Audi e-tron Sportback test drive review (by Mach-E owners)

[@knudsenj100]

I love my E Tron Sportback - the ride and quiet cabin are amazing. More range would be nice but she's a heavy pig. On road trips, I've easily beat the EPA range with normal B road and highway driving.

[@fred993a]

You two are getting better and better in your EV reviews and comparisons - thank you. I can't wait for your review of the Lightning and GT!

[@EVexplored]

Aw thanks Fred, really appreciate that! I absolutely can't wait to review those too! 💙 - Liv

[@MachE_VLOG]

Thank you!!! I hope we get to test both the F-150 Lightning and the Mach-E GT.

[@the_hunker_down3960]

Love seeing these other EV reviews and how you guys make it comparable to real driving, real reactions, not just laundry list review. Keep up great work👍

[@EVexplored]

Thanks Grits! Much appreciated! - Liv

[@MLHunt]

Really enjoy you guys' vids. Bumpers/music are excellent! Who does your music? ETA: as a Mach-E owner, a reasonably objective review of other cars from a Mach-E owner is precisely in my personal wheelhouse, as we have a second Mach-E on order but are are still considering other options. Please keep these coming!

[@MachE_VLOG]

We only use music from the KZbin Audio Library to make sure we don't run into copyright issues (and it is free). Anyone with a KZbin channel can access it here: kzbin.info?feature=blog One of our musicians on there is Patrick Patikios - kzbin.info/www/bejne/h169aK2cZbWgY7s

[@Livshaka]

Thanks Hunt! That's good to know. We are currently eyeing out vehicles to replace my old car so we are in the same boat and would love to share the process! Ya like Patrick said, youtube audio library music is absolutely great.

[@amartinossi]

Thanks for this review! I do like Audis, so I considered the e-tron, but it was definitely out of my price range. No regrets though. I love my Mach-E.

[@EVexplored]

Yay so happy you love your Mach-E! The E-Tron has some amazing features and such a smooth ride but the Mach-E is still my pick! - Liv

[@waynerm002]

Nice review. The e-tron Sportback certainly is a great car and cost a bit more than the standard (SUV) version while lacking in some space. Also the range drops a bit 218 vs 222 for the SUV and the price of the Sportback is higher. I like the Sportback look but prefer the SUV version more. Then again, I prefer a wagon look and went with the SUV. So folks know, you can turn off the haptic feel and make it a simple tough screen which I prefer and find to be faster to use. I also like how Audi made it to be more like an ICE vehicle with how it is laid out on the IP, infotainment system and how it drives. Makes it an easier transition to an EV. Audi has deals going on from time to time and getting $20K off the price isn't unheard of, which is part of a monthly (since the start of the year, I think) special not just to move one or 2 old cars sitting around. All manufactures do this to move inventory from time to time. Plus that brings it closer to the Model Y but the build quality is so much better. Happy I went with the e-tron over the Model Y. Remember, this e-tron is not on a dedicated EV platform like the GT or the upcoming Q4, which affects the range. Once it moves to an EV platform, the range will get better. As battery and electronics improve, we can all look forward to EVs getting longer range.

[@minibx6659]

I get up to 250 miles epa is 222 I believe on the regular etron , fun fact, all etrons come with air suspension standard , I travel a lot to MA and DC the charging curve is insane so you only need 15 to 20 minutes of charge , I’ve done 8% to 100% in 38 minutes no joke, tbh I never remember that there is a frunk lol. Never use it. I love the it glides on the road and the auto regen is nice, I’m used to the one pedal on my Bolt but tbh don’t mind not having it on the e-tron. Virtual cockpit is what Audi calls it, sorry , I’m just typing stuff beforeI forget lol. You’ll be surprised that the range is actually fine for me, Audi does this to preserve the battery , battery capacity is actually larger than what Audi lets you use.

[@EVexplored]

That is pretty sweet charging speed! And ya most certainly for around town the range would not even be an issue. It was a shockingly smooth and cushy ride! Sounds like you love it! - Liv

[@MachE_VLOG]

I think the range would likely be fine for us as well most of the time. It was a fantastic ride for sure.

[@doorrob]

S-line 55 Sportback with S sport seats and a pan roof costs $124k equivalent in Ireland. The fit and finish are fantastic. Feels premium…really premium

[@MLHunt]

Be very interested in you guys' take on the new Hyundai/Kia twins when they come out

[@MachE_VLOG]

We're very excited to try those two out!

