The new Audi e-tron S and its Sportback sibling have arrived in Australia, with the new models taking up the flagship mantle for the electric vehicle range, offering exhilarating dynamic performance as a highlight.
Audi’s first EV S models feature two electric motors at the rear axle and one the front axle, boasting an output of 370kW and 973Nm at full boost performance, when activated in S-mode.
As the first volume production electric cars in the world to house three electric motors, the new S models are endowed with incredible performance, reaching 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds, before a top speed of 210km/h.
To bolster efficiency, the front electric motor only flashes into action when the driver demands more performance, or acts predicatively in the instance of traction subsiding. The high-voltage battery has an energy capacity of 95kWh, of which 86kWh is usable.
With one battery charge, the Audi e-tron S and the Audi e-tron S Sportback achieve ranges of up to 413km and 418 km respectively, depending on the driving mode selected.
The e-tron S models engage the latest generation of e-quattro all-wheel drive, with torque vectoring allowing the two rear motors to drive torque directly to each rear wheel via a single-speed transmission, negating the need for a mechanical differential.
The sporty character and handling of the electric S models is further optimised through the vehicle’s low centre of gravity, whereby the large high-voltage battery sits much lower in order to balance and counteract the three electric motors.
Progressive steering, and adaptive air suspension with regulated damping are also available via the Audi drive select system’s seven driving profiles, accentuating S-specific tuning.
The sporty character continues to the vehicle exterior, with its strong contours along the front and rear bumpers, wider wheel arches, and sport adaptive air suspension varying up to 76mm, giving the model a squat, powerful stance on the road.
S-specific styling cues such as the flow-optimised wheel arch extensions offer improved aerodynamics, as do the optional Audi virtual mirrors with high-definition OLED displays. Optional digital Matrix LED headlight technology is also available.
Both the e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback come equipped with 21-inch Audi sport alloy wheels in 5-double spoke edge design as standard, along with aluminium finish exterior mirrors.
A total of eight exterior paint colours are available, although Plasma Blue is reserved only for the S Sportback. Orange brake callipers featuring the S logo also come as standard, glinting to onlookers as an indication of the powerhouse within.
Inside, both models are equipped with a panoramic glass sunroof, privacy glass, four-zone climate control air conditioning, heated electric front seats with driver’s side memory function, and coloured interior lighting.
Valcona leather seat upholstery features S-specific details with S sport front seats with contrasting diamond stitching. Extensive infotainment features are included as standard, including Audi virtual cockpit with an S-specific display, and connect plus.
Wireless phone charging and an Audi smartphone interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto feature as well, along with an MMI navigation plus 10.1-inch touch/haptic screen for infotainment and 8.6-inch touch/haptic screen for vehicle functions.
A welcome inclusion for exquisite audio is the incredible Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, featuring 16 speakers, a subwoofer and 15-channel amplifier, with a total power of 705 watts.
The e-tron S models can be charged via a supplied 7.2kW AC home-charging kit (requires electrical infrastructure to support), or up to 150kW DC fast-charging. The latter is suitable for stopovers on long journeys, restoring 80 per cent of charge in just 30 minutes.
The 7.2kW AC home-charging solution can charge the e-tron S from empty to full in 13 hours. Audi is partnered with JETCharge for infrastructure, and also provides a 6-year subscription to the Chargefox charging network.
Additionally, Audi Australia is offering all e-tron vehicles with servicing and roadside assistance for the first six years of ownership. It’s backed by a 5-year warranty, 12-years of cover for bodywork corrosion perforation, and an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty.
The new Audi e-tron S is priced at $168,400 (plus on-roads) while its S Sportback sibling is $175,400 (plus on-roads). For further information, contact your local Audi dealer.
