Audi e-tron Sportback S

Overview

The 2022 Audi e-tron Sportback S is a seriously potent, all-electric luxury SUV with a slinky coupe roofline, discontinued but a head-turner on the used market for around $43,495. This ain't your average e-tron; the "S" badge screams performance, thanks to its unique tri-motor setup delivering blistering acceleration and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. It’s Audi’s way of proving EVs can be both outrageously quick and supremely comfortable, wrapped in a package that’s dripping with tech and that signature four-ringed swagger. It’s for those who want electric drive without skimping on luxury or a sporty kick.

What's New for 2022?

For its final model year before the Q8 e-tron evolution, the 2022 e-tron Sportback S was largely a carryover, meaning it retained its already impressive kit. Audi didn't mess much with this performance formula. You might find some minor shuffling in package contents or newly available cosmetic bits like snazzy orange brake calipers as an option, but the core high-spec features, stonking tri-motor powertrain, and aggressive S-specific styling cues that defined its US market appeal remained consistent from its introduction. It was already pretty loaded, so no major overhaul was needed!

Design & Exterior

This Audi is a real looker! The e-tron Sportback S flaunts a dramatically sloping roofline that just screams "sporty," set off by beefier, S-specific bumpers and wider wheel arches that give it a properly aggressive stance. Standard 21-inch wheels (with optional 22s) fill those arches perfectly. Up front, you get those trick Digital Matrix LED headlights. It’s a big machine, measuring 193 inches long, 77.8 inches wide, and 63.6 inches tall, but it carries its bulk with athletic grace. Distinctive silver mirror caps are another S trademark.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the e-tron Sportback S and it’s pure Audi premium, with a sporty twist. Think Valcona leather sport seats, maybe some carbon fiber trim, and impeccable build quality. The cabin is dominated by Audi’s MMI touch response system: a 10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower screen, plus the brilliant 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto are standard. Passenger space is great up front, decent in the back despite the roofline. You get a 21.7 ft³ trunk, expanding to 56.3 ft³ with seats down, plus a handy 2.1 ft³ frunk.

Performance & Driving Experience

Hold on tight! The e-tron Sportback S rockets from 0-60 mph in a blistering 4.3 seconds. That punch comes from three electric motors – one induction motor (IM) up front and two IMs at the rear – churning out a combined 370 kW (that’s about 496 hp in boost mode!) and a massive 718 lb-ft of torque. Its clever all-wheel-drive system with electric torque vectoring at the rear makes it surprisingly agile for its 5,787 lb heft. Adaptive air suspension delivers a smooth ride, firming up nicely when you’re hooning it, and regenerative braking is strong and adjustable.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powering this beast is an 86.5 kWh usable battery pack, giving a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range estimate of around 199 miles, with an efficiency of 2.3 mi/kWh. For home charging, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger will juice it up overnight, taking about 9-10 hours from empty. Out and about, it supports DC fast charging up to 155 kW via its US-standard CCS Type 1 port, meaning you can zap it from 5-80% in roughly 30 minutes. No fancy vehicle-to-load (V2L) here, but it’s still a rapid charger.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is top-notch, with the e-tron platform bagging a 5-star overall rating from both the NHTSA and Euro NCAP. The Sportback S comes loaded with Audi’s Pre Sense city and front systems, which include forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. While specific packaging varied, features like adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance, blind-spot monitoring (Audi side assist), rear cross-traffic alert, and a top-view camera system were typically standard or readily available in packages on this high-performance trim in the US, ensuring you’re well covered.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Audi’s got your back with a solid warranty package for the e-tron Sportback S. In the US, this typically includes a 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty. Crucially for an EV, the high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, usually guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. Roadside assistance for 4 years is also standard. While complimentary scheduled maintenance can vary, Audi often included the first service (e.g., 1 year/10,000 miles), easing those initial running-in costs.