US Pricing For 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Announced

I just received an email from a representative of Audi that US pricing for the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron has been announced. The MSRP base is $37,900 before the US federal tax credit for electric cars and before any state or local incentives.

The plug-in hybrid e-tron is the first plug-in electric Audi to hit the US market. It has already been on sale in Europe and has been doing quite well there relative to other models.

Some other key stats about the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron are that it produces 204 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque, has a 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and 240-volt charging refills the battery in ~2 hours & 15 minutes. (Recharging via a normal 120-volt electricity outlet just takes 8 hours, which is basically quick enough to recharge overnight.) EPA ratings for range and fuel economy haven’t been finalized yet, but will reportedly be announced in the near future.

The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron comes with some smartphone apps that make the electric car just that much more convenient. You can set automatic charging times with it, adjust the climate controls remotely, and (of course) check the status of your car’s charge.

This initial plug-in offering from Audi will hit dealerships in October. While $37,900 is the base MSRP, the “Prestige” package brings that up to $46,800. So, this basically puts it between the Volkswagen e-Golf ($35,445) and the Mercedes B-Class Electric ($41,450) or BMW i3 ($41,350). The US federal tax credit for the e-tron is expected to be $4,168, so a few thousand less than those all-electric models get ($7,500).

I think the e-tron is going to have a harder time finding a good sales rhythm in the US than it has in Europe. For one, the 2016 Chevy Volt is probably its top competitor, and it will offer a lot more electric range (53 miles, compared to <20 a="" and="" e-tron="" for="" href="http://gas2.org/2015/05/04/2016-chevy-volt-priced-at-33995-1175-less-than-2015-model/" lower="" miles="" price="" style="-webkit-transition: 0.8s ease-in-out; color: #3081ee; font-weight: 700; transition: 0.8s ease-in-out;" the="">$33,995

). The e-tron is a little sportier and can get to 60 mph in about 7.6 seconds, perhaps a second faster than the new Volt, and it will of course appeal to those who like the Audi brand, but I think the majority of people interested in a plug-in hybrid will go for the cheaper Volt, Ford Fusion Energi ($33,900), or Ford C-Max Energi ($31,635) — mostly the Volt. But we’ll see, and some extra competition is certainly welcome!… even if it took Audi a few years too long to bring it to market.

Here are some more details on the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron from Audi itself:

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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 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque for impressive off-the-line acceleration and high-end power. 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.

Charging and connectivity
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.

• 240-volt charging quickly replenishes the battery in about 2 hours and 15 minutes
• Vehicle comes standard with 240 volt mobile electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) which can also be used in a common 120-volt outlet
• Recharging through a 120-volt outlet takes approximately 8 hours
• Home installation of a 240-volt outlet and home charging station are optional
• Available smartphone app allows the driver to remotely check on the status of their 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

Unique drive modes
The A3 Sportback e-tron also delivers a 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 for a smooth and quiet ride featuring quick acceleration
• Hybrid mode allows the car to intelligently select the most efficient power source – either EV, Hybrid or gasoline
• 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
• The electric engine can also supplement the gas engine to provide an extra boost of power when desired.

Audi energy offering
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:

• A standard Audi-designed mobile charging system that works with standard U.S. 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

Other standard features
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

Design and Body
The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron boasts a variety of design features that speak to its sporty and efficient character.

• e-tron specific Singleframe grille, S line front/rear fasciae and side sills, rear bumper with hidden exhaust outlet
• Available full LED headlights
• Available aluminum roof rails
• Panoramic sunroof with retractable sunshade and pinch protection
• 16’’ wheels standard (17” and 18” wheels available)

Interior
The interior of the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron comfortably seats 5 passengers. The lithium-ion battery is hidden beneath the rear seat for even more room and luggage capacity in the trunk. Both the driver and passenger have access to a variety of standard and available technology features.

• Cargo area offers 13.6 cu ft. of luggage capacity
• MMI® wheel with optional MMI touch
• Ultra-thin 7’’ MMI screen with available 7” display
• Circular air vents
• Available 3D optic inlays
• e-tron specific shift knob, badging on the dash, instrument cluster and door sills

Powertrain and Performance

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

	Engine	Transmission	Horsepower	Torque	EPA Estimates (City/Highway/Combined mpg)
A3 Sportback e-tron	1.4-liter TFSI FWD PHEV	Six-speed S tronic	204 hp	258 lb-ft.	TBA

EPA fuel economy estimates are not available as of this release.  See fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage will vary and depend on several factors including driving and charging habits, weather and temperature, battery age, and vehicle condition. Battery capacity decreases with time and use.

