The A3 Sportback e-tron continues to be a success for Audi, representing nearly 13% of all A3 sales in the US. The A3 e-tron is the brand’s first step towards providing an electrified future in the US.

The A3 is slightly ahead of expectations at the moment; we are quite pleased with the car. The plug-in hybrid is a transitional technology that works especially for now. It is viewed as a short-term to mid-term measure to bring electric cars into the portfolio. The A3 e-tron is a small step, but an important step.

—Filip Brabec, Director of Product Management for Audi of America

As the only Audi available in a Sportback model and with more than 43.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down, the A3 e-tron offers customers a premium driving experience with every day utility.

New for 2017, the e-tron comes equipped with even more standard features including panoramic sunroof, rearview camera, LED daytime running lights with available e-tron signature LED headlights (Premium Plus and Prestige only) and standard driver assistance systems such as Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense front.

Expanded technology offerings include the available Audi virtual cockpit, Audi smartphone interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for compatible devices, Audi connect PRIME and PLUS services (6-month trial subscription) and MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, further raising the bar as to drivers can expect from electric vehicles.

Specially designed for e-tron, the Audi virtual cockpit includes unique displays such as a power meter screen which shows the range and consumption figures for both the electricity and gasoline, placed in the driver’s line of vision.

Also exclusive to the A3 Sportback e-tron is the available Sport package which adds a 3-spoke, flat-bottom, multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, 18" 15-spoke Turbine-design wheels with all-season tires, front sport seats, and an S line roof spoiler, further differentiating the e-tron from the rest of the A3 model line.

Four unique drive modes within the Audi drive select system continue to allow e-tron drivers to dictate how to use the vehicle’s electric range to best suit their needs. From hybrid mode, which automatically chooses the most efficient power source based on speed and performance demand, to Sport mode, which uses all available power from both the combustion engine and the electric motor to deliver all-out performance, the e-tron is a versatile choice for a variety of daily driving needs.

The e-tron will be priced from $38,900 at the Premium trim level to $47,550 at the Prestige trim. In California, the vehicle’s largest market, purchasing customers who are residents of the state may also qualify for additional state and federal incentives and tax credits.