Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Arrives in October, Priced from $38825

Audi has priced up the 2016 A3 Sportback e-tron for the US, its first – but, if all goes to plan, not last – electrified auto for American drivers.

“The A3 Sportback e-tron provides a comprehensive approach to sustainable mobility by combining the benefits of a hybrid with all-electric range”.

All A3 e-trons regardless of trim level are powered by a 204-horsepower gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain made up of a turbocharged 1.4-liter TFSI engine, a six-speed automatic transmission that spins the front wheels and an electric motor.

The Audi A3 plug-in hybrid will launch at dealerships nationwide in October. The system has total output of 204 hp and 258 lbs.-ft. of torque. “EPA figures will be announced in the near future once they are available from U.S. regulators”, says the automaker in its press release.

Electric-only range and fuel economy data weren’t released. A lithium-ion battery pack can be charged to full capacity in 2 hours and 15 minutes with a 240-volt charger, while recharging with a standard 120-volt outlet takes 8 hours. Those will presumably come closer to the A3 e-tron’s on-sale date.

The e-tron model range starts with the $38,825 Premium spec, rising to $42,925 for Premium Plus and $47,725 for the top-of-the-line Prestige trim (all prices including $925 destination fee).

The carmaker will coordinate the installation of home charging stations through Bosch Automotive Service Solutions, if buyers choose, as well as separate solar-power installations from SunPower.

Optional equipment will include Audi’s MMI infotainment system with a 7-inch dashboard screen, and a host of electronic aids that include adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision mitigation.

An available smartphone app allows customers to check their vehicle’s charge status, program when the auto will charge – like in the evening when energy is usually cheapest – and other functions.