New Audi e-tron Sportback S develops 496 horsepower
It can reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.5 seconds
Expected to offer 228 miles of range, or 365 kilometres
The new Audi e-tron S Sportback was expected for some time now and its final specs don’t disappoint. Like the Audi e-tron S, it delivers more horsepower and a sportier driving experience, only this time wrapped in the sleeker Sportback trim.
Like with Audi’s combustion engine lineup, the letter S in the e-tron lineup means more performance and power than the traditional Audi e-tron Sportback. The Audi e-tron S Sportback here delivers 496 horsepower and 720 pound-feet of torque it is sportiest “S” setting. Audi says you can expect to reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph (210 km/h).
The e-tron S Sportback features three electric motors. The most powerful is located up front while two other motors are located within the rear axle.
In its regular drive mode, the e-tron S Sportback still delivers plenty of power with 429 horsepower and 596 pound-feet of torque. Compare this with the entry-level Audi e-tron Sportback that delivers 402 horsepower, and you can imagine the power difference.
Powering the electric powertrain is a 95-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that offers 365 kilometres of range, or 228 miles. This aren’t EPA numbers, however, so actual range will likely be lower.
Like current Audi S models (think Audi S4 or SQ5), diamond-quilted seats and a number of “S” emblems and badges are found inside and out. There’s no flat-bottom steering wheel, however. The e-tron S Sportback sits on 20-inch wheels standard, but you can climb all the way to 22-inch wheels. The S version also has wider fenders and a slightly more aggressive look.
So we now have the Audi e-tron, Audi e-tron S, Audi e-tron Sportback, and Audi e-tron S Sportback. Four different electric utility vehicles serving four different needs, or at least that’s how Audi sees it.