Audi E-tron turned into sports SUV with trio of electric motors
AUDI’S EXPANDING ELECTRIC car range has gained its first performance models, with the E-tron S and E-tron S Sportback being unveiled ahead of UK order books opening later this summer.
Priced from £87,000 for the standard SUV and £88,700 for the coupé-styled Sportback, the two range-topping variants are claimed to be the first volume production cars to use three electric motors; two are mounted on the rear axle and one sits at the front.
The result is 496bhp and, more significantly, 718lb ft of torque, available in eightsecond bursts. Both cars dispatch 0-62mph in 4.5sec and hit a top speed of 130mph. They come with a 95kwh battery for a quoted range of 223 miles for the E-tron S and 226 miles for the Sportback.
The trio of motors not only improve straight-line pace but are also used to provide an electric torque-vectoring function. In normal driving modes, just the rear motors operate, but in Dynamic drive mode or when full power is demanded, the front motor activates. It can also predictively activate when slip is detected to boost traction, while Audi claims both cars can perform “controlled drifts” due to a more rear-biased power delivery than the standard E-tron models.
Audi has also tuned the E-tron’s air suspension specifically for the S variants. The ride height can be varied by up to 76mm, while progressive steering increases directness. The brakes are uprated, too.
Both models include aerofocused exterior additions, including airflow-optimised wheel-arch extensions that add 5cm to the width. Wheels of 21in or 22in in diameter feature alongside silver and aluminium detailing, while new electric sports seats and carbonfibre trim options feature inside.
Customers will receive a free 12-month subscription to Audi’s RFID card-based public charging service, along with £150 worth of pre-paid electricity and a free 7kw home wallbox.
Both cars dispatch 0-62mph in 4.5sec and
can hit 130mph