Audi e-Tron S and e-Tron S Sportback review

The addition of one letter – S – makes a very big difference for Audi’s original EV, the plain old e-Tron (not to be confused with the e-Tron GT, e-Tron Q4 or any of the future e-Tron models as the family inevitably grows).

The new e-Tron S represents the pinnacle of electric performance in Audi’s mid-sized SUV.

It’s also the first time the S badged has been applied to an electric vehicle in the Audi lineup.

S models represent the middle ground between garden variety Audis and the top-shelf RS models that boast big performance.

The first EV available in Australia with a tri-motor layout, the e-Tron S builds on the e-Tron formula by adding more power, more performance and additional features – as well as various design tweaks.

While the regular e-Tron competes with the Mercedes-Benz EQC and BMW iX3, the e-Tron S is to some extent fighting on its own in a new electric performance sub-category.

As with the regular e-Tron, it’s available in a more traditional SUV body or a sleeker Sportback with a roofline that tapers away at the rear into a more steeply raked tailgate.

Value

It costs about $30K more than the regular e-Tron (the entry level is badged the 50) to get into the e-Tron S, although it’s perhaps more relevant to compare it to the more powerful e-Tron 55 given the two use the same battery (the 50 gets a smaller battery.

That makes it a neat $20K jump, to $168,400 before on-road costs for the regular model, which Audi refers to simply as SUV.

The Sportback (with a sleeker roofline) is $175,400, representing a $16,000 step-up from the e-Tron 55 Sportback.

Part of that spend clearly goes into the additional electric motor and the added performance that brings (we’ll get to that).

But it also goes into an extensive list of standard kit.

The standard alloy wheels are 21 inches in diameter, or you can option 22s.

Like all e-Trons there’s adjustable height air suspension, smart key entry, leather trim, electrically operated heated front seats, wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A digital instrument cluster is complemented by two centrally-mounted digital displays to look after infotainment and ventilation, among other functions.

The S comes with more gear than the regular models, too. There’s higher grade Valcona leather, a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, tinted windows, quad-zone ventilation, heated steering wheel, sports front seats and a head-up display.

Flares added to the wheel arches bulk up the look, while unique bumpers front and rear and orange brake calipers further ramp up the aggression. And, of course, there’s no shortage of S badges inside and out.

Those wanting more can option new digital matrix LED headlights, which are debuting on the e-Tron S. They can create a detailed animation on the road when you start the car, and it’s programmable between five pre-set scenarios.

There are also optional external cameras replacing the exterior mirrors with OLED screens on the inside of each front door to display the image.

Perhaps the biggest unexpected tempter with the e-Tron S is six years of free charging when using the Chargefox network and servicing covered for the first six years or 90,000km. Between them they could be worth $10K or more, but comfortably a few grand.

Audi also throws in an AC charger installation.

Inside

Like regular e-Trons, the e-Tron S has the DNA of an ICE vehicle underneath. The small tunnel in the centre rear of the floor is the most obvious compromise.

But for a car with exterior dimensions between those of the Q5 mid-sized SUV and Q7 large SUV, the e-Tron S packs in plenty of occupant space for five people.

The driver is welcomed with a trio of customisable screens, the two in the centre of the dash tilted towards the person in control.

The menus and functionality take some familiarisation but pack plenty in once you’ve got the hang of the nav. Once you start customising the instrument cluster and lower central screen you can tailor the displays to your tastes.

Finishes and materials are to an impeccable standard, the carbon-look dash trim reinforcing the modern luxury theme. Front seats support and hug in all the right places and the main controls will be familiar to current Audi drivers – with one exception: the gear selector. A slider bar pushes forward or back to select Drive or Reverse and the Park button on the end is selectable when stationary.

Will still not sold on the “virtual” mirrors (cameras instead of reflective glass). Sure, they’re gadgety and help eke another few kilometres of range due to superior aerodynamics – and they work better in some situations, such as low light. But they don’t work as well as mirrors; whereas you might have previously moved your head to effectively widen your field of view, with the digital display the adjustments are a lot more subtle and not as quick.

There’s handy tech elsewhere, though, including a quartet of USB-C chargers to keep gadgets topped up front and rear.

A handy centre console and cupholder cubbyholes look after odds and ends, while sizeable door pockets take add to the respectable storage.

As with the front seats, there’s generous space in the back. Legroom is good, even with a tall driver up front. And even in the sleeker Sportback there’s decent rear seat headroom, although the SUV version liberates a few additional millimetres top keep taller folk content.

It’s mainly boot space that takes a hit with the switch to Sportback. It drops from 660 litres in the SUV to 615L in the Sportback (that is, incidentally, the same boot capacity as dual motor e-Trons.

Performance and efficiency

The e-Tron S gets three electric motors, the first EV in the country to get that setup (the Tesla Model S Plaid also gets three motors, but local deliveries appear to be some way off). Two drive the rear wheels and the third looks after the fronts.

Between them they make a maximum 370kW and a stonking 973Nm of torque. They’re big numbers and set the e-Tron S up nicely for swift acceleration.

The front motor is the same as that used in dual motor versions of the e-Tron and makes 155kW and 355Nm.

The rear motors are new, one looking after each of the wheels and producing 132kW/309Nm each. Those quick with their maths may realise adding the three power peaks together results in more than 370kW; that’s because not all motors produce their peaks at the same time.

The official 0-100km/h time is 5.1 seconds, although that can be lowered to 4.5 seconds if you activate the Boost mode by toggling the gear selector to its Sport mode. That unleashes additional power compared with when the car is running in its regular drive modes.

