Egypt Overseas formally introduces
Audi e-Tron EV Adds High-Performance S Model with 496 HP
Audi has announced two new electric models, the 2021 Audi e-tron S and 2021 Audi e-tron S Sportback.
-
Audi has officially shown the high-performance S version of the e-Tron electric SUV.
-
It has 496 horsepower and comes in both standard e-Tron and e-Tron Sportback forms.
While there is much to like about the Audi-E-Tron, it has never been able to get close to the level of performance that buyers of even mid-spec Teslas enjoy. That gap now looks set to shrink with confirmation of S versions of both the regular e-tron and the sleeker e-tron Sportback.
While the regular e-tron has two electric motors, the S has three. The more powerful motor that powers the standard e-tron’s rear axle has been switched to the front of the e-tron S, with a pair of the regular car’s less powerful front motor now working at the back of the faster model, each powering one rear wheel through single-speed reductions.
The all-wheel-drive SUVs produce 370kW and 973Nm from three electric motors – two driving the rear axle and one driving the front. The 0-60mph sprint (0-97km/h) is done in claimed 4.5 seconds.
Audi says the new type of ‘quattro’ system allows electronic torque vectoring, improving handling and safety due to increased levels of grip.
Audi hasn’t released power specifications for the individual motors but the claimed total output is 496 horsepower. Audi also claims a peak combined torque output of 718 lb-ft, with both this and the maximum power available for up to eight seconds at a time. The company also claims a 4.5-second zero-to-62-mph time for the e-tron S, 1.2 seconds faster than the comparable time for the regular car. (We ran the 2019 e-tron from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, suggesting this should be capable of low-4s.) Top speed is limited to 130 mph.
Further information on the First Edition’s additional features can be found below.
All e-tron models make use of an electric motor fitted to each axle, providing all-wheel drive with torque vectoring.
On 50 quattro models, the two motors produce a combined 230kW and 540Nm, powered by a 400 volt, 71kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The e-tron 55 quattro’s motors make 265kW and 561Nm from a higher-capacity 95kWh battery pack, however a boost most – which lasts eight seconds – ups outputs to 300kW and 664Nm.
Both systems are mated to a single-speed automatic transmission, and an adaptive air suspension system is also featured, allowing for ride height adjustment of up to 76mm.
Driving range is claimed at more than 300km for e-tron 50 quattro variants and more than 400km for e-tron 55 quattro variants on the newer, tougher WLTP testing standard.
Audi claims the e-tron 50 quattro variants will sprint to 100km/h from zero in 6.8 seconds, while the 55 quattro models will get there in a sharper 5.7 seconds.
Towing capacity is rated at 1800kg braked on all models, with a 180kg ball weight.
Audi’s e-tron also comes with intelligent recuperation of energy under braking, with the brand claiming the technology can make up to 30 per cent of the vehicle’s range.
All e-trons come with an 11kW AC home charging kit capable of fully-charging an e-tron 50 quattro in six hours and an e-tron 55 quattro in eight-and-a-half hours.
Audi’s e-tron is also 150kW DC fast-charging capable, which Audi claims will charge a flat battery to 80 per cent in 30 minutes for both models, and 100 per cent in 45 minutes.
AC and DC charging ports are fitted on the driver’s side, with an additional AC port on the passenger side.
Audi’s new virtual side mirrors will also debut on the e-tron, equipped as standard on First Edition models and as a €3086 option on regular variants. Using high definition cameras recessed into a housing at the side of the vehicle, an image is displayed onto 7.0-inch screens at the base of the e-tron’s A pillars.
Given the housing’s small size, Audi claims the coefficient drag of the e-tron can be reduced “up to five percent” with the virtual mirror option.
A louvered front grille – that can open and close its slats to increase cooling or decrease wind resistance depending on conditions – and a flat underbody also contribute to a reduced coefficient drag figure of just 0.26.
Another advantage of the flat underbody and the absence of a transmission tunnel the a resulting flat floor, making for comfortable foot space across the second row of seating.
Audi e-tron 50 and e-tron 55 ride on 20-inch alloy wheels, while Sportback and First Edition versions ride on 21-inch wheels.
Sportback variants receive S line exterior styling, including different front and rear bumpers, colour-coded panels, titanium black and matte aluminium-coloured front grille and platinum grey front spoiler and air intake accenting.
Inside, the e-tron features Audi’s MMI dual-screen layout, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment control above an 8.6-inch touchscreen used to control vehicle functions. The system has wired Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, and digital radio connectivity.
A 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, wireless phone charging, a 10-speaker sound system and four USB ports also feature.
A head-up display comes as standard for First Edition and e-tron 55 Sportback models, and as part of the €8,562 Premium Plus package for SUV e-trons.
First Edition models get the virtual exterior mirrors, a unique 21-inch alloy wheel design, orange brake calipers, matrix LED headlights, black exterior styling trims, a 705-watt, 14-speaker sound system, S sports seats and interior highlights, four-zone climate control, and privacy glass as standard.
All e-tron models come with a suite of safety including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, a 360-degree camera, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic, intersection, collision avoidance and turn assist, exit warning and tyre pressure monitoring.
Storage capacity in the e-tron SUV and e-tron Sportback models is listed at 660 and 615 litres respectively, with the 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats in their upright position.
Thanks to the e-tron’s electric drive system freeing up space at the front end, an additional 60 litres of storage is offered under the bonnet.