[@Livshaka]

Cannot wait to try those!

[@thespiceislife2082]

One advantage of the e-tron is it’s dc charging curve, but the really need to increase the driving range.

[@naughtysauce4323]

The charging curve might have something to do with how large of the buffer the battery has, from what I've heard it's pretty significant which also plays into the range. I think Audi is playing it safe for now and maybe in the future provide a software upgrade to be able to use more of the pack.

[@MachE_VLOG]

Yeah, the charging curve is reportedly fantastic.

[@descb600f]

Battery capacity is actually very similar the E-Tron has 86.5kWh useable and the Mach E 88 useable.

[@johncanalese588]

I own an Audi E-tron Sportback 55 Quattro and I’m in Australia. Audi’s are quite expensive here in Australia but at least you can negotiate/bargain with the dealer. I was looking at a Tesla X but my fully loaded Audi was bought much cheaper than the base Model X. Anyway we love the Audi as it is a true LUXURY vehicle in the way it’s designed, made and materials used. The range issue is marketing FUD! We can travel on a trip and get near 400km range and daily range is not an issue at all. But a trump card is its DC fast charging which is awesome - will charge at a flat 150kW from 0% to 80% battery SOC and only drop off slightly after that! It means you’ll get 200km+ of range in about 20mins of charging. And it can do it because it has excellent Thermal Management of the battery pack. The 95kWh battery is ‘de-rated’ to around 86.5kWh to allow a buffer for battery degradation - so the range will not change over life of the car (compare to Tesla that quotes range based on 100% battery use and will drop year on year as battery ages). The Sportback has higher range than the SUV version as it is more aerodynamic. We also have the electronic mirrors which others have chastised but are really good once you get used to them - can always see behind no matter the weather or dirty windows.

[@thefontsforfunhustleig3026]

Great Video! If the audi was the same price as the mach e...would you still go with the Mach E? Thanks in advance

[@MachE_VLOG]

I don't think we'd buy it because it just didn't work for Liv's situation. But it is a great car. I just had a friend pick up a regular e-tron and they love it.

[@MachE_VLOG]

Ooh good questions! I definitely wouldn't, since I love the aesthetics of the Mach-E and the E-Tron isn't right for me...but maybe Patrick would feel differently! - Liv

[@amankomar]

Finally you have reviewed it. I am glad you have reviewed this better than Mach e. You can now say that ride quality is much better than Mach E. Build quality is better. Road bumps are close to none due to air suspension. Mach e has better range , agreed : city driving it would not matter. but long distance driving let’s say destination is at 500-600 mile , Etron still beats Mach E as the time to cover Due to 0-80% charging in 20-25 min. 0-100% 35-40 min on DCFC. Good luck. Thank you

[@MachE_VLOG]

There's definitely a lot to like about the e-tron Sportback, but as I said in the video, I think the Mach-E is better for me. The air suspension allows for adjustments but there are still bumps. I wouldn't said it is much better. And with the Mach-E GT you can get Magneride suspension which is highly adjustable on the fly. The e-tron does have a great charging curve, but that doesn't help on some of the long gaps between stations. I'm looking at taking some road trips to visit National Parks in Utah for example. The gaps would make it difficult in the e-tron. And the charging stations out there would not benefit the e-tron since they aren't above 100kW anyway. And of course, there is the price. It is significantly more than a Mach-E. It is a great car, but just not right for me.

[@amankomar]

@@MachE_VLOG I like luxury better so Etron better for me than Tesla and mache .

[@EVexplored]

@@amankomar hey thanks for your input! It's certainly a luxury vehicle and it feels like it! Very smooth and high tech! 💙 - Liv

[@amankomar]

@@EVexplored I love the fact in the video how you appreciated the vehicle more than Patrick did. 🤫😂😂

[@esso1957]

I have an Mustang Mach-E and drive it 4000 km but the seats in Mach-E is realy bad so I change to AUDI E-TRON SPORTBACK an smile all Day Long. AUDI E-TRON SPORTBACK is 100 times better than the........Mach-E. Never vant that car back. Now im driving in Comfort +++

[@MachE_VLOG]

I love the Mach-E seats. They are very comfortable and the ride is great. But everyone is different. Glad you found the car for you!

