Audi e-tron S and Audi e-tron S Sportback electric SUVs revealed

Audi has revealed the production version of the Audi e-tron S and Audi e-tron S Sportback electric SUVs. These are more powerful, performance-oriented versions of the India-bound Audi e-tron EV SUV. The firm had already revealed the specs and other changes in March, with the final look being shown now.

These EVs are notable for being the first in the world to provide a three-motor set-up. Audi has moved the larger electric motor from the standard e-tron's rear axle to the front, while there are two of the standard SUV's smaller front motors on the S' rear axle. The larger motor makes 169PS in Normal mode and 204PS on Boost. The two rear motors together make 266PS and 359PS (Boost). The combined power output for the S models now stands at 435PS and 808Nm. With the Boost mode engaged, this jumps to 503PS and 973Nm. The e-tron S and the e-tron Sportback S now get from 0 to 100kmph in 4.5s and can reach a top speed of 210kmph. The standard e-tron's outputs are 313PS and 540Nm. This version has a 190kmph top speed and gets to 100kmph from standstill in 6.8s.

The 95 kWh battery carries from the standard e-tron. The e-tron S can do 360 km(WLTP) in one charge with the S Sportback adding 5 km more.

The three-motor set-up has now allowed the S models to feature electric torque vectoring. In regular driving, only the rear motors are in operation, with the front motor coming into play only when more power is needed. Each of the rear motors sends power directly to each rear wheel via a transmission, negating the need for a mechanical differential. This also allows the Quattro system to send power to the rear wheel with more grip during tricky situations. A further development for the S models is the more drift-happy traction control system, which allows for longer drifts when the ESC stabilisation control is set to "Sport" and the Audi drive select dynamic handling system is set to "Dynamic" mode.

The e-tron S models possess strong aerodynamic qualities despite their sharper look. The models are 50mm wider than the standard e-tron, with wheel arch extensions that are 23mm wider. Despite this, given the new flow-optimized wheel-arch extensions, the e-tron S Sportback has a drag coefficient of 0.26 while e-tron S manages 0.28.

Subtle styling changes differentiate the e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback from their standard versions. They get 20-inch wheels in a five-spoke design as standard, with sizes up to 22-inches available. Also new are the new front and rear bumpers. They are heavily contoured with a diffuser insert that runs almost the full width of the vehicle The bumper is flanked by bigger and more expressive air curtains, which improve airflow. On the inside, the new models get a dark theme, sportier seats, Audi S motif, and optional carbon trim pieces.

The Audi e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback will go on sale in Europe around October. Prices start at EUR 93,800 for the e-tron S and EUR 96,050 for the e-tron S Sportback. Expect to pay around Rs 1.5 crore after taxes and duties if these EVs make their way to India.