After Audi introduced the all-new A4, the German manufacturer thought that it would be great to apply the same styling makeover to the A3. Now, though, the time has come for the A3 e-tron to receive the same treatment. And a higher price.
For the model year 2016, the Audi A3 e-tron holds a sticker of $37,900 plus destination and handling. The better-looking 2017 Audi A3 e-tron, however, starts from $38,900 for the Premium trim level. So what do you get for the additional $1,000? Not much, to be honest.
The Audi virtual cockpit, for example, is an optional extra. So is the smartphone interface with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. And so is the Audi MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. Not even the fancy LED headlights don’t come as standard on the entry-level A3 e-tron.
Happily, however, the rest of the lineup is better equipped. But if you want toys, you have to pay a lot for them. For the Premium Plus, the pricing starts from $42,000 plus the $950 destination and delivery tax, while the top-of-the-line Prestige is $47,550. On the upside, buyers from California may qualify for additional state and federal incentives.
Even though it’s a plug-in hybrid with an 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery located under the rear seats, the updated Audi A3 e-tron offers up to 43.5 cubic feet (1,231 liters) of cargo capacity. It also comes with a panoramic roof, which is a nice touch if you like to gaze at the stars.
On the powertrain front, a 1.4-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine and a permanent magnet-driven electric motor produce a combined 204 horsepower and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. According to Audi, it’s enough get-up-and-go for a run to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.6 seconds.
On that note, the future of Audi is pure electric. In this regard, it has come to our attention that an A8-sized electric sedan is in the offing, three electric motors and everything.
The Audi virtual cockpit, for example, is an optional extra. So is the smartphone interface with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. And so is the Audi MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. Not even the fancy LED headlights don’t come as standard on the entry-level A3 e-tron.
Happily, however, the rest of the lineup is better equipped. But if you want toys, you have to pay a lot for them. For the Premium Plus, the pricing starts from $42,000 plus the $950 destination and delivery tax, while the top-of-the-line Prestige is $47,550. On the upside, buyers from California may qualify for additional state and federal incentives.
Even though it’s a plug-in hybrid with an 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery located under the rear seats, the updated Audi A3 e-tron offers up to 43.5 cubic feet (1,231 liters) of cargo capacity. It also comes with a panoramic roof, which is a nice touch if you like to gaze at the stars.
On the powertrain front, a 1.4-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine and a permanent magnet-driven electric motor produce a combined 204 horsepower and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. According to Audi, it’s enough get-up-and-go for a run to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.6 seconds.
On that note, the future of Audi is pure electric. In this regard, it has come to our attention that an A8-sized electric sedan is in the offing, three electric motors and everything.