Audi E-tron S 2022: Australian pricing and specs revealed for performance electric SUV

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Debuting as the first S-branded electric model for Audi, the E-tron S and E-tron S Sportback will launch in Australia in early 2022, starting from $165,600 before on-road costs. 

The Sportback version will be slightly more expensive, starting at $172,700 before on-road costs. 

So what exactly does the E-tron S model receive and how does it differ from the ‘standard’ E-tron?

Drivetrain and performance

The E-tron S models feature three electric motors – two on the rear axle and one at the front – which provide outputs of 370kW of power and 973Nm of torque. 

That’s a 70kW boost over the outputs of the ‘standard’ e-tron which makes 300kW of power and 664Nm of torque, though still some way below the outputs of the rapid RS E-tron GT which makes up to 475kW (in overboost) and 830Nm. 

The 0-100km/h acceleration claim for the E-tron S is 4.5 seconds, and Audi says it can achieve a top speed of 210km/h. 

The E-tron S is predominantly rear-wheel drive, however the electric motor at the front axle will kick in when the driver demands more power. 

The E-tron S has a usable 86kWh battery pack which allows the vehicle to travel up to 418km on the WLTP cycle.

Exterior design and innovation 

Extensive work has been done to make the E-tron S and E-tron S Sportback as aerodynamic as possible. 

With a low drag coefficient of just 0.28 (which is bettered by the Sportback with 0.26), the E-tron S features controllable air inlets to help cool the brakes but also minimises air turbulence. 

A heat pump, which is included on all E-tron models, draws heat energy from hot drivetrain components to provide up to 10 percent further range. 

Drivers can select from three energy regeneration modes depending on their driving preferences. 

Adaptive air suspension helps create a lowered ride height, while both models also come equipped with 21-inch Audi Sport wheels. 

Interior technology 

Plenty of technology and comforts grace the inside of the cabin, such as a panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control, heated electric front seats and Valcona leather upholstery.

Technology includes Audi’s virtual cockpit, wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment, a 8.0-inch screen for vehicle functions and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. 

Safety and warranty   

Along with eight airbags, the Audi E-tron S features a long list of safety aids and technology. 

Audi pre-sense with AEB is standard, along with adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, blind spot warning assist, parking assist, pre-sense rear impact assist, collision avoidance, rear cross traffic assist, intersection crossing assist and an exit warning system. 

A three-year, unlimited kilometre warranty is standard for the E-tron range however an extended warranty is available at an extra cost. The battery pack is covered by an eight-year/ 160,000km warranty. 

Also standard is a six-year Chargefox charging subscription, six years of Audi scheduled servicing and six years of Audi roadside assistance. 

Audi E-tron S SUV 2022 : prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• E-tron S: $165,600
• E-tron S Sportback: $172,700