Quicker, three-motor E-tron models arrive soon
More motors means drift mode for all your EV sideways needs
Audi is bringing the e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback to the U.S. market this fall. The electric performance models will offer nearly 500 hp and will start from just under $85,000 when they arrive at dealers.
The two S models come with three electric motors. That’s one on the front to spin those tires and one on each of the rear wheels to turn those ones. Between them, 496 hp and 718 lb-ft of torque are available for up to eight seconds at a time on boost mode.
The front motor provides Audi’s signature all-wheel drive traction and aids maximum acceleration. The rear motors are used to provide torque vectoring, letting the Audi E-tron S models rocket out of bends with more authority than ever before. If that’s not enough, yes, the crossovers will have a drift mode.
Audi has pushed out the fenders of the two S models by two inches, making them the only S model from Audi with wider arches. They fit the 20-inch wheels and wide performance rubber, and can hold 21 and 22-inch wheel sizes as well. Large front air curtains and revised bumpers also help the S stand out, as do Audi’s Digital Matrix LED lamps.
Both Audi E-tron S and E-tron Sportback S get a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display as well as a 10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower infotainment screen pack. The electric models will have an integrated toll module, top-view camera, active lane assist, adaptive cruise, and a head-up display. They’ll also have 12-way diamond-stitch Valcona leather sports seats with ventilation and massage available.
A 95 kWh battery holds all of the electrons, able to charge at up to 150 kW. The S model E-trons should manage 208 miles for the E-tron S and 212 miles for the Sportback S, both with the standard wheel and tire package.
Audi expects to have the models on sale this year with the E-tron S from $84,800 for Premium Plus and $89,800 for Prestige, and $87,400 and $92,400 for the Audi E-tron Sportback S in the same trim levels.
