The New Audi E-Tron Sportback

It’s no secret your correspondent has a serious thing for Audis (let’s just say if we were in high school, I’d give ‘em my letterman jacket and introduce them to my mom).

That’s why I have been curious about what they’ve been brewing with their imminent rivalry with Tesla as a result of the all-electric rides they’ve been promising for years. Even though they could be criticized as being “The company who cried electric vehicle” for all the e-cars they announce and then cancel, they have confirmed that the forthcoming e-tron Sportback will go into production in 2019.

audi e-tron (5 images)

The bullet in question debuted at the Shanghai auto show as a concept, and the specs are definitely impressive: It’s running on a 429-pony electric drivetrain assisted by dual motors up front and in the rear. Powered by a 95-kWh lithium-ion battery, the Sportback is stated to have a single-charge range of 310 miles with an optional 30-minute speed charge for 248 miles of range.

Tesla killer? Remains to be seen. Lady killer, even in concept? Definitely.