The S factor

Surge. It seems a far more appropriate word to use than ‘accelerate’ when you’re talking about the Audi’s new all-electric performance models. The e-tron S, the first all-electric S model from Audi, literally surges off the line with a touch of the accelerator, the large, luxury SUV – also available as a Sportback – hitting 100km/h from standstill a mere 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 210km/h if you happen to be somewhere appropriate to that speed. 

The fact that it does so with barely a whisper is something that this writer is still getting used to – because that sort of speed off the line is usually accompanied by a suitably ferocious soundtrack of combustion noises, building to a crescendo as each gear’s redline is reached. 

But that’s not the case with electric vehicles, even when they are high-performance models – wearing the coveted Audi S badging. There is just this feeling surging forward from rest, with the faintest sound of wind over the vehicle’s extremities.

The e-tron S is the brand’s second all-electric model to arrive in Australia following the launch of the Audi e-tron in 2020, and while the S models are similar in appearance to their e-tron siblings, the sporting nature they offer as well as numerous ’S’ traits, set them apart and bring an even greater performance dynamic to the brand’s electric offering Down Under.

Like the Audi e-tron, the e-tron S slips into the Audi line-up somewhere between the Audi Q5 and Q7 in terms of its size. 

Styling of the e-tron S ($168,400*) and e-tron S Sportback ($175,400*) is similar to their corresponding e-tron variants, but with a more muscular look overall, thanks in no small part to wheel arches that are some 23mm wider and flow-optimised so as not to disrupt airflow over the vehicle. There is also an S-specific rear diffuser and subtle lip spoiler on the Sportback model’s tailgate while the roof spoiler on the SUV model accentuates the rake of the roofline. S-specific front and rear bumper treatments add to the more aggressive appearance and the subtle Audi S badging on the front Singleframe grille and rear tailgate will settle any arguments once and for all. Of course the front grille, while unmistakably Audi in appearance no longer needs the honeycomb or mesh treatment of an internal combustion model, but rather a louvred treatment which can be opened or closed to allow airflow for aerodynamic reasons as required. Either side of that are large air inlets to again optimise airflow as well as to divert air to aid in brake cooling.

Given that this is an electric S model also means that the distinctive quad exhaust tips usually seen on S models aren’t there (for obvious reasons), and the red brake callipers are replaced by yellow inside the standard 21-inch or optional 22-inch rims, signifying e-tron models.

Matrix LED headlights and dynamic indicators are standard equipment, while the e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback are the first Audi vehicles to offer the state-of-the-art digital Matrix LED headlight technology as optional equipment, opening up a whole world of lighting possibilities, including customisable features.

Customers will also be able to opt for the distinctive Audi virtual wing mirrors which not only benefit range but likewise add to the overall styling. Despite their physical presence, the design is such that both vehicles slip thourhyg the air with minimal disturbance, with and extremely low drag coefficient of 0.28 for the SUV and even slipperier 0.26 for the Sportback. 

Drive for this performance model comes via by two electric motors on the rear axle and another on the front axle (the first all-electric production model to feature three motors), all powered by a 95 kWh, liquid cooled lithium-ion battery –  of which 91 percent (86 kWh) is usable. 

Fully charged, this equates to a range of around 413km for the SUV body and 418km for the slipperier Sportback, but as is the case with a conventional combustion engine, that range is dependant on the way you drive – and being a model that offers of all that performance potential, it’s hard to resist giving the accelerator a squeeze every chance you get.

With an impressive 370kW and 973Nm of torque on overboost – or 320kW and 808Nm off boost – there’s plenty of power to play with, and with the latest version of e-quattro all-wheel drive with electric torque vectoring, traction and handling are everything you would expect from a performance Audi.

Progressive steering and adaptive air suspension that varies overall ride height across a 76mm range, are also standard inclusions adding to the surefooted feel when whipping through bends, and the smooth, magic carpet-like ride out on the freeway. 

Of course with the single-speed transmission, there’s no cycling up and down through the gears via a paddle shift system – just that ‘surge’ that pushes you back in the sports seat as you step on the accelerator.

That’s not to say that the e-tron S doesn’t have wheel-mounted paddles though, because it does, and it takes precious little time to get used to using this paddle system to exercise control over the vehicle’s energy recuperation system as you drive.

Tapping the left paddle effectively engine brakes (rather than you using the foot brake) and there’s a satisfying graphic within the virtual cockpit, showing energy being being recouped. Right paddle essentially disengages this braking, and it fast becomes second nature and something of a challenge to use the paddles to grab every bit of power on offer – particularly satisfying on steep descents. 

When not recovering energy while driving, charging can be taken care of via the supplied 7.2kW AC home-charging kit which is installed at your home base as part of the vehicle’s purchase. On the go, customers can also charge at up to 150kW DC with fast-charging outlets. While the standard home set-up will take around 13 hours to charge a battery from empty to full, the fast-charging outlets, which can be found in ever-increasingly numbers all around the country, can restore up to 80 percent of a full charge in just 30 minutes. 

Customers get a six-year subscription to the Chargefox charging network when they purchase their e-tron S, giving them access to all ultra-rapid and selected fast and standard chargers within the Chargefox network.

It is also possible to have a three-phase power set-up installed in the home which ups the output to 22kW and makes for an average charge time to full of a little over four hours.

Inside the e-tron S is a superbly finished, uncompromising interior. It’s classic Audi in its attention to detail and the clean, uncluttered finish, but again, with some e-tron-only touches, like the single-speed gear selector, backlit e-tron dash badging and special screens within the standard Audi virtual cockpit to show charge levels and recuperation while you drive.

From the heated electric front sport seats with driver’s side memory function, to the heated multi-function steering wheel (another first), head-up display, four-zone climate control and electric tailgate opening with gesture control, the e-tron S covers all bases seamlessly.

Indeed with its beautifully finished Valcona upholstery throughout with distinctive S contrasting diamond stitching, inlays in brushed aluminium, panoramic sunroof and colour interior lighting package  – you’re left in no doubt that this is an Audi S model.

Technology and connectivity is state-of-the-art, controlled across the now familiar dual screen arrangement integrated into the vehicle’s dash design and layout. The MMI navigation plus 10.1-inch touch screen and smaller 8.6-inch version both with haptic feedback, placing everything from Audi connect plus to wireless phone charging and Audi smartphone interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto literally at your fingertips.

Then there is the superb 705 watt Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, with 16 speakers, subwoofer and a 15-channel amplifier which admirably fills the onboard silence and replaces it with the audio accompaniment of your choice. 

Of course less obvious, but no less important is the full suite of Audi safety and driver assistance systems which are standard across the entire Audi e-tron range, quietly going about their business behind the scenes and only springing into action the second they are required.

This of course leaves you to concentrate on driving, whether that be effortlessly gliding through traffic or let g the e-tron S stretch its legs on a rewarding piece of road.

On the launch drive, from freeway to secondary roads and B-roads heavily degraded by the recent rains, the e-tron S was unflappable. The climb high up into the Kosciusko National Park, was smooth, whisper quiet and fast – something you have to watch with the absence of engine noise subconsciously telling you your speed is increasing. 

Back down the other side of the mountains, the steep gradient gave ample opportunity to use the paddles and the engine breaking to grab extra kilometres as the big luxury SUV whipped down the tight twisting descent with an agility that belied its size.

The familiar Audi S elements – indeed the familiar Audi elements – outnumber the specific ‘electric’ elements, and at the end of the day this is every inch a performance Audi. But it is the electric drive that really sets it apart and gives it a very special quality – and that surging acceleration which is unlike anything in the internal combustion ranks. 

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)