New Audi E-tron S and E-tron S Sportback arrive as hot electric SUVs
Audi’s electric SUV and coupe-SUV gain flagship S models, powered by three electric motors and priced from £87,000
Audi’s expanding electric car range has gained its first performance models, with the E-tron and E-tron Sportback detailed ahead of UK orders opening later this summer.
Priced from £87,000 for the standard SUV and £88,700 for the 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 a stout 718 lb ft of torque, although these peak figures are only available for eight second boost periods. 0-62mph is taken care of in 4.5sec, with a 130mph top speed.
The trio of motors don’t just improve straight line pace, they’re used to provide an electric torque vectoring function. In normal driving modes just the rear motors are in operation, and torque is sent to each wheel via a single speed transmission.
In dynamic driving modes or when full power is requested, the front motor activates. It can also predictively activate when slip is detected and decelerate the inside front wheel on a bend to prevent traction losses. Audi claims the S models can perform “controlled drifts” due to a more rear-biased power delivery than the standard car.
The E-tron S and E-tron S Sportback are powered by a 95kWh battery, with respective claimed ranges of 223 miles and 226 miles on the WLTP cycle. That's around 50 miles less than the most range-efficient E-Tron 55 models.
Audi has also tuned the models’ adaptive air suspension specifically for the S variants. The ride height can be varied by up to 76mm depending on driving situation or mode, while progressive steering can increase directness. The brakes are also uprated with six piston callipers at the front,
Aerodynamic revisions for the S variants include airflow-optimised wheelarch extensions, which contribute to a drag coefficient of just 0.26 on the Sportback. There’s also a controllable air inlet to cool the brakes that only opens when necessary.
The new wheelarch extensions ad 5cm to the width of both cars, while unique front and rear bumpers aim to boost the sporty look. Silver detailing and aluminium mirrors housing, alongside 21 or 22inch wheel options, mark them out as the S variants. The interior brings electrically adjustable sports seats trimmed in Fine Nappa leather, with the option of carbon trim inserts throughout.
Customers who place an order for either new model before the end of 2020 will receive a free 12-month subscription to Audi’s bespoke charging service, which links 18 different charge point providers with one RFID payment card and one monthly invoice for all transactions. £150 worth of electricity will be provided, while Audi will also install a 7kW home wallbox free of charge for these customers.
*READ MORE*
*Facelifted Audi Q5 gains mild-hybrid tech and new infotainment *
*Audi RS7 Sportback 2020 UK review *
*2020 Audi S3: hot hatch and saloon spotted undisguised*