Audi e-tron S

Overview

The Audi e-tron S, produced from 2020 to 2022, was Audi's electrifying take on a performance SUV for the US market. This isn't your average e-tron; the 'S' badge means business with a unique tri-motor setup delivering stonking performance and quattro all-wheel drive. It carved out a niche as a luxurious yet sporty family hauler. While no longer new, you might snag one pre-owned for around $38,888. It was a premium offering, aiming to blend practicality with a proper kick from its electric powertrain, wrapped in that signature Audi refinement.

What's New for 2022?

For its final model year in 2022, the Audi e-tron S saw some neat package consolidation. This meant more goodies became standard, enhancing its already premium appeal. Key driver aids, previously part of optional packages on lower trims, were more generously included. For the e-tron S specifically, this solidified its position as a top-tier offering, packing in tech and luxury. While no radical redesigns occurred, these tweaks made the 2022 model an even more compelling proposition before it bowed out, ensuring it went out on a high note in the US.

Design & Exterior

The 2022 Audi e-tron S isn't shy, flexing a more aggressive look than its standard siblings. Think wider wheel arches, a unique front bumper, and a sporty rear diffuser – it means business! It rolls on distinctive S-design wheels, typically 20-inchers. Up front, Audi's signature Singleframe grille is flanked by sleek LED headlights, with trick Digital Matrix LEDs often available for an even cooler light show. It measures a substantial 193 inches long, 77.8 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 64.1 inches tall, giving it proper road presence.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the e-tron S, it’s pure Audi premium, but with a sporty twist. Expect lashings of leather, Alcantara, and cool carbon fiber trim accents befitting the 'S' badge, along with supportive sport seats for its 5 occupants. For your gear, you get a decent 23.3 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 58.4 cubic feet with the rear seats dropped. Plus, there's a handy 1.8 cubic foot frunk for charging cables. Tech-wise, Audi's dual-screen MMI infotainment system and Virtual Cockpit are standard, with seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Performance & Driving Experience

The e-tron S is a proper wolf in sheep's clothing! Thanks to its unique setup of three electric motors – one induction motor at the front and two at the rear – it churns out a mighty 370 kW and a colossal 718 lb-ft of torque. This muscle, channeled through its clever AWD system, catapults it from 0-60 mph in a blistering 4.3 seconds. Adaptive air suspension keeps things comfy but can firm up for spirited drives, while sophisticated torque vectoring makes it surprisingly agile for a big SUV. Regen braking is adjustable, helping you claw back some juice.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powering the e-tron S is an 86.5 kWh (usable) battery pack, which Green Cars Compare estimates will give you around 196 miles of real-world range. Its efficiency is rated at 2.27 mi/kWh. For home charging, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger can top it up fully in about 8-9 hours. Out on the road, its 400V architecture supports DC fast charging via its CCS Type 1 port at up to 155 kW, meaning you can zap it from 10% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes under ideal conditions.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Audi doesn't skimp on safety, and the e-tron S benefits from a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. It comes packed with Audi's Pre Sense suite of safety systems as standard. For the 2022 'S' trim, features like adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance, a top-view 360-degree camera system, and blind-spot monitoring (Audi side assist) were typically included. These advanced systems underscore its luxury and family-friendly credentials, giving you extra peace of mind on every journey and making highway cruising a breeze.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the 2022 Audi e-tron S came with Audi's typical comprehensive coverage. This included a 4-year/50,000-mile basic limited warranty and, crucially for an EV, an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery pack, guarding against excessive degradation. Powertrain components were also covered. While Audi sometimes offered a complimentary first scheduled maintenance, ongoing EV maintenance is generally lower than combustion cars. The e-tron platform has established a decent reputation for reliability, making a used 'S' a solid bet for a pre-owned performance EV.