Audi is adding the same S-model treatment that it usually applies to its mainstream models to its duo of electric SUVs. The e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback double the company’s battery-powered model offering and adds turns the performance up another notch thanks to a new tri-motor setup.
The rear axle now features two electric motors with a third single motor on the front axle, a layout that Audi claims is a world-first for a production EV. A 95kWh battery is integrated into the floor of the car and can provide a single-charge driving range of up to 226 miles for the e-tron S, while the sleeker e-tron S Sportback can achieve a range of 230 miles. Both of those figures relate to the stricter WLTP cycle, meaning it’s a more representative range of what you may experience in everyday use.
For the majority of the time, only the rear motors are engaged meaning both of these operate in a rear-wheel-drive capacity. Each of these motors send drive to their respective wheel through a single-speed transmission, so there is no differential in the traditional sense. This configuration results in more effective torque vectoring with need-based regulation and the system adjusts in milliseconds. The third electric motor on the front axle, which itself is an adapted design of the motor from the e-tron 55 quattro’s rear axle, only activates when either more performance is required or rear traction begins to diminish.
However, you don’t get all that power all of the time. Like the with regular e-trons, you only get the maximum output when you select S in the transmission. Then it can provide its maximum power delivery of 496bhp and 973Nm of torque. That power is enough to slingshot the hefty SUV to 62mph from a standing start in 4.5 seconds, and on to a top speed (where permissible) of 130mph.
Furthermore, if you set the car’s ESC traction control to its ‘Sport’ setting and switch the drive mode to ‘Dynamic’, it then becomes possible to perform some tasty but controllable rear-wheel drifts. Okay, so it might not be quite as spectacular as the rear-wheel drive Audi R8, but the school run could get a whole lot more exciting as you lay on some opposite lock before arriving at the front gates. As the limits of grip are neared, the system will apply a dab of brake pressure to the unloaded inside wheel to maintain a sharp line though a corner and reduce understeer.
In all there are seven drive modes to choose from, including more sedate ones and an individual mode that drivers can tailor to suit their preferences. Both cars are equipped with progressive steering that becomes more direct as the steering input increases and an S-specific suspension setup. The air suspension can adjust the body height by up to 76mm.
Behind the 20-inch alloy wheels are fixed six-piston calipers on the front, with fist calipers on the rear, and these can be optionally painted in bright orange instead of the standard black with the S logo. When driving the complex array of control units decide the best way for the brake by wire system to function. In some instances the car will use the electric motor to decelerate the car and help recover energy back to the battery, but if a greater amount of brake force is required and electric spindle drive actuates the piston to apply full-pressure contact with the discs in only 150 milliseconds. At 62mph the e-tron S can recover kinetic energy of up to 270kW – more than a Formula E car can. It can also combine either type of braking force depending on the situation.
Audi gives the exterior of the e-tron S twins a mild tweak with some wheel arch extensions that increase the car’s width by 23mm each side and they do give the cars a beefier look. As is the tradition with Audi’s S models, the door mirror housings get an aluminium finish, unless you opt for the high-tech camera system that not only look very futuristic but can also help add a few more miles of driving range as they don’t generate as much aerodynamic drag.
The two Audi e-torn S models are set to go on sale later this year, with exact pricing and specifications expected to be released closer to the time.
Keyword: Sportier Audi e-tron S twins incoming