Technology
The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron raises the bar as to what is expected out of electrified vehicles.

• Sirius XM® Satellite Radio
• 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. Available touch pad is incorporated into the rotary MMI control wheel, which offers intuitive and simple operation
• 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.

Audi connect
The modular infotainment platform in the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron enhances the experience for Audi drivers and their passengers by providing the benefits of access to information and content, when needed, through interfaces designed for the in-vehicle environment.

• Available Audi connect®, including read aloud Twitter® alerts, access to more than 7,000 Internet broadcast stations, RSS news feeds and more
• MMI navigation plus uses 4G LTE to deliver the tailored services of Audi connect to the driver – from navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View

Driver Assistance
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 19mph 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

Chassis and Suspension
The A3 Sportback e-tron platform provides well-balanced proportions, supplemented by optimized interior space utilization and an improved structure.

• Front suspension is a MacPherson strut design with A-arms and aluminum pivot bearings. It is joined to an aluminum subframe
• The electromechanically assisted steering system operates sensitively and efficiently together with various assistance systems, while reducing mechanical drag for greater efficiency
• In the four-link rear suspension, which utilizes a steel cross member, the springs and shock absorbers are mounted separately
• The electronic stability control (ESC) also includes an electronic differential lock and secondary collision brake assist.
• When driving through curves, it can brake the inside front wheel very slightly to help minimize understeer and improve traction

Pricing detail
Model year 2016 A3 Sportback e-tron starting manufacturer suggested retail prices:
(Excluding destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges)

Model	Premium	Premium Plus	Prestige
Audi A3 Sportback e-tron 1.4 liter TFSI FWD PHEV	$37,900	$42,000	$46,800

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.

Federal tax credits are available only to qualifying taxpayers that purchase a new Audi A3 e-tron vehicle, and are not be available to lease customers.  Qualifications for state incentives will vary.  All tax credits and incentives are subject to change.  Please consult a tax professional for advice.  This content does not constitute tax advice.

For more information on the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron please visit www.audiusa.com.

Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.

Mercedes B-Class Electric Fails To Impress Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports rarely minces words when it comes to its car reviews, and it calls the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive hatchback the least-efficient electric car on the market. Ouch.

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive hatchback has a sticker price of around $41,350 and while the hatchback does offer abundant cargo space and a clear view of the road, it isn’t enough to earn high marks from Consumer Reports.

The electric B-Class has an 80 mile range, but also offers what Mercedes is calling an extended Range Plus mode which will push the Merc an additional 20 miles, offering a maximum of 100 miles of driving range. The extended Range Plus mode is done by selecting the option prior to charging the vehicle, which increases the charge from the cars normal 28 kWh to the full 36 kWh. Of course overclocking the battery will have a negative impact on the batteries lifespan. Unfortunately, the B-Class Electric also doesn’t offer a DC fast charge option like its main competitor, the BMW i3, so it takes a full 3.5 hours to charge compared to the Bimmer, which can top off in about 30 minutes.

While the Range Plus mode is interesting, it did not help once Consumer Reports took the B-Class for a spin. The results were the B-Class running at 2.9 miles per kWh, or the equivalent of about 98 mpg. While 98 mpg would be great for a gasoline powered car, it is a very poor score for an electric vehicle, and it’s even worse than the 3.2 kWh of the much older Nissan LEAF, which has been on the market for four years now.

Consumer Reports found other problems too. Even with a drive system coming from Tesla, the independent magazine said the car felt dated with a noisy cabin, stiff suspension, and dull handling despite a healthy 177 horsepower engine. Additionally, one of the largest issues aside from the Range Plus mode that Consumer Reports had with the B-Class was with the regenerative brake system. The B-Class offers two regenerative brake modes, one called Drive Minus which boosts regenerative braking but is tricky to use effectively. The other mode is Drive Plus mode, which allows you to coast, but brings down the range extending benefits of regenerative brakes.

Consumer Reports is not alone in their negative view of the B-Class as Car and Driver had some choice words as well. In any event, the B-Class Electric Drive is available in California only for now, but will be more widlely available across the U.S. in 2015.

