If you’re looking for a more powerful Audi e-tron, you’ll be sacrificing driving range for it. The EPA has released its estimates for the 2022 Audi e-tron S and it’s lower than the regular SUV and Sportback models. With the standard 21-inch alloy wheels on all-season tires, the e-tron S SUV is rated at 208 miles per charge while the Sportback is good for 212 miles. That’s a drop of 15 and 6 miles respectively versus the standard models.
Getting stickier and wider summer tires on the optional 21- or 22-inch alloy wheels results in an even larger hit on the 2022 Audi e-tron S’ range. The standard SUV is now rated at 181 miles while the Sportback goes down to 185 miles. That’s a drop of 42 and 33 miles from the standard e-tron SUV and Sportback respectively. These are likely due to the tire not being low rolling resistance and having a wider contact patch.
The Jaguar I-Pace, the e-tron’s most direct competitor, is rated at 234 miles per charge and comes with a 90-kWh battery pack. However, it’s two electric motors make a combined output of 394 hp and 512 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the e-tron S has a larger 95-kWh battery pack, and its three electric motors make 429 hp and 596 lb-ft constantly. Put the Audi in Boost mode and that output increases to 496 hp and 718 lb-ft for a short time. Despite all of that extra power and torque, the e-tron S is only 0.2 seconds quicker than the I-Pace to 60 mph at 4.3 seconds. We suspect that its three-ton curb weight is the culprit.
Like the standard model, the e-tron S can DC charge at peak rates of up to 150 kW, enabling it to go from 5 to 80 percent in 30 minutes. On a level 2 AC charger, it can take up to 9.6 kW. Buyers of the e-tron S will also get extra benefits like a concierge for home charger installation via Audi’s partner Qmerit.
Some of the key changes on the e-tron S are in the drive modes and suspension. Both variants get a drift mode under the Dynamic mode setting that allows for controlled power slides on a closed course. This is done by biasing the power distribution to the rear wheels. The adaptive air suspension is also standard along with six-piston front brakes measuring 15.7 inches and Dynamic Orange calipers. All e-tron S models also get unique bodywork that’s nearly 2.0 inches wider than the standard model.
Prices start at $85,895 for the 2022 Audi e-tron S SUV and $88,495 for the Sportback variant in Premium Plus trim. The Prestige grade starts at $90,895 for the standard SUV and $93,495 for the Sportback. Both variants of the e-tron S are well equipped from the start with features like the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and the dual-screen MMI interface that uses a 10.1-inch main touch screen and an 8.6-inch secondary display. You also get built-in navigation, a surround-view camera, and a full suite of driver assistance features as standard equipment.
Available features include the Individual Contour Seat package, which adds heated, ventilated, and massaging multi-contour front seats. The Black Optic package adds black side mirror covers, black roof rails, and either 21- or 22-inch alloy wheels shod in summer performance tires.
