Skip advert
Advertisement

New Audi e-tron S performance SUV arrives with 489bhp

Audi’s e-tron SUV receives sportier looks, more power and tweaked suspension in new S guise

Audi has updated the all-electric e-tron SUV line-up for 2020 with the addition of two high performance models, badged e-tron S and e-tron Sportback S. The pair are due on sale in the UK this summer priced from £87,000 and £88,700 respectively. 

These newcomers to the e-tron line-up feature extensive electric drivetrain revisions introducing more power, alongside new suspension, design changes inside and out, and additional aerodynamic tweaking. 

Powertrain and performance

These S derivatives are also now the only versions of the Audi e-tron available with the model’s larger 95kWh battery - the normal e-tron is now only available with a smaller 70kWh unit and a maximum range of 193 miles on a single charge. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The new e-tron S features a three-motor setup compared with the standard car’s dual-motors. Two electric motors power the rear axle, with one at the front, for a total combined output of 370kW - equivalent to 489bhp - and torque of 973Nm.

As such, Audi claims the e-tron S is capable of 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 130mph, in both standard and Sportback form. Maximum range is 223 miles and 226 miles for the more aerodynamic Sportback version. 

The move to two motors on the rear axle means Audi has been able to remove the mechanical differential previously splitting the rear axle, and torque can be applied to each rear wheel directly by the individual motors. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Alongside this move, the company claims engineers have attempted to tune the newcomer’s drivetrain to exhibit a rear-driven bias. The manufacturer says that If the ‘sport’ traction control setting is selected and drive mode changed into ‘dynamic’, the e-tron S can even engage in controlled drifts. 

Design and specification 

Elsewhere, the e-tron S models feature specifically adapted air suspension intended to improve handling and steering responsiveness, while the car can lower itself by up to 76mm. Uprated brakes are part of the package and in the UK, the e-tron S rides on 21-inch wheels as standard, with 22-inch optional items coming after launch.

Visually, the e-tron S is separated from the regular e-tron with a new front apron featuring more pronounced contours and prominent air inlets, while around the back, the rear bumper gains a large diffuser system. The wheel arches are wider all round, too, while red S badges are now found front and rear. 

The interior features electrically adjustable sports seats embossed with S logos and upholstered in Nappa leather as standard. Cabin inserts are finished in brushed aluminium as standard but carbon fibre trim is optional, as is an ambient lighting package. Elsewhere the S models keep the interior architecture of the regular e-tron. 

When orders open in the UK, all who join the waiting list in 2020 will be offered a free 12-month subscription to the Audi e-tron charging service, allowing access to 18 different charge station providers using one card and account. £150 of free charging is included in the offer, as is a home wallbox for recharging. 

Click here for our in-depth review on the new Audi e-tron SUV...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Tesla Model Y alternatives: cars you could buy instead of Tesla's top-selling SUV
Tesla Model Y alternatives - header image

Tesla Model Y alternatives: cars you could buy instead of Tesla's top-selling SUV

The Tesla Model Y is a superb family SUV with EV power, but what if you fancy something different? We’ve come up with the best new and used alternativ…
Features
18 Dec 2024
Last orders, please! Audi Q8 e-tron set to be axed early in 2025
Audi Q8 e-tron - full front

Last orders, please! Audi Q8 e-tron set to be axed early in 2025

Launched in 2018, when it was simply called the Audi e-tron, the brand’s first pure-electric car will be retired soon
News
13 Dec 2024
Best electric car charging stations 2024: UK's top charger networks rated by EV owners
Best electric car charging stations 2024 - header

Best electric car charging stations 2024: UK's top charger networks rated by EV owners

The bad, the good and the outstanding; you rank the major players in the expanding UK charging network
Features
13 Nov 2024
Kia Sorento vs Skoda Kodiaq: which is the best used seven-seat SUV for families?
Skoda Kodiaq vs Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento vs Skoda Kodiaq: which is the best used seven-seat SUV for families?

The Skoda Kodiaq takes on the new Kia Sorento in this second-hand family-friendly SUV twin test
Car group tests
11 Nov 2024

Most Popular

New BMW 330e 2024 review: one of the best plug-in company cars you can buy
BMW 330e - front tracking

New BMW 330e 2024 review: one of the best plug-in company cars you can buy

The facelifted BMW 330e PHEV is a top business choice
Road tests
18 Dec 2024
Driver whose towbar voided his insurance wins payout
Towbar

Driver whose towbar voided his insurance wins payout

Allianz tells Auto Express it was ‘right in principle’, but has agreed to cover the claim in full
News
20 Dec 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Kona Electric is a winner at £199 a month
Hyundai Kona Electric - main image

Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Kona Electric is a winner at £199 a month

Hyundai’s Kona Electric impressed us from day one, and it’s our Deal of the Day for 17 December.
News
17 Dec 2024