Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron

FIRST DRIVE The curvy-roofed Sportback coupé-SUV model is a useful addition to Audi's high-class, mid-sized Q6 e-tron range

- Steve Walker [e-mail]

AUDI has totally nailed the commodification of the curvy car roofline with its Sportback models. Right across the brand’s range, customers are invited to sacrifice a few thousand pounds, and alittle boot space, for the sleeker, coupé-like profile created when a car’s roof curls gently down at the rear rather than diving abruptly off the cliff of a tailgate. The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron is simply another variation on that popular theme.

It's expected that around 20 per cent of UK Q6 e-tron buyers will choose a Sportback. Its roof is 37mm lower than the regular SUV's, and gently arches down to a subtle bootlid spoiler.

These customers are paying an extra £2,500 over the standard five-door SUV, but see a 15-litre reduction in boot capacity and less headroom in the cabin. The Q6 Sportback is more aerodynamic, though, and that results in a maximum WLTP combined range of 334 miles in the entry-level car, against 325 miles with the standard Q6 equivalent.

The Sportback bodystyle is offered with four powertrain options. The Sport version has 249bhp, while the Performance has 302bhp. Both of these cars are rear-wheel drive and the Performance model is expected to be the biggest seller in the UK. It has the larger 94.9kWh battery (the Sport’s battery is 75.8kWh) and delivers the Q6’s biggest driving range, a highly impressive 402 miles.