The Audi e-tron S. Source: Audi
German luxury carmaker Audi has announced it will introduce the e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback in early 2022, as well as pricing and specifications.
Starting from $165,600 before on-roads, the high-end and sporty electric e-tron S and its $172,700 (also before on-roads) Sportback sibling feature all-wheel drive with two electric motors, and can exhibit powerful displays using boost mode with a maximum 973Nm torque and 370kW power output.
Claiming the title of first in the world to market with a tri-motor option, the e-tron S models boast acceleration to 100km/hr in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 210km/hr.
The e-tron S high-voltage pack has a gross energy capacity of 95 kWh, with 91 per cent (86 kWh) of that capacity being usable. This allows the Audi e-tron S and Audi e-tron S Sportback to attain ranges of up to 413 km and 418 km respectively (WLTP) on a single battery charge.
Sport credentials include a squat, muscular stance on the road thanks to strong lines along the front and rear bumpers, bigger wheel arches, and sport adaptable air suspension ranging up to 76 mm.
Aerodynamics are increased by S-specific aesthetic features such as flow-optimized wheel arch extensions and optional Audi virtual mirrors with high-definition OLED displays.
The e-tron S has an extremely low drag coefficient of 0.28, but this is beaten by the even lower aerodynamics of the e-tron S Sportback, which has a drag coefficient of 0.26.
Aerodynamic are further improved with the addition of a controlled air-cooling inlet to cool the front brakes while reducing air turbulence by only opening when needed.
A heat pump comes standard on all e-tron models and extracts heat from the waste heat of the driving components to extend the vehicle’s range by another 10% (maximum).
To round off the vehicle energy economics, drivers can choose from three degrees of energy regeneration to give the driver a satisfying one-pedal driving experience when set to its highest level.
Audi says the e-tron S aerodynamics are complimented by its exceptional handling, thanks to its latest generation e-quattro all-wheel drive with torque vectoring which allows the two rear motors to drive torque directly to each rear wheel via a single-speed transmission. This accordingly eliminates the need for a mechanical differential and results in near instant power regulation at high torque levels.
This athletic style and handling are further enhanced by the vehicle’s low centre of gravity, common to many electric vehicles, which allows the sizable high-voltage battery to sit low in order to balance and counteract the maximum three electric motors. The Audi drive choose system’s seven driving profiles also include progressive steering and adaptive air suspension with regulated damping, emphasising S-specific tuning.
Inside, a panoramic glass sunroof offers a feeling of spaciousness to occupants, while privacy glass, four-zone climate control air conditioning, heated electric front seats with driver’s side memory function, and coloured inside lighting are standard on both variants.
Sport seats in the front feature contrasting diamond stitching include Valcona leather seat upholstery with S-specific embellishments, while a sport leather steering wheel, now with a luxury heating feature and electronic steering column adjustment, also has embossed ‘S’ badging.
Audi virtual cockpit with an S-specific display, Audi connect plus, wireless phone charging, and an Audi smartphone interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto on the MMI navigation plus 10.1-inch touch/haptic screen for infotainment and 8.6-inch touch/haptic screen for vehicle functions are all included as standard.
The fantastic Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, which includes 16 speakers, a subwoofer, and a 15-channel amplifier with a total output of 705 watts, is a superb addition for music-lovers.
On the outside, the e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback are Audi’s first vehicles to feature LED headlights as an optional extra.
This headlamp technology allows high-resolution light graphics and animations to be projected directly in front of the vehicle – something that could prove to be either nifty or something of a gimmick. However, a wide range of adaptive light distribution and light aid options, will enhance safety driving at ngiht.
Standard on the e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback are 21-inch Audi sport alloy wheels with a 5-double spoke edge design and aluminum-finish external mirrors, as well as orange brake callipers with the distinctive S emblem.
There are eight exterior paint colours to choose from, with Plasma Blue being exclusive to the e-tron S Sportback.
The e-tron can be pre-conditioned for an anticipated journey at any time using the myAudi smartphone app to heat or cool it.
With a maximum charging rate of 150kW, the e-tron’s large battery can be recharged to 80 percent energy capacity in 30 minutes or a full charge in 45 minutes. To make traveling more convenient, Audi Australia is also offering a customer deal that includes a 6-year subscription to the Chargefox charging network for all e-tron vehicles.
On 11kW AC home-chargers, the e tron S can be charged from empty to full in 8.5 hours.
Both vehicles will be available for order online or through dealerships from early 2022.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.
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