In the ever-evolving landscape of electric vehicles, Audi continues to carve its niche with its e-tron lineup. The e-tron S Sportback fits in as a large, coupe-style proposition, offering a fusion of cutting-edge technology, impressive performance, and Audi’s awesome design.
Although it definitely looks very enticing with its precision German design, this does come at a hefty price and it is very heavy. Is it worth considering among the field of high-end electrified SUVs out at the moment ? Let’s take a look and see.
2023 Audi e-tron S Sportback: Specifications
Battery: 95kWh, lithium-ion
Output: 370kW / 973Nm (boost mode)
Gearbox: Single-speed auto, three electric motors, torque vectoring
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 21×10.5, 285/40
ANCAP: Not tested
Weight: 2830kg
Power-to-weight: 7.64:1 (kg:kW)
Official range (WLTP): 372km
Max charging: 11kW AC, 155kW DC0-60km/h: 2.20 seconds*
0-100km/h: 4.26 seconds*
0-200km/h: 18.67 seconds*
60-110km/h: 2.82 seconds*
1/4 mile: 12.73 seconds at 175.9km/h*
Max acceleration: 1.067g*
100-0km/h braking: 35.22m in 2.98 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.432g*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 71*
Starting price: $55,490
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2023 Audi e-tron S Sportback: How much does it cost?
Audi has always been synonymous with premium quality and, yes, a price tag to match. The e-tron S Sportback is no exception, standing in the upper echelons of the electric vehicle market.
Prices start from $176,400 (excluding on-roads). That’s a big figure and it puts it in line with some very tempting competition. However, it is less expensive than some key rivals, such as the BMW iX xDrive50 (from $185,400), and the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid (from $185,100).
The S variant does present strong performance credentials, though. With up to 370kW and 973Nm, it is one of the quickest offerings in its class, with a 0-100km/h claim of 4.5 seconds. Being an S means it also comes peppered with tasty components and bespoke appointments, spawned from decades of Audi S engineering.
2023 Audi e-tron S Sportback: Interior & packaging
Step inside the e-tron S Sportback and you’re immediately enveloped in Audi opulence and innovation. The interior is a seamless blend of sophistication and futuristic design elements, creating a cockpit that feels more like a modern command centre. Plush Valcona leather, meticulously-crafted surfaces, and ambient lighting elevate the cabin, in some ways setting a benchmark for electric vehicle interiors.
Practicality hasn’t been overlooked. The e-tron S Sportback is a big vehicle, despite its sporty coupe shape, measuring 4902mm long, 1976mm wide, and 1710mm tall. The wheelbase is 2928mm, which is not far off the big Audi Q7 (2999mm).
Being an electric vehicle, floor space is massive. You get a real sense of expansive legroom in the front and back. And the coupe profile doesn’t seem to impede on rear headroom, making it ideal for longer journeys. The S also features full four-zone climate control as standard.
Technology takes centre stage in the front, as one would expect from a brand that prides itself on being at the forefront of in-car tech. Perhaps more impressive is the way in which Audi integrates the technology. Three touch-screens are embedded into the dash, for example. But they fit in extremely well, like they were there as part of the design process – not just tacked on in the last minute.
Audi’s MMI infotainment system is intuitive, adopting a tile layout that provides a user-friendly interface that melds conveniently with the driver’s preferences. The virtual cockpit, a staple in Audi’s lineup, makes its presence felt, offering a customisable digital instrument cluster that adds a modern flair to the driving experience.
Other standard highlights include a fantastic 16-speaker 3D sound system by Bang & Olufsen, crisp surround-view parking cameras with a cool kerb view, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (wireless only for Apple), and sharp matrix LED headlights. This test car also showcases the stunning 22-inch Audi Sport alloy wheel option, adding just $1600 to the bill.
Boot space is rated at an extensive 615L, or up to 1665L with the split-fold rear seats laid down. There’s also a bucket of extra storage under the floor, lined in plastic, making it perfect for carrying wet or dirty items. An additional tub is available under the bonnet at the front, and is large enough to store charging cables.