[@fullyelectric]

Liv & Patrick, well I have to disagree on a few points and I think because you guys only had the car for a day gave you that impression, first we previous own a Tesla model X P90D cost us well over $130k new, the original EPA range if I remember correctly was 260miles, and the best we ever got was 211miles, the rear doors in hard rain or winter with snow on the top would drop on the rear seats/floor when you open the rear doors up crazy .. my wife and I was very disappointed because this was our first car we purchased new for over $100k .. anyways last year 2020 we traded in the model X for the Audi eTron .. (normal version) it has an EPA rating of 204miles and best we got was 212miles that’s going 70-75.. going slower and you can get a little more .. anyways the eTron is much faster road tripper than our previous model X and my current Mach E, simply became of the much faster charging, going to and from NY to SC .. over 750 miles, when charging the etron it takes 26min from 4% to 80% that’s good for another 180miles hop to the next charger for another 26min 180miles, our Mach E from 80% to 5% get us at best 240-250miles and it takes about 48-50min from 5% to 80% .. so for close to the same amount of charging time overall the etron has allot more range 360miles with 2 charging sessions vs 250miles with one charging season, yes do have a few more stops in the eTron vs the Mach E, but until we get a much better charging curve in the Mach E is a much slower road tripper than the eTron .. Also the comfort in the eTron is truly second to none, I drive both our eTron and Mach E every day, and truly enjoy the eTron ride comfort much better, also the normal eTron has a ton more cargo room, and yes we only use the front trunk for charging cables, you can’t get much of anything else in there .. But yeah the Mach E is more performance oriented and ride quality is set up for that, I enjoy the fun factor of my Mach E but not for a second I ever felt it comes close to my eTron .. two totally different class of EV... also when stopping I always use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel versus the pedal .. only use the pedal to come to a full stop at the last min.. makes driving fun that way in the eTron ..

[@EVexplored]

Thanks for sharing all this! You have such a unique perspective with all your ownership experiences! Without a doubt the E-Tron felt luxurious, plush, and extremely smooth and quiet inside. Would have been wonderful to get to try it out for a full road trip! - Liv

[@MachE_VLOG]

We're still EV road trip novices. I bet the faster charging does make up for a lot with the E-Trons. It really was a very, very nice car.

[@bobuncle8704]

Nice honest review

[@Livshaka]

Thanks Bob!

[@ronb4633]

All the best Patrick on getting to test drive the Taycan. That car defines Driver Focused. Just remember Launch Control is foot on brake full, then full throttle, then release brake. Before that have head resting on headrest or strong neck muscles. And nice review, I subscribed. Just saw a white Mach-E at my workplace lot today.

[@SteveBirkett]

The original eTron felt very similar to what you describe here: refined, well-crafted, but not all that inspiring in terms of cabin space, pull, or range. The reliable charging power to a high state of charge makes up for the lower range somewhat but I wasn't compelled to try it again.

[@EVexplored]

You certainly seem to drive enough that the reduced range would be a concern I'm sure. What did you think of the cockpit/command center feel? - Liv

[@SteveBirkett]

@@EVexplored It felt a bit dull to me, albeit very user-friendly. I had the 2019 though, so I think it's been updated since. Like the Polestar 2, I'm not a fan of this enclosing the driver into a "cockpit". I like the fact that EVs liberate us from transmission tunnels and open up the cabin for flexible, modular design... think it will take the Germans a few tries beforr moving on from their traditional design style, though!

[@EVexplored]

@@SteveBirkett That's fair. I still want to drive a Bolt and see how that cabin feels but I'm a bit torn....I like how the Mach-E is very equal in the space and orientation of the cabin for both the driver and the passenger...but I also quite like how both the E-Tron and the ID.4 tilt slightly towards the driver. It feels driver focused..which I think is appropriate...but then again, maybe that's not the future.

[@SteveBirkett]

@@EVexplored Oh, that part I'm okay with. The Bolt doesn't really do anything for passengers and the Mach-E seemed much more comfortable for multiple people traveling. It's more the open cabin and flat floor parts of design that I dig... things that models like the Ariya and IONIQ 5 seem to be embracing. It would be interesting to hear you guys weigh in on a Bolt, though. Very different experience from daily driving Bluecifer but it might hold its own on range and city driving! 🤔

[@loriallen67]

Went to Germany in ‘96. Had a VW Golf. No cup holders. Why? Germans (at least then) didn’t drive and eat or drink while driving. Also, on the autobahn has no speed limit between towns, so you can cruise at 110mph and get passed by a BMW 7 series. It was fun. I would be too intimidated to drive an $80k car. Like Patrick, I’d get a GT before I got the eTron. Saw my first Mach E in the wild on Sunday. Blue (not grabber) which was a boring color. Young guy driving…..maybe it was daddy’s car.

