Prices above exclude destination charges ($925), taxes, title, optional equipment, and dealer charges. The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is available only at participating Audi dealers. Dealer sets actual price.

Plug-in hybrid system. The 2016 A3 Sportback e-tron features a 1.4 liter TFSI engine with a six-speed S tronic transmission. Combined with a liquid-cooled, permanent magnet-driven electric motor, the A3 e-tron produces 204 hp (152 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 N·m) of torque. An 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides electrical energy storage and is packaged beneath the rear seat, allowing for a fully-usable trunk.

The charging connection for the A3 Sportback e-tron is located behind the four rings in the Singleframe grille. This placement in the front of the vehicle is convenient for charging from a power source on either side of the vehicle and the port is hidden when not in use.

The vehicle comes standard with 240 volt mobile electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) which can also be used in a common 120-volt outlet; 240-volt charging quickly replenishes the battery in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Recharging through a 120-volt outlet takes approximately 8 hours. Home installation of a 240-volt outlet and home charging station are optional.

An available smartphone app allows the driver to remotely check on the status of the A3 e-tron. It can be used to check battery status and for “charge planning”—setting times for charging to automatically begin. The driver can also use the app to adjust climate control remotely for added comfort and energy savings.

The A3 Sportback e-tron offers four driving choices for motorists, including full battery propulsion and battery recharge mode:

• In EV mode, the vehicle is powered only by the electric motor.

• Hybrid mode allows the car to intelligently select the most efficient power source—either EV, Hybrid or gasoline. The electric motor can also supplement the gas engine to provide an extra boost of power when desired.

• Hold Battery mode allows hybrid driving while preserving EV range for later use.

• Charge Battery mode uses the gasoline engine to recharge the battery while driving at highway speed.

To ensure driving an A3 Sportback e-tron is convenient and sustainable, Audi is providing the Audi energy portfolio of products with each vehicle sold. Audi energy includes:

• The standard Audi-designed mobile charging system that works with standard US household outlets or 240-volt service.

• The option for professional 240-volt plug installation through Bosch Automotive Service Solutions, which can lower home charging times to around 2.25 hours.

• Optional solar power installation with rebates through SunPower.

• Audi contributions to environmental conservation programs through 3Degrees to help offset the carbon footprint of every A3 Sportback e-tron sold.

The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron comes equipped with a wide variety of standard equipment, including:

• Xenon plus high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights
• LED taillights with rear fog lights
• LED interior lighting package
• Power central locking system with radio-operated key fob remote control for doors, tailgate and fuel door with selective unlocking
• Automatic dual-zone climate control
• Three-spoke multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Audi advanced key – keyless start, stop and entry
• Audi drive select
• Rear view camera, with front and rear parking sensors
• Audi pre sense basic

The available MMI navigation plus system features 4G LTE based technology, MMI touch, two SD card slots for MP3 files. The MMI operating system has an electronically extending screen, its terminal housed in the console of the center dashboard. An available touch pad is incorporated into the rotary MMI control wheel, which offers intuitive and simple operation.

The NVIDIA graphics processing unit (GPU) generates complex three-dimensional images used in all online, voice control, media navigation and telephone functions. A 705 watt 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen Sound System is optional on the A3 Sportback e-tron.

The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron offers several advanced technology features, including:

• Standard Audi pre sense basic system which helps detect when an emergency maneuver is being made and prepares the vehicle and its occupant restraint systems in advance of a possible collision.

• Available Audi side assist, including lane change assistant, operating at speeds above 19 mph (31 km/h) and providing visual warnings located in exterior mirror housings.

• Standard electronic cruise control with coast, resume and accelerate features.

• Available Audi adaptive cruise control with stop & go.

• Available Audi active lane assist: when the system detects that the driver is leaving the lane without signaling, the car, through gentle corrective steering efforts, will assist the driver to remain in the lane.

• Audi pre sense front: includes brake assist or partial braking when the risk of a collision is detected.