Torque-monster Audi e-Tron S tri-motor EV pricing revealed
The Audi e-Tron S will set a new benchmark for pulling power when it launches in Australia early in 2022, topping any ICE model in the German luxury brand’s local line-up with an enormous 973Nm produced by its tri-motor set-up.
That torque figure also makes it number two on outputs for Audi only behind the old Q7 V12, which made more than 1000Nm.
To go with all that punch will be a pretty imposing price that’s just been announced; $165,600 for the e-Tron S five-door wagon and $172,700 for the sloped-roof e-Tron S Sportback. Both prices are plus on-road costs.
Still, it’s not that much more than the dual-motor e-Tron range already on-sale; $137,100 for the e-Tron 50 quattro and $146,100 for the 55 quattro. The Sportback equivalents are $148,100 and $146,100.
E-Tron S pricing (and performance) is also above luxury electric SUV rivals the Mercedes-Benz EQC and Jaguar I-Pace and in-line with the flagship version of the new BMW iX family (the x Drive50 Sport). Only the triple motor Plaid version of the Tesla Model X is significantly more expensive, but you can’t take delivery of one of those until at least the end of 2022, more likely later.
The e-Tron S produces maximum torque only in S-mode, the rest of the time it makes do with 808Nm, meaning the diesel Audi SQ7 reclaims the top spot with 900Nm.
Backing up that peak torque output is a 370kW power rating in boost mode (320kW normally), which impressive as it is, cannot match a whole bunch of Audi ICE models, especially the V8 RS models such as the RS6 and RS7.
Things get a little less impressive when you consider Audi is claiming a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 210km/h.
The Audi RS e-Tron GT – effectively a Porsche Taycan in sexier drag – claims 3.3 seconds 0-100km/h and 250km/h from its 830Nm and – admittedly impressive – 475kW (on ‘overboost’). By the way, that power number is the biggest ever made by an Audi.
For the vast majority of the time the e-Tron S employs only its two e-motors mounted on the rear axle, bringing the front e-motor into play when max performance is demanded.
Feeding the three motors is a 95kWh lithium-ion battery pack (usable capacity 86kWh) with a claimed range of 413km (SUV) and 418km (Sportback). It can DC fast-charge at a claimed rate up to 150kW from empty to full in 45 minutes and complete an 11kW AC charge in 8.5 hours.
Like all e-Trons, the new S models come with a six-year Chargefox subscription.
And speaking of other e-Trons and charging, check out our real world test here.
Beyond the powertrain, both cars feature e-quattro all-wheel drive with torque vectoring on the rear axle, progressive steering, air suspension that varies up to 76mm and adaptive dampers that can be tuned by Audi drive select.
The S models feature wider wheel arches, 21-inch alloy wheels, orange brake callipers, flow-optimised wheel arch extensions and controllable air-cooling inlets for the front brakes.
They are also the first Audi vehicles to offer digital Matrix LED headlight technology. They makes it possible to project high-resolution light images and animations directly in front of the vehicle. Movie night!
Both e-Tron S models also include a panoramic glass sunroof, privacy glass, four-zone climate control air conditioning, heated electric front seats with driver’s side memory function, coloured interior lighting, Valcona leather seat upholstery featuring S-specific details, sport front seats with contrasting diamond stitching and a heated power adjust sports leather steering wheel.
Infotainment features include the Audi virtual cockpit with an S-specific display, wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto on the MMI navigation plus 10.1-inch touch/haptic screen. There is also an 8.6-inch touch/haptic screen for vehicle functions.
A Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, featuring 16 speakers, a subwoofer and 15-channel amplifier with a total power of 705 watts is also part of the standard package.
The e-Tron S and e-Tron S Sportback include the same safety and driver assistance systems found standard across the entire e-Tron range.
