Audi e-tron S Sportback Revealed, Packs 973Nm of Torque

Audi Singapore has launched the Audi e-tron S Sportback, with the fully electric S model using three electric motors, two of which power the rear axle. The electric all-wheel drive system is equipped with electric torque vectoring with active and fully variable torque distribution on the rear axle - a setup we reckon supplies it with much-needed grip to handle its massive torque. In S gear, the Audi e-tron S Sportback provides full boost performance for eight seconds – 496 bhp (370 kW) and a whopping 973 Nm of torque. A 0 - 100km/h sprint takes just 4.5 seconds.

OneShift Editorial Team

18 Feb 2022

The new S model has two electric motors on the rear axle and one on the front axle, making it one of the first mass-produced electric cars in the world to have three electric motors. Its drive layout is based on the modular construction principle: An adapted design of the more powerful electric motor that powers the rear axle in the Audi e-tron 55 is now installed on the front axle. The front electric motor from the e-tron 55 operates with a structurally identical counterpart and individual modifications in the rear. The high-voltage battery has an energy capacity of 127 bhp (95 kWh), of which 91 percent, 115 bhp (86 kWh), is usable. With one battery charge, the Audi e-tron S Sportback achieves ranges of up to 370 km in the WLTP cycle.

For efficiency purposes, only the rear electric motors are engaged as long as it is operating in normal driving mode. Electric all-wheel drive with electric torque vectoring is able to send electric motors to the corner in need of more torque via a single-speed transmission. Its large high-voltage battery ensures a balanced distribution of the axle loads and is installed in a low position comparable to that of the three electric motors. This lowers the car’s center of gravity and improves its handling capability. The suspension is tuned to be sharper, too. But it is not a one trick pony with no less than seven driving profiles to select, with damper settings that can vary up to three inches.

20-inch wheels come as standard, along with six piston black brake calipers in the front. You can request for the calipers to be painted in bright orange, decorated with the e-tron logo, too.

Thanks to the optional virtual exterior mirrors in particular, the Audi e-tron S Sportback achieves very good drag coefficients. Flow-optimised wheel arch extensions also make a considerable contribution to resolving the conflict of objectives between aerodynamics and a sportiness. This technology was developed by Audi and is now patented, contributing to a drag coefficient of just 0.26 (comparatively, the Audi Q5’s drag coefficient is 0.33).

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