2021 Audi e-tron S Sportback [UK]

The 'S' prefix that subtly speaks volumes for devotees of high performance Audi TFSI and TDI models is about to move with the times and become an equally evocative suffix in two new flagship versions of the fully electric e-tron. The new e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback earn the right to bear the badge by being the first volume production BEVs to use the collective might of three electric motors to climb to a towering 973Nm torque peak, and by integrating intelligent drive control that elevates handling security and agility to a new level in the two all-wheel-driven variants.

Handling 2.0: the driving experience

The epic performance of the new Audi e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback more than befits the badge, particularly in S gear when the full arsenal of 370 kW of power and 973 Nm (717.6 lb ft) of torque is available to the driver for eight-second boost periods. The standard sprint takes just 4.5 seconds and Vmax arrives at 130mph. The new S models are equipped with two electric motors on the rear axle and one upfront, making them the first volume production electric cars in the world with three electric motors. Their drive layout makes very effective use of the modular construction principle: here, the more powerful electric motor that powers the rear axle in the 'standard' e tron 55 is installed in adapted form on the front axle, while two modified examples of the front electric motor from the e tron 55 operate at the rear. The high-voltage battery has a gross energy capacity of 95 kWh, of which 91 per cent (86 kWh) is usable. On a full charge, the Audi e tron S and the Audi e tron S Sportback can achieve ranges of up to 223 miles and 226 miles (preliminary values), respectively, based on the WLTP test cycle.

Five centimetres more width: the exterior design

The significance of the time-honoured 'S' badge is conveyed visually in the Audi e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback by front and rear bumpers with pronounced contours and prominent inlets, by a rear diffuser insert spanning virtually the entire width of each body and by wheel arches that are each 23 millimetres wider. Front and rear detailing in silver and trademark aluminium exterior mirror housings also confirm beyond doubt that these SUVs are members of the exclusive Audi S quattro family. Both cars can be equipped with Digital Matrix LED headlights as an option - another world first in mass production that Audi introduced with the e tron Sportback in 2019. Each light is divided into 1.3 million pixels and can be controlled with great precision, opening up many new functionality opportunities. On narrow carriageways, for example, they can project light guides onto the road to show the car's position in the lane and thus help the driver to remain safely in the centre.

Progressive: interior and equipment

Quiet confidence is exuded by the interior, which is finished in dark colours. Electrically adjustable sport seats finished in Fine Nappa leather and embossed with the 'S' logo are standard in UK versions, and are combined with decorative inserts in either brushed aluminium or, on request, carbon. In darkness, the atmosphere is enhanced by the contour/ambient lighting package. As the most recent introductions to the fast-growing e-tron family the two new S models are naturally equipped with the digital MMI touch response control system with its two large central displays, and with the Audi virtual cockpit positioned directly in front of the driver, who can select a special e tron screen that focuses exclusively on the car's electric drive functionality. A head-up display can also be added to project information even more conveniently onto the windscreen in the driver's field of vision. The MMI navigation plus control and infotainment system is also included as standard. Behind its many functions is the third generation modular infotainment platform (MIB 3), which completes all tasks at impressively rapid processing speeds. As usual, MMI navigation plus works in tandem with Audi connect, which provides complementary online services. Among these is the e tron route planner, which calculates the fastest route including optimum charging stops, taking into account traffic data, the driver's driving profile, and the duration of the charging stops, and in some cases may use this information to suggest an alternative route. The directory of charging points is updated online every day, and can be set to prioritise charging stations along the planned route where the driver can pay using the e tron Charging Service.