496-HP Audi e-tron S Twins Coming To America For 2022

Last year, Audi introduced new, more powerfulS versions of the e-tron and e-tron Sportbackwith a tri-motor setup. At the time, only the European versions of the high-performance electric SUVs were shown and it wasn't clear if a US launch was planned. Over a year later, Audi America has answered our prayers, confirming that thee-tron Sande-tron S Sportbackare coming to America later this year.

With two electric motors on the rear axle and one on the front, both e-tron S models generate a combined 429 horsepower and 596 lb-ft of torque. In boost mode, these outputs increase to 496 hp and 718 lb-ft of torque, but you can only take advantage of this performance boost for eight seconds. With boost mode activated, the e-tron S will accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 4.3 seconds.

A low-mounted 95 kWh lithium-ion battery pack powers the three electric motors. Improved stopping power is provided by upