The 2016 Audi A3 E-Tron requires $38,425 of your hard-earned simoleans

Have been eyeing the new 2016 Audi A3 E-Tron plug-in hybrid? If so, it can be yours for a nice lump sum of $38,425 to boot.

And while that may seem like a lot, you do get a lot of technology in the A3 E-Tron and because it’s a plug-in electric hybrid, it’s also elidgeable for a lofty $4,168 tax credit, on top of whatever additional state tax credit you may be qualified for, depending on your state.

However, like most other high-end plug-in hybrids, $38,425 only gets you a pretty basic A3 E-Tron model since there are different levels of packaging, with the mid-grade Premium Plus model starting at $42,925 while the fully-loaded Prestige model needs $47,725 for the price of entry. That’s not all though since ticking all the options boxes to the max brings the total price up to $49,025.

As a refresher, the Audi A3 E-Tron comes with a 1.4L TFSI four-banger and an electric motor, driving only the front wheels with a combined output of 204hp and 258 lb-ft of twist.

That’s almost 50-grand for a new A3 E-Tron, which to some, that might be a bit excessive for a hybridized A3. Do you think it is?

Let us know in the comments after the jump, which is where you can also peer at the press release, if you must.

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Audi of America announces pricing for the electrified 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron

August 05, 2015 | HERNDON, Virginia

The A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid is the first step towards an electrified future for Audi, combining a premium driving experience with the efficiency of an electric motor.
The effective cost to buyers nationwide can be even lower with applicable federal and state incentive and tax credits.
Vehicle is the first of many Audi e-tron models to come to the U.S.

Audi announced U.S. prices for the all-new 2016 A3 Sportback e-tron® will begin at $37,900, and purchasing customers may qualify for applicable state and federal incentives and tax credits. As the first electrified Audi sold in the U.S., the plug-in hybrid electric A3 Sportback e-tron combines efficiency, innovative technology and performance for a premium driving experience.

The A3 Sportback e-tron provides a comprehensive approach to sustainable mobility by combining the benefits of a hybrid with all-electric range. It is a package that makes the A3 Sportback e-tron a versatile choice for the full array of daily commuting challenges, some of which can be handled on battery power alone.

The plug-in hybrid will launch at dealerships nationwide in October. EPA figures will be announced in the near future once they are available from U.S. regulators.

The first Audi plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, to hit the market will be priced from $37,900 for a Premium package to $46,800 for a Prestige package. The vehicle will offer even greater value when, as expected, it qualifies for a federal tax credit of $4,168 . Buyers in some states may qualify for additional incentives. Tax credits and incentives are subject to availability, and customers should consult their tax professionals and IRS.gov for more information about tax credits and incentives.

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.

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1Ndh7W9