Competent, Consistent Audi e-tron S Impresses
Audi e-tron S is Competitive in Most Areas
So, the $92,400 496 HP 717 lb.-ft e-tron S EV rushed to 60 mph in 4.21 seconds in out tests. It may eke 190 miles out of a full battery charge and is slightly less powerful, but more efficient than its $70,800 e-tron 55 counterpart. BMW’s $82,600 iX xDrive50 has 526 HP and 564 lb.-ft. We tested it to 60 mph in 4.29 seconds. BMW claims a 393-mile WLTP range.
Audi’s comparable $94,695 495 HP 567 lb.-ft gas SQ8 meanwhile sprints to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. It should manage 375 miles on its 20-gallon tank.
In conclusion, for the money, the Audi e-tron S Sportback quattro suffers from a woeful range. That tied in to a still limited and surprisingly expensive local charging infrastructure, fails to deliver true usability. Which is not what we are being led to expect from electric cars.
Refreshingly Competent & Consistent
We however found this Audi reassuringly familiar, powerful and comfortable. It’s refreshingly competent, consistent and as quick as any other Audi with an S on it. It handles well enough and rides comfortably too. All of which should make it easy for an EV fan to overlook its lack of range and cost.
ROAD TESTED: Audi e-tron Sportback S quattro Motors: 3x asynchronous electric Output: 496 HP 717 lb.-ft combined (Boost Mode) Drive: Direct AWD Battery: 95 kWh lithium-ion TESTED: 0-40 mph: 2.04 sec 0-60 mph: 4.21 sec 0-100 mph: 10.48 sec ¼-mile: 12.6 sec @ 108 mph 50-75 mph: 2.87 sec 75-100 mph: 4.58 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 130 km/h Energy Consumption: 21.7 kWh/100 km WLTP LIST PRICE: $92,400 MSRP RATED: 8
Photography: Michele Lupini