AUDI AUSTRALIA IS WELCOMING THE ARRIVAL of the all-new Audi e-tron S and Audi e-tron S Sportback. The new models present a new flagship for the e-tron range, offering exhilarating dynamic performance as a highlight.
“The all-new e-tron S models represent a step change in the perception of electric mobility for the Audi brand,” said Paul Sansom, Director of Audi Australia.
“Not only is electric mobility the way of a more sustainable future, but it can also be an exhilarating driving experience, as featured by these extraordinary vehicles.
“It’s an important part of our journey, because the e-tron S demonstrates that Audi understands that owners don’t want to choose between the ultimate in sustainable motoring and the ultimate in performance – they want both,” said Sansom.
Exhilarating driving performance
Audi’s first electric S-model, the Audi e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback, feature two electric motors at the rear axle and one the front axle, boasting an output of 370 kW of power and 973 Nm of torque at full boost performance when activated in S-mode. As the first volume production electric cars in the world to house three electric motors, the new S models are endowed with incredible performance, reaching 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, before a top speed of 210 km/h.
To bolster efficiency, the front electric motor only flashes into action when the driver demands more performance, or acts predictively in the instance of traction subsiding. The high-voltage battery has a gross energy capacity of 95 kWh, of which 91 percent (86 kWh) is usable. With one battery charge, the Audi e-tron S and the Audi e-tron S Sportback achieve ranges of up to 413 km and 418 km respective to driving mode selected.
The e-tron S models engage the latest generation of e-quattro all-wheel drive, with torque vectoring allowing the two rear motors to drive torque directly to each rear wheel via a single-speed transmission, negating the need for a mechanical differential and resulting in millisecond-instant power regulation for high levels of torque.
The sporty character and handling of the electric S model is further optimised through the vehicle’s low centre of gravity, whereby the large high-voltage battery sit much lower in order to balance and counteract the three electric motors. Progressive steering, and adaptive air suspension with regulated damping are also available via the Audi drive select system’s seven driving profiles, accentuating S-specific tuning.
Intuitive exterior design
The sporty character of the electric S models continues to the vehicles exterior, with its strong contours along the front and rear bumpers, wider wheel arches, and sport adaptive air suspension varying up to 76 mm giving the model a squat, powerful stance on the road. S-specific styling cues such as the flow-optimised wheel arch extensions offer improved aerodynamics, as do the optional Audi virtual mirrors with high-definition OLED displays. Overall, the e-tron S has very low drag coefficient of 0.28, bettered by the e-tron S Sportback at 0.26.
Aerodynamic considerations continue further, to also feature a controllable air-cooling inlet to cool the front brakes, minimising air turbulence by opening only when necessary. A heat pump, included on all e-tron models as standard, draws heat energy from the waste heat of the drive components to additionally increase vehicle range by up to ten percent. To round out the optimisation of vehicle efficiency, drivers can also select between three levels of energy regeneration through a sophisticated recuperation system, giving the driver a noticeable one-pedal driving experience when at its highest level.
The e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback are the first Audi vehicles to offer digital Matrix LED headlight technology (optional). This headlight technology makes it possible to project high-resolution light images and animations directly in front of the vehicle. This innovation is supplemented by numerous possibilities for adaptive light distribution and light assistance, increasing safety when driving in the dark.
Both the e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback come equipped with 21-inch Audi sport alloy wheels in 5-double spoke edge design as standard, along with aluminium finish exterior mirrors. A total of eight exterior paint colours are available, although Plasma Blue is reserved only for the e-tron S Sportback. Orange brake calipers featuring the S logo also come as standard, glinting to onlookers as an indication of the powerhouse within.
Generous interior inclusions
The electric S models are uncompromising in comfort and stylish inclusions for the interior, with both models equipped with a panoramic glass sunroof, privacy glass, four-zone climate control air conditioning, heated electric front seats with driver’s side memory function, and coloured interior lighting. Valcona leather seat upholstery features S-specific details with S sport front seats with contrasting diamond stitching. Embossed ‘S’ badging is also found on the sport leather steering wheel, now featuring a luxurious heating function and electric steering column adjustment.
Extensive infotainment features are included as standard, including Audi virtual cockpit with an S-specific display, Audi connect plus, wireless phone charging and an Audi smartphone interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto on the MMI navigation plus 10.1-inch touch/haptic screen for infotainment and 8.6-inch touch/haptic screen for vehicle functions. A welcome inclusion for exquisite audio is the incredible Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, featuring 16 speakers, a subwoofer and 15-channel amplifier with a total power of 705 watts.
The e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback also include all the latest in safety and driver assistance systems, which are also standard across the entire e-tron range.
Convenient charging and servicing
The e-tron S models can be charged via a supplied 7.2kW AC home-charging kit (requires electrical infrastructure to support), or up to 150kW DC fast-charging. This fast-charging option is suitable for stopovers on long journeys, restoring 80% of charge in just 30 minutes, or a full charge in only 45 minutes. The 7.2kW AC home-charging solution can charge the e-tron S from empty to full in 13 hours.
For charging at home, a suitable installation can be arranged with our partner, JETCharge. At any time, the e-tron can be pre-conditioned for an upcoming journey by heating or cooling, controlled by the myAudi smartphone app.
Audi Australia is also offering all e-tron vehicles with a comprehensive customer offer that includes a 6-year subscription to the Chargefox charging network. Audi is a founding partner of the Chargefox network, and the subscription provides e-tron owners with access to all ultra-rapid, and selected fast and standard, chargers within the Chargefox network. All ultra-rapid chargers are powered by 100 percent renewable energy.
Additionally, Audi Australia is offering all e-tron vehicles with servicing and roadside assistance for the first six years of ownership. Like all new Audi vehicles delivered to Australian customers from January 1 2022, the e-tron S also comes with the peace-of-mind of a five-year warranty. Audi also provides a 12-year manufacturer warranty for bodywork against corrosion perforation for new vehicle, and owners can take further peace-of-mind from an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty. Any Audi dealer can carry out scheduled servicing on an e-tron vehicle.
The all-new Audi e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback are available from Audi dealers now.
| Model | ||
| e-tron S | 370 kW | $168,400 |
| e-tron S Sportback | 370 kW | $175,400 |
Prices plus on road costs