HIGH-POWER E-TRON

The ‘S’ prefix subtly speaks volumes for devotees of high-performance Audi models. Now, it is about to move with the times and become equally evocative in two new flagship versions of the fully electric e-tron. The new e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback earn the right to bear the badge as they are the first volume production BEVS using three electric motors to produce a towering 973 Nm of peak torque.

The epic performance of the new e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback more than befits the badge in S-gear when the full 370 kw and 973 Nm is available for eight-second boost periods. The standard sprint takes just 4.5 seconds and Vmax arrives at 209 km/h. The battery has a capacity of 95 kwh, of which 91% (86 kwh) is usable. On a full charge, the e-tron S models can achieve ranges of around 350 km, based on the WLTP test cycle.

To improve efficiency, only the rear motors are engaged in normal driving mode. The front electric motor comes into play when the driver demands more performance. The suspension has S-specific tuning and can vary the body level by up to 76 mm. The aero performance belies their dimensions – the e-tron S achieving 0.28 Cd, despite its wider arches, and the Sportback just 0.26 Cd.

The S-designation is conveyed visually by pronounced front- and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser insert, and 23 mm wider wheel arches. Both cars can be equipped with Digital Matrix LED headlights as an option. With the normal e-tron still to be launched locally, the S-models are not expected soon.