Competent, Consistent Audi e-tron S Impresses
A Running Cost Conundrum
Now, we have charged several cars extensively using their home trickle chargers like this one’s 11 kW device. While it takes time, we found the raw domestic electricity cost to be around a third, or less of the amount needed to pay for the gas to travel that distance in a like sized combustion car. The e-tron 55 cost about $5.60 to charge up per 100 miles driven.
We had the chance to charge this e-tron S on the new Audi Network. A local haunt has a bottom-end 22-kW dual AC charging station. It delivers 65 miles of range in about an hour. The car was fully charged up in the two hours we were there. The e-tron S consumed 44.04 kWh to add 60 miles to its range. At a local energy cost of $12.10.
Which means that when charged at Audi’s local public points, e-tron S will cost $20.90 per 100 miles to run. Audi claims 17 mpg, or 5 gallons per 100 miles for the SQ8 and 2.9 gallons per 100 miles for the Q8 45 TDI. So, at today’s around $4.40 per gallon gas price, to drive 100 miles will cost you $22 in the gas SQ8. And you’ll spend about $12.76 to travel 100 miles in the diesel. Not quite what we expected.
A Range of e-tron S Distance Challenges
Getting down to brass tacks, or should we rather call them copper motor windings, this e-tron S will return about 170 miles on a charge. Want the heater or aircon on? Yep, that’s 160 miles. Half of that loss just because it’s cold outside. And driven how you’d probably want to drive your S-badged Audi, you’d be lucky to get 135 miles out of a full charge.
On the road, e-tron S does not feel hugely different to, say an SQ8. The slightly stronger but 800 kg heavier EV has a major instantaneous torque advantage. It delivers a smooth, linear thrust to make overtaking a synch, speed easy. Boost mode deals with almost anything at the boulevard traffic lights. Our test found it two tenths quicker than Audi says to 60 mph.
You can’t get around that 6,250 lbs. feeling of bulk. Yet steering is satisfying, with a welcome heft to it. Albeit that it may be a tad too heavy for certain tastes. It can be reluctant to change direction, but the e-tron S really works as a grand tourer. Clever and pliant, its air suspension all but eliminates body roll. It literally flattens undulating surfaces.
E-tron S Drives Best in Drive Mode
Efficiency, Comfort, Auto and Dynamic settings are backed by an Individual drive mode. That allows you to tailor the drive system, suspension and steering to your own wants. To be honest, there isn’t a huge difference between modes. Regular Auto relaxes the powertrain to deliver the drive you want from this car. A knob selector would be welcome though.
This e-tron certainly delivers familiar Audi comfort. Ride is plush considering the girth of those great big rims and just the slither of rubber around them. There’s an occasional distant wheel wobble and a modicum of tyre roar on some surfaces.
The hushed cabin is well insulated. It’s so quiet that you tend to her hear sounds that a combustion engine would normally drown out. That shouldn’t matter, considering e-tron S’. It keeps you entertained in a plush multi-colour ambient lit cabin.