Source: consumerreports.org

Production Begins Of Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive

While critical of Tesla’s long-term game plan, Mercedes has no problem using Tesla parts in the Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive, which just began production. It’s not Tesla Model S competitor Mercedes needs, but it still outshines many competitor EVs in both range and luxury.

Built on the same production line as the standard Mercedes B-Class, the B-Class Electric packs more range and power than most of the competition. Rated at 124 miles per charge, the B-Class Electric can accelerate from 0 to 62 MPH in about 7.9 seconds, respectable but hardly blistering. Powering the B-Class is a lithium-ion battery pack and 132 kW (177 horsepower) electric motor, both of which were designed by Tesla, as was most of the rest of the drivetrain.

When it hits American shores, the B-Class, in both electric and gasoline flavors, will be the smallest Mercedes sold in the country. The B-Class Electric can add about 60 miles of driving in as little as 1.5 hours, though it won’t be Supercharger compatible. This compact luxury hatchback will be Mercedes entry into an increasingly crowded field of pure electric vehicles, though its most obvious target is the BMW i3, a car whose popularity surprised even its builders.

Funny how Mercedes can take a swipe at Tesla with one hand, while trying to bring it in for a bro-hug with the other.

Source: Mercedes

Electric Mercedes S-Class WIll Follow The Plug-In Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz is going green, and according to one of their top tech guys, the German automaker will launch an all-electric S-Class…eventually. The problem, of course, is battery capacities, but if Tesla can do it, surely Mercedes can figure it out too?

An all-electric Mercedes S-Class won’t be unveiled for awhile yet though, as the S-Class plug-in hybrid is only just starting to roll out. It’s powerful and efficient vehicle, no doubt, but Tesla has shown that there is most certainly a market for premium electric vehicles. More importantly though, chief of S Class engineering Uwe Ernstberger thinks that autonomous vehicles will lead the way in the next few years.

Mercedes plans to be at the forefront of self-driving cars, though Uwe admits there are still plenty of challenges in launching that technology as well. The Mercedes S-Class already employs a suite of autonomous driving technologies, and if you combine that with an all-electric drivetrain, a real Tesla Model S rival starts to shape up. It’d have to be a marked step up from the Mercedes B-Class or SLS Electric Drive models though, neither of which have the range to rival Elon Musk’s electric car, even though the two are said to be growing closer.

For now  the plug-in hybrid S-Class will have to be good enough for Mercedes fans wanting to lessen their environmental footprint.

Source: Top Gear

Electric Mercedes B Class Arrives in Detroit

From a sporty, V12 S Class to a be-winged Smart car, Mercedes brought everything (and a little in-between) to the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, and parked it right across from Cadillac. If you don’t think that’s Mercedes making a deliberate statement, then you don’t know enough Germans, kids. Case in point: parked right across the hall from Cadillac’s Golden-girl getting ELR hybrid EV was this “pure” all-electric Mercedes-Benz.

First shown back in 2012, the electric Mercedes-Benz B Class was heralded as a “no-compromises” luxury EV that, unlike the Chevy Volt, didn’t have to sacrifice seating or interior room compared to its gas-powered siblings (the Volt rides on the Chevy Cruze’s global compact-vehicle platform). At the time, the B Class Electric Drive’s 134 hp electric motor was said to deliver a 200 km range (about 125 miles), and re-charging times of just over an hour on what has come to be called a “Supercharger”.

At the Detroit Auto Show, the Mercedes B Class Electric Drive showed up in a slick white paint job with metallic blue accents over what is, usually, chrome. That’s a feature it has with other “green” cars like the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Honda Accord PHEV I tested last summer. The Benz, however, seems to offer a step-up, interior-wise, along with better headroom. Good stuff, in other words- and the electric Mercedes B Class was built to nicely occupy the space between the Nissan Leaf and the pricier Tesla Model S in the marketplace. That’s something the over-priced Cadillac ELR certainly can’t do, for now.

Mercedes didn’t announce any sort of pricing or on-sale date at NAIAS, but I’d expect to hear something about that after the Chicago show in February, but before the LA Show in the fall. Feel free to share your predictions, comments, or assertions that the Chevy Volt/Cadillac ELR twins aren’t hybrids in the comments, below.

Source:  Gas 2.