Given that’s the only thing Sport mode changes, it’s perplexing as to why Audi has bothered hiding the additional performance behind a separate mode. The throttle pedal could also achieve the same thing…

While there’s no shortage of punch on paper, the reality is not quite as stunning. Sure, it’s never lacking in pull, but it’s not as brutal as some (although in Sport mode there is a purposeful jolt on full throttle take-offs), instead sweeping away cleanly and swiftly.

Blame it partly on weight. The e-Tron S tips the scales at 2580kg (100kg more than the e-Tron 55), which is about the same as the latest Toyota LandCruiser 300-Series.

Those kilos also play their role in how much electricity is used. The SUV is slightly thirstier, using an average 26.4kWh per 100km, according to figures derived from a government test. The Sportback’s superior aerodynamics lower that slightly to 26.0kWh/100km.

It’s generally quiet and well behaved although there’s some whining when cruising or coasting; it’s only mild and some tunes pumping through the B&O sound system would be plenty to drown it out.

Charging

The battery capacity of the e-Tron S is listed as 95kWh, although only 86.5kWh is usable. That’s still towards the larger end of the current EV ledger.

The WLTP claimed range is 344km for the SUV version and 347km for the Sportback. Our real-world experience suggests somewhere around 340km is achievable, at least going off the predominantly country road driving we tested it over.

Charging can be done at up to 11kW using a wallbox, potentially providing a full charge in about 8.5 hours. Using the supplied 7.2kW home wallbox would take more like 12 hours. If all you’ve got is a regular powerpoint (putting out 2.3kW) then settle in for 38 hours for a full charge.

Those wanting more grunt can option a 22kW onboard charger, which will complete a full charge in a little over four hours; given most people will park the car overnight, the standard charging setup seems sufficient.

Impressively, there is an AC charging plug on either side of the car between the front wheels and the front doors. That makes it more flexible depending on where your charger is at home.

The DC charging port is only on the driver’s side.

Faster DC charging is done at up to 150kW and if it’s anything like the regular e-Tron it’ll accept lots of power across much of its charging, rather than peaking then dropping off early, as many do. Audi has done extensive work with battery cooling to ensure rapid charging. There’s also a preconditioning function activated through a smartphone app that can prepare the battery for an imminent rapid charge.

Ride and handling

Performance SUVs often do a terrific job of the straight-line speed thing but fall short when it comes to cornering agility and comfort.

But the e-Tron S proves that will the step up to additional go, there are very few compromises with the way it deals with bumps and bends.

Even on the optional 22-inch wheels (with very low-profile rubber) there’s impressive compliance. Sure, successive bumps can get things jiggling, but it’s generally very composed and almost plush by luxury SUV standards. Adjustable dampers can firm the ride for additional control, but the penalty in comfort is minimal.

Cornering nous is also top notch. The e-Tron S gets broad 285mm wide tyres (20mm wider than the 21-inch wheels used on other e-Trons) and they deliver with grip in abundance. The heft of the car means it feels more at home striding through a sweeping corner with some pace on board.

But even in tighter scenarios it belies its weight, clawing the road and getting on with business.

Party tricks

Isn’t three electric motors enough!?!

OK, if you’re looking for more, then the e-Tron S debuts the latest iteration of Audi’s matrix LED headlights.

Instead of increasing the number of LEDs in each headlight to improve functionality and accuracy, the new digital matrix LEDs use 1.3 million micro mirrors that can be tilted and adjusted up to 5000 times per second (bags not be the mechanic trying to fix those if it fails…).

That means better accuracy in blacking out other road users and keeping the rest of the road better illuminated.

But it also allows the choice of five animations projected onto the road when you start the car.

It’s a cool extra and could theoretically have more animations added via over-the-air software updates.

For those after something more practical, the e-Tron S can tow up to 1800kg.

Safety

As expected, there are airbags all around and seatbelt reminders for all five seating positions.

Autonomous emergency braking includes pedestrian detection up to 85km/h and there’s also pre-sense rear, which can prepare some of the safety systems if an imminent rear impact is detected.

A 360-degree camera makes parking easier and there are also audible sensors front and rear.

There’s also blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert. An extension of that is exit warning, which can detect approaching cars or cyclists when parked, in turn warning the driver.

Verdict

As it promises, the e-Tron S delivers more performance, more features and incrementally better dynamic nous.

It doesn’t rewrite the e-Tron playbook, but it adds some tempting icing to the range, complete with the first tri-motor EV setup on the market. Bragging rights indeed…

Performance is sharp and slick and outpunches its SUV rivals, although there are quicker EVs around.

The real highlight with the e-Tron S is how it blends its substantial cornering talent with excellent level of comfort and control. It’s an EV that lives up to the luxury badge while providing some sporty heat for those wanting space and pace.

Make/Model specifications

Price: $165,600 (e-Tron S), $172,700 (e-Tron S Sportback), plus on-road costs

Basics: EV, 5 seats, 5 doors, SUV, AWD

Range: 344km (SUV), 347km (Sportback), WLTP

Battery capacity: 86.5kWh (useable)

Battery warranty: 8 years/160,000km

Energy consumption: 26.4kWh/100km (SUV), 26.0kWh/100km (Sportback)

Motors: 1 front 155kW/355Nm and 2 rear, each producing 132kW/309Nm; 370kW/973Nm (combined peak)

AC charging: 11kW, Type 2 plug

DC charging: 150kW, CCS combo plug

0-100km/h: 5.1 seconds (normal mode), 4.5 seconds (sport/boost mode)