2023 Audi e-tron S Sportback: Powertrain & handling
The e-tron S features a 95kWh battery that sends energy to three electric motors. These combine to produce 320kW and 808Nm, or up to 370kW and 973Nm in ‘boost’ mode (full throttle). Audi claims 0-100km/h takes 4.5 seconds.
That official acceleration claim is quick, bettering the BMW iX xDrive50 by 0.1s. Using a private road and our Racelogic Vbox Sport, we clocked a best 0-100km/h in just 4.26 seconds, with the quarter mile coming up in just 12.73 seconds at 175.9km/h. It’s bloody quick.
The tri-motor setup is a stroke of genius from Audi’s engineering team, too. Two motors power the rear wheels, while an additional motor propels the front wheels. Dividing the distribution up like this enables more precise control of delivery, enhancing cornering and traction potentials. A torque-vectoring system works in the background as well to ensure utter stability and security, almost regardless of what situation you’re in or what demands you’re laying down.
It feels lovely to drive on an open road with nice curves as it presents rock-solid stability and confidence. The turn-in feel is tight and somewhat playful, but mid-corner bumps can unsettle the platform a bit if you’re really pushing it. During such point it becomes more obvious that it is a very heavy vehicle, weighing in at 2830kg.
With adaptive sports air suspension as standard, the ride comfort is taut but compliant and forgiving. And the system allows the driver to tailor the firmness, adapting to either comfort or spirited driving scenarios. With multiple drive modes, including a dedicated Dynamic setting, the e-tron S Sportback is able to match the driver’s mood, from serene cruising to exhilarating corner-carving. It’s a versatile machine.
In terms of charging, a crucial aspect of electric vehicle ownership, the e-tron S can take in 11kW using an AC charger, or up to 155kW using a DC fast charger. These are not the highest of ratings as some EVs can now take in up to 350kW in DC, and 22kW in AC. Even so, using a DC fast-charger the battery can go from 10-80 per cent in around 26 minutes.
On the NEDC test cycle the full-charge range is 418km, or 372km using the more modern (and more realistic) WLTP cycle. We found the on-board range calculator to be fairly trustworthy and easy to understand, while allowing you to monitor energy consumption and regenerative power in real time. Watching the gauge can be fun as it encourages you to try and balance out your usage.
2023 Audi e-tron S Sportback: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Design: The e-tron S Sportback is a head-turner. Audi’s design excellence is evident in every curve and contour, from the distinctive LED light signature to the aerodynamically sculpted rear, the Sportback is a visual feast.
- Tri-motor balance: Audi’s decision to go with a tri-motor setup has paid off. It’s not just about raw power, it’s about cornering control and precision. Despite the 370kW output, flat-out traction is impeccable.
- Attention to detail: Step into the cabin and you’re cocooned in modern luxury. The meticulous attention to detail, from the quality of materials to the craftsmanship, is a testament to Audi’s commitment to providing a premium experience.
- In-car tech integration: With three digital screens, you might think it is over-done. But it’s really not. The interface and integration of the screens goes well with the cabin ambience, and actually enhances it.
2023 Audi e-tron S Sportback: Key considerations before you buy
- Price: While the e-tron S Sportback delivers an excellent cabin and driving experience, the price might deter some potential buyers.
- Charging infrastructure: In Australia it is still way behind, making EVs less desirable and less practical than their combustion-engined siblings, especially if you like to travel around a bit and/or if you live in an apartment (with no charging allowed) or outside main cities.
- Heavy: At 2830kg, it is extremely heavy for what it is. The Audi SQ7 V8 is 360kg lighter – and that’s not a light vehicle to begin with.
2023 Audi e-tron S Sportback: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
The e-tron S Sportback is another demonstration of Audi’s distinctive expertise in crafting high quality designs and pairing them with advanced technology and integration. It seamlessly marries luxury, performance, and precision German engineering. However, it is too heavy to be considered a proper performance SUV in our view, and the price, like most EVs, is just too high for what it is.
