Audi)

Last year, Audi electrified its tiny A3 Sportback and shipped it to American shores with the e-tron badge slapped on it. While it wasn’t necessarily a barnburner in terms of sales, it gave buyers a thrifty option in place of the shelved TDI-powered A3. For 2017, the A3 Sportback e-tron continues on with only minor technological changes.

The most noticeable change for the new year is the addition of an available e-tron-specific version of the Audi Virtual Cockpit. While this is not a new feature to Audi, the A3 Sportback e-tron’s version has an exclusive power meter screen that shows the range and consumption figures. Also new are available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Audi Connect PRIME and PLUS, and the MMI Navigation system with MMI Touch.

Outside of these technological upgrades, the A3 Sportback e-tron remains virtually unchanged. This means it’ll continue with the same 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and permanent magnet-driven electric motor that combine to produce 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. With the powertrain carrying over, buyers can also expect 16 miles of EV range and a combined fuel economy rating of 83 mpg-e.

To reach a full charge on a 240-volt outlet, it’ll take just 2 hours and 15 minutes, while a standard 110-volt plug will push that to eight hours.

The 2017 A3 Sportback e-tron will start from $38,900 ($1,000 increase) for the Premium trim, while the Premium Plus trim will be unchanged at $42,000 and the Prestige trim will jump by $1,000 to $47,550. These prices are before any federal or state credits