Audi E-Tron S Packs Three Electric Motors And 496 HP

The Audi e-tron lineup is about to expand as the company has previewed the upcoming S variants.

Set to be offered in standard and Sportback guise, the e-tron S’ have a tri-motor electric powertrain which sees two motors fitted to the rear axle.

This setup gives the crossovers a combined output of 429 hp (320 kW / 435 PS) and 596 lb-ft (808 Nm) of torque. That’s a significant improvement over the e-tron 55 quattro which normally produces 355 hp (265 kW / 360 PS) and 414 lb-ft (561 Nm) of torque.

However, just like the e-tron 55 quattro, the e-tron S’ have a boost function. Here it enables the models to produce 496 hp (370 kW / 503 PS) and 718 lb-ft (973 Nm) of torque for up to eight seconds at a time. This allows the crossovers to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 131 mph (210 km/h).

Also Read: The New Audi E-Tron Sportback Is An Electrifying Crossover Coupe

Besides the performance benefits, the tri-motor setup allows for electrical torque vectoring. As Audi explained, “If the driver accelerates out of a curve in a sporty manner, the electric motor gives the rear wheel on the outside of the curve up to 162 lb-ft (220 Nm) more torque than the wheel on the inside of the curve.” This promises to improve agility, high speed cornering and driver enjoyment.

The tri-motor setup also allows for improved traction as power can be sent to the rear wheel with the most grip. The company says this will come in handy if a driver finds themselves on black ice or a “loose subsurface.”

Unfortunately, Audi didn’t mention how much range the models will have. However, the automaker said the e-tron S’ will have a 95 kWh battery pack which can be charged from 5% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes using a 150 kW rapid charger.

On the styling front, the e-tron S’ are equipped with “flow- optimized wheel arch extensions” and brake cooling ducts which only open when necessary. This, combined with optional digital side mirrors, gives the e-tron S a drag coefficient of 0.28. The e-tron S Sportback is even sleeker as it has a drag coefficient of 0.26

The models will come standard with 20-inch alloy wheels, but 21- and 22-inchers will also be available. Regardless of which size is selected, they’re outfitted with tires that are wider than those used on the mainstream e-trons.

The wheels are backed up by a high-performance braking system which features six piston calipers and 15.7 inch (400 mm) discs up front. Speaker of the calipers, they’re painted black feature a red “S” accent.

An adaptive damping air suspension will come standard and it allows the ride height to be adjusted up to 3.0 inches (76 mm). More specifically, during dynamic driving, the ride height can be lowered up to 1.02 inches (26 mm).

Audi didn’t say much about the interior, but the S variants will come with leather and Alcantara sports seats featuring embossed S accents. Drivers will also find aluminum door sill plates and brushed aluminum or carbon fiber trim.

Like the standard model, we can also expect a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.1-inch infotainment system and a lower 8.6-inch display that provides access to climate control and convenience settings.