Audi e-Tron S and e-tron S Sportback Show Just How Sexy Electric SUVs Can Be

Audi is continuing its electric offensive with the new Audi e-tron S and the new Audi e-tron S Sportback.

Where design is concerned, the Audi e-tron S and the Audi e-tron S Sportback’s front and rear bumpers have strong contours, and the air curtains are particularly large and expressive. The diffuser insert at the rear end extends almost across the entire vehicle width.

The fact that the wheel arches on both sides are 23 mm wider gives the car an imposing stance. Silver attachments at the front and rear end that add highlights, as well as the aluminium exterior mirror housings are exclusive features of the S models.

Both cars can also be equipped with Matrix LED headlights as an option – another world first in mass production that Audi introduced with the e-tron Sportback in 2019.

Each light is divided into 1.3 million pixels and can be controlled with great precision, which opens up many new functions. In narrow areas, for example, it shows the car’s position in the lane and thus helps the driver to remain safely in the centre.

Both of the S models are powered by two electric motors on the rear axle and one on the front axle, making them the first mass-produced electric cars in the world to have three electric motors.

In addition to the electric all-wheel drive, the vehicles are equipped with electric torque vectoring with active and fully variable torque distribution on the rear axle.

The new Audi e-tron S and the new Audi e-tron S Sportback also deliver dynamics in a new dimension. In S gear, they provide their full boost performance for eight seconds – 370 kW of power and 973 Nm of torque. The standard sprint takes just 4.5 seconds and acceleration ends at 210 km/h.

In order to improve efficiency, only the rear electric motors are engaged as long as the Audi e-tron S and the e-tron S Sportback are operating in normal driving mode. The front electric motor, on the other hand, flashes into action when the driver demands more performance, or predictively before traction subsides.

Each of the rear electric motors sends the drive torques directly to the respective wheel via a single-speed transmission, as there is no more mechanical differential.

Inside, the cabins of the Audi e-tron S and Audi e-tron S Sportback are designed in dark colors, with electrically adjustable sport seats, leather and Alcantara upholstery, brushed aluminium decorative trims, as well as ambient lighting offered as standard.

Like all full-size class models from Audi, the Audi e-tron S and the Audi e-tron S Sportback are equipped with the digital MMI touch response control system with two large central displays, Audi virtual cockpit, MMI navigation plus control, and the latest generation MIB 3 infotainment system.

That being said, the two electrically powered S models will be launched in Europe later this year. As for this part of the world, the models are highly likely to be available in Singapore in 2021, but probably not Malaysia, which is a shame as it would give those who’ve been waiting for an electric SUV another option besides the Mercedes-Benz EQC which is supposed to be launched this year.