High-Performance Audi e-tron S Coming to U.S. Market this Fall

The U.S. market is finally getting the sportier, higher-performance Audi e-tron S (along with its Sportback sibling) this Fall. The e-tron S has been on sale in Europe for the better part of a year now but is finally just making it across the Atlantic. Better late than never, I guess.

With a starting price of $84,800, the Audi e-tron S packs more power and more on-road performance than the standard car. Rather than just having two electric motors; one small one at the front axle and one large one at the rear axle; the e-tron S gets three; one large motor at the front and two small ones out back. During the car’s short eight-second boost mode, peak power output is 496 horsepower and 718 lb-ft of torque, enough to get the big brute from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds. During normal driving, the e-tron S still makes quite a bit more power than the standard car, 429 horsepower and 596 lb-ft of torque to be exact, which is still plenty for a sporty SUV.

More importantly, though, the dual-motor rear axle setup allows for superior torque vectoring, giving the Audi e-tron S sharper handling and more controllable cornering. The standard e-tron isn’t exactly the most fun SUV on the market, with safe, predictable handling that is more competent than it is engaging. The e-tron S should help add a bit of spice to the experience.

The battery pack is the same, though; a 95 kWh battery with 150 kW charging speed, capable of charging from 5-80 percent in under thirty minutes, while using the appropriate charger. The added power and additional electric motor does shorten the range, though, to 208 miles for the Audi e-tron S and 212 miles for the Audi e-tron S Sportback. The latter of which is more aerodynamic, thus the few extra miles of range.

Interestingly, the Audi e-tron S comes standard with a Level 2 home charger, along with the white-glove home installation concierge service, through Qmerit. That’s a huge bonus for customers, as it gives them the ability to charge from home.

Obviously, the Audi e-tron S is quite a bit more expensive than the regular car. It starting price of $84,800 (Premium Plus trim) can quickly balloon to $89,800 (Prestige), with additional options easily pushing it to over $90,000. The e-tron S Sportback is also more expensive, starting at $87,400 (Premium Plus) and going up to $92,400 (Prestige), before options. Admittedly, though, both cars are quite well equipped as-standard.

All of Audi’s active safety systems come standard, as does the top-view camera, 3D satellite navigation, and even Audi’s Predictive Traffic Light Information. Adaptive air suspension is also standard.

The Audi e-tron S, along with the e-tron S Sportback, will be available this Fall for U.S. market customers. If you’re looking for a bit more performance from your e-tron, this could do the trick.