Audi has expanded its e-tron performance lineup with the addition of two new S models. If you aren’t happy with the Porsche Taycan-derived swoopy sedan shape of the e-tron GT, you can now get snappy S performance in the CUV-shaped e-tron and e-tron SportBack. That’s not confusing at all.
The performance of the e-tron S models comes directly in relation to a new tri-motor set up. There are two motors on the rear and one on the front axle which deliver a combined 429 horsepower and 596 lb-ft of torque. An eight-second power boost feature is able to up that output to 496 hp and 718 lb-ft of torque. With the boost activated, Audi estimates a 4.3 second 0 to 60 time.
The three motors do more than just pump up the power, though.
When called upon, the front motor provides power, aids traction, and benefits the driver with brake-based torque vectoring that can activate within milliseconds of the e-tron S sensing wheel slip. This provides the confidence in both performance driving and driving in inclement conditions.
You’ll be able to tell the e-tron S models apart from the ‘regular’ models with a few S-specific visual enhancements. The S models are two inches wider, to start, and have correspondingly wider front and rear bumpers. The wheels come standard as 20-inchers, with the option of 21” or 22” inch wheels. Brakes are upgraded to six-piston calipers, and orange is apparently a thing with Audi S, as these calipers are painted in a lovely shade of Dynamic Orange.
It’s time to talk numbers though. The e-tron S starts at $84,800 for the Premium Plus or $89,800 for the Prestige. That’s up about ten grand over the non-S e-tron models. The e-tron S Sportback starts at $87,400 and $92,400 for the same trims. Those prices don’t include the $1,095 destination charge, or the $7,500 federal tax credit. The range isn’t much to write home about either. With a 95 kWh battery and the standard wheels and tires, you get just 208 miles of range for the e-tron S and 212 miles for the e-tron Sportback S. Down from 222 in the standard e-tron.