Audi’s first quantity EV went on sale final yr within the type of the 2019 E-Tron SUV, which is already successful loads of accolades.
But a sooner, performance-oriented model referred to as the E-Tron S is coming, which Audi unveiled on Wednesday. An E-Tron S Sportback can be coming, a prototype for which we examined in February.
The E-Tron S and E-Tron S Sportback are the primary EVs from a serious automaker with a three-motor powertrain—Tesla included. In the Audis, there is a single motor up entrance and two unbiased motors within the rear. By having two unbiased motors on the rear, the system is ready to exactly fluctuate torque between the rear wheels. At the entrance, commonplace brake-based torque vectoring is relied upon.
Audi E-Tron S Sportback
The three motors ship a mixed output of 496 horsepower and 718 pound-feet of torque, although this peak output is just delivered in non permanent bursts lasting eight seconds. According to Audi, it’ll see the E-Tron S and E-Tron S Sportback ship 0-60 mph acceleration in underneath 4.5 seconds. We assume it is going to be manner underneath 4.5 seconds, although. Top pace on the autos is capped at 130 mph.
The battery is similar 95-kilowatt-hour unit discovered within the common E-Trons. The battery is rated by the EPA at 204 miles in the usual E-Tron and 218 miles within the extra aerodynamic E-Tron Sportback. Audi hasn’t given EPA estimates for the brand new S fashions however says the autos function in rear-wheel-drive mode as a lot as attainable to spice up effectivity, with the entrance motor kicking in when the motive force wants extra efficiency or slip is detected.
Beyond the powertrain, the S variations of the E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback profit from efficiency tuning of the suspension and steering programs. The autos additionally come with 21-inch wheels (22-inch wheels can be found) and uprated brakes. Like most EVs, all E-Tron variants can even get better power when braking. Depending on the driving scenario, the pc controling the braking system decides individually for every axle whether or not the automotive will decelerate with the electric motors, the traditional brakes, or each.
Audi E-Tron S Sportback
The S fashions are additionally wider than the common E-Trons, by nearly two inches. This has allowed the engineers to suit wider wheels and tires. Drag stays low nonetheless due to intelligent flow-optimized wheel arch extensions and flaps within the entrance brake ducts which stay closed as a lot as attainable to streamline airflow.
Inside, there are a variety of sporty touches together with bolstered seats with nappa leather-based trim. Owners can even discover various “S” logos across the cabin, alongside with the highest model of Audi’s infotainment system. A head-up show is out there.
Availability of the E-Tron S and E-Tron S Sportback within the United States is but to be introduced however elsewhere the order books open up this summer season.