[@shahzadiqbal1976]

I was waiting for this review. Thank you so much. Mach E is much better. Can't wait for Bluecifer to return in the vlogs.

[@minibx6659]

Mach E is a nice car but is not in the same class

[@EVexplored]

Blucifer is coming soon!💙 The Mach-E is definitely my pick. The E-Tron is very plush and well-made and the command center feel is pretty amazing but the Mach-E still tops it for my preferences! - Liv

[@adrianguggisberg3656]

Cup holders are always an afterthought in any European car. The most important property a cupholder should have for 95% of Europeans is a way to remove and bin it on day one.

[@MachE_VLOG]

That's what I've heard.

[@leslinthicum4370]

Overall, I like the Mach-e better. The Audi cost is out of reach and I'm biased towards Ford. It was also interesting that the Audi is slightly slower than the Mach-e. However, I would say I really like the dash / instrumentation of the Audi. The screens are so much more integrated than the Mach-e. I also like the instrument display. The paddle shifters to control the braking re-gen were also nice. Hope Ford is paying attention.

[@EVexplored]

Agreed, the dash screen is super sweet. If they could pop that into the next Mach-E, I'd be psyched 😁 - Liv

[@davidnielson9139]

Nice job with the review. One note, I have to disagree with Patrick about the screen, I'm pretty sure I'd prefer the Audi (but would need substantial driving time with both). While I understand the appeal of the Mach E screen, my issue is that Ford does not really make great use of the screen -- it seems like it is there largely just to be "bigger than Tesla's." By contrast, while the Audi's isn't as large, it is much better resolution and, particularly combined with the binnacle screen, seems to be much better utilized. Now, perhaps Ford will do better with the screen in the future (via OTA), to make better use of the space. For example, it would be nice to be able to split that large screen so that you could have Navigation (on one side or the top) split with an informational screen -- maybe to have current drive stats (charge level, current (or trip) Kw/mile, etc. Of course, Ford may also need to put a higher resolution display in to do that efficiently (so you can easily read the text/numbers while driving, if more is on the screen). And Liv, I could mostly understand your Afrikaans, it is such an interesting language. Of course, one of the first, and only, phrases of Afrikaans I learned was "Buy a good donkey" (or so the joke went). Baie dankie!

[@MachE_VLOG]

I don't think resolution will help. Tesla goes with a high resolution screen and small fonts. It looks great but just not as usable. The same thing applied to the e-tron SPortback for me. The screens were smaller, used smaller fonts, and were not ideally located for the driver (the one screen is very low). The Mach-E screen does a split virtually - the lowest section is your climate control, then you have your cards so you can quickly glance at recent items like trip efficiency or radio station. And the top half is your current focused app - navigation, Android Auto or CarPlay, music, etc.

[@davidnielson9139]

@@MachE_VLOG I'll agree that they still need to use larger fonts; still, the higher resolution does a lot to improve the clarity and even overall look of the display. You can also have larger fonts while putting more information on the screen.

[@EVexplored]

omg that made me laugh out loud! Thank you for that! Did I talk Afrikaans in this video? I forget! Dankie! - Liv

[@scottjentsch]

I think your impressions of driving a Tesla Model Y would be very interesting. I've seen many videos where Tesla owners drive the Mach-E (and usually bash on its v1.0 technology while admitting that the Mach-E has better styling), so it would be good to hear from someone who has had more seat time with the Mach-E compare it to the benchmark Model Y. I do wonder, though, if it's possible to adequately assess a complex technology-laden vehicle in the space of a single test drive? Do you feel like your experience with EVs over the past months has given you the ability to shorten the learning curve of each vehicle? I had the Mach-E for two days, and barely scratched the surface of its features, and now I wish I could have it for another test drive so I could check out all the things I didn't get to!

[@MachE_VLOG]

We had a Model Y for 4 days and made a video about it. Even with 4 days, it is hard to get a completely accurate representation of all the features. It helps having an EV, but there is just so much tech in all of these cars. We didn't even touch the Driver Assist features in the e-tron. Even as a Mach-E owner there are some things I still haven't tested or figured out yet. For example, it has the ability to link to my garage door opener. I keep meaning to program that, but I forget about it until I'm pulling into the garage and don't want to take the time to do it then.

[@appleiphone69]

Wider tires and maybe heavier causes less range

[@DK-pr9ny]

The Q4 E-trons are going to be tough to pass up as they will be priced similar to the Mach-E.

[@top10cars2]

You mean the Q4 E-Tron?

[@esso1957]

Now i can tell People that I realy happy with MY AUDI E-TRON SPORTBACK and they agre.100%

[@Livshaka]

Hey I'm glad you found the vehicle that's right for you. That's awesome!

[@johncanalese588]

I’m very happy with mine as well.

[@chibianh7700]

If money were no object, I'd have a Taycan Cross Turismo!

[@Livshaka]

You and Patrick both I think!

[@henkderuiter1161]

Don’t understand your comments on the boot space. The E Tron Sportback is way larger

[@MachE_VLOG]

Than the Mach-E? Nope, the e-tron Sportback is smaller. Plus, the amount of space at the rear hatch is less so we'd have trouble fitting the trike that we mentioned.

[@henkderuiter1161]

@@MachE_VLOG So 402 litres for the Mach E and 615 litres for the Sportback means that the Mach E size is larger? Don’t understand…. Don’t get me wrong, very much like your video’s, but numbers are very different ….

[@MachE_VLOG]

@@henkderuiter1161 e-tron Sportback: 27.2 w/seats up and 54.5 cubic feet w/seats down Mach-E: 29.7 w/seats up and 59.7 cubic feet w/seats down

[@descb600f]

Google doesn't agree. Some figures seem to add the frunk capacity into the boot volume for the Mach-E. Also did you look under the floor in the E-Tron as there is quite a bit of space. Also half the frunk is hidden as it has a false floor with tyre repair kit if it is the non spare wheel spec.

[@MachE_VLOG]

Really for us, the problem is the height right by the rear hatch opening. It is too short in the Sportback to fit the trike.

[@esso1957]

SORRY AUDI E-TRON SPORTBACK IS THE CAR VITH COMFORT AND JOY.

[@MachE_VLOG]

My Mach-E brings me comfort and joy! Glad you found the car that brings you the same! Enjoy!!!

[@esso1957]

@@MachE_VLOG I'm happy for you too.

[@Drogos79]

U can't complain about break pedal feel if u keep your foot in the air....that's just silly

[@MachE_VLOG]

Why not?

[@Drogos79]

@@MachE_VLOG because you never EVER keep foot in the air for any pedal operation in any vehicle. Clutch maybe because these have usually long travel and almost impossible to rest heel on the floor but for accelerator and brake pedal ....foot in the air???!! give me a break....yeah sure it will be touchy.

[@MachE_VLOG]

@@Drogos79 Oh, you don't drive with a disability. OK. - Patrick

[@scotm2949]

It's an Audi. Please stop comparing it to a mach e.

[@jimcmf2]

💥💥💥 I don't know about the 2 of you, but I think that $82,000 for any car (plus all the other $$$ they will add to it) is way too much. I can't see myself spending that kind of money on a car.

[@ingoa.3231]

Bluecifer is better, isn't it???

[@MachE_VLOG]

Yes, Blucifer is all better. We have it in the garage right now. This week we are putting on Paint Protection Film and a ceramic coating.

[@ingoa.3231]

@@MachE_VLOG Great. The ceramic coating I will also choose. My dealer gave me yesterday the advice, that maybe on Thursday or Friday my story mill come to an end ... a happy end. Crossed fingers! Last weekend my Ford wallbox says 'Good bye'. The connectivity via Bluetooth and so the WLAN signal disappears - no chance. This mistake is well known. FordPass reacted very quickly and the new one arrived today at my dealer. So I can swap the old box with the new one when I'll have my first date with 'The Red Lady'. Hope your fine - both of you. I will tell you the whole story via LinkedIn about the way I got 'Lady'. That's not for foreign ears. Is that ok to you? Best regards! Ingo

[@MachE_VLOG]

@@ingoa.3231 Yes, we would love to hear the story!

[@markp213]

@@MachE_VLOG I’ve been wondering how Blucifer has been! Can’t wait for the update video! Crazy it’s taken so long, but glad he’s back in your possession. 😊