Skip to main content

2020 Audi E-Tron Sportback, RS Q8 confirmed for 2019 LA Auto Show

Audi has picked the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show to make the global debut of the 2020 e-tron Sportback. Several other models will make their global debut here as well; the 2020 RS models including the Audi RS 6 Avant and the RS 7, and — as a highlight — the global debut of the high performance SUV, the Audi RS Q8.

The e-tron Sportback is the most anticipated debut for fans of Audi, this being only the second all-electric vehicle produced by the German automaker. The five-passenger SUV coupe is equipped with standard electric quattro all-wheel drive and is expected to get just over 200 miles of range on a full charge. It will accept a 150 kilowatt DC charge that in a brief 10 minutes can give you 54 miles of range. Audi will give e-tron owners 1,000 kWh of charging to use at Electrify America fast-charging stations within the first four years of ownership.

Related Videos

The statement released by Audi summarizes the new Sportback, “From the inside out, in keeping with the brand’s e-mobility philosophy, the e-tron Sportback continues the approach of a design oriented toward repeatable performance, longevity and peak charging power. The second fully electric model from the brand provides the fit and finish that luxury buyers expect in the segment.”

The highly anticipated Audi RS 6 Avant will make its auto show debut in North America. The high-performance wagon offers the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, capable of sending the Avant from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. The iconic enthusiast’s car is expected to arrive in the U.S. in 2020 and will be available for customer orders, subject to a later announcement. U.S. power and performance specifications will be available closer to market introduction, according to an Audi press release.

The Audi RS Q8 that is making its debut will be powered by an eight-cylinder twin-turbo engine producing 335 horsepower, equipped with quattro sport differential, all-wheel steering, and electromechanical active roll stabilization. The Audi RS Q8 recently became the fastest production SUV to lap the renowned Nürburgring racetrack with an official time of 7 minutes and 42.2 seconds. Performance aside, the Q8 has a towing capacity rated at 7,700 pounds and personalized tech throughout the cabin including the Audi phone box with wireless charging.

Los Angeles is where Audi is throwing down against its competition with an impressive lineup of technology that just happens to sit on four wheels.

Editors' Recommendations

Every car compatible with Apple CarPlay
Want to smarten up your ride? Here's a list of all the cars with CarPlay support
what is apple carplay new 1

Apple CarPlay has spread across the automotive industry since it was released in 2014. It has gone through several evolutions, it's more convenient and more user-friendly than ever before, and the list of companies that make it available has grown significantly in the past few years. Even holdouts like Toyota have warmed up to CarPlay, a move largely spurred by overwhelming demand from customers.

The carmaking world is excited about Apple CarPlay and the advancement it gives to the driving experience. But before you jump in, make sure your car is compatible with the software before you purchase. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of every vehicle on the market compatible with Apple CarPlay’s technology. Some companies will charge additional fees for installation or require you to purchase a different model or trim level if you want to add it on. If you’re an Android person, we’ve made a complete guide for Android Auto.

Read more
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD first drive review: Gaining traction
2021 volkswagen id4 awd review id 4 front three quarter

Volkswagen launched the 2021 ID.4 electric car earlier this year with an ambitious mission: To take on popular gasoline crossover SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in a bid to capture the heart of the new-car market. However, the ID.4 was missing one thing.

One of the main reasons buyers choose crossovers over sedans and hatchbacks is the availability of all-wheel drive. At launch, the ID.4 didn’t have that. VW said an all-wheel-drive ID.4 was on the way, though, and now the wait is over.

Read more
Audi GrandSphere concept shows how autonomy opens new design avenues
2021 Audi GrandSphere concept

Audi's follow-up to the shape-shifting SkySphere, the GrandSphere, takes the form of a luxurious sedan with a striking silhouette, electric power, and autonomous technology. It was designed as a concept car, and a highly futuristic one at that, but it's also a preview of the technology the firm will inject into its range in the coming years.

The Audi grandsphere concept: experience high-class future

Read more