Audi is expanding its electric vehicle portfolio with another battery-powered SUV.

Debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Audi e-tron Sportback is set to become available to select markets in 2020and it combines sloping roofline styling with an advanced electric drive architecture.

Overall dimensions are akin to the long roof e-tron, with the Sportback version measuring 4.9 m bumper-to-bumper, 1.93 m across and standing 1.6 m tall.

Distinguishing the e-tron Sportback’s design are its Digital Matrix LED headlights, which feature 1 m active micromirrors. These electrostatically charged mirrors can pulse 5 000 times a second, allowing for advanced lights which can shape their illumination to beam around objects and even light specific sections of road.

Powering the e-tron Sportback is a 95 kWh battery pack, which energises individual motors on each axle, thereby ensuring that this futuristic Audi adheres to the brand’s Quattro all-wheel-drive heritage.

Total system output rates at 300 kW and Audi claims a driving range of 446 km per charge, which theoretically offers an excellent combination of performance and driveability. The slightly more aerodynamic coupe body shape gives this Sportback a 10 km range advantage over the conventional e-tron.

Performance is brisk. Peak torque calculates to 664 Nm and with the e-tron Sportback’s shifter set to ‘S’, Audi says its latest battery SUV will run 0-100 kph in 5.7 seconds. Foroptimised range and battery life, top speed is limited to 200 kph.

The e-tron Sportback is configured to accept150 kW DC fast-charging. If you plug it into one of these high-output chargers, it will re-energise 80% of the vehicle’s battery capacity in only half an hour.

Audi's e-tron Sportback rides on a comprehensive air-suspension and adjustable damper system, which can enact up to 76mm of ride height variation. This is handy for high-speed driving (lowering the vehicle) or when you require additional clearance, on gravel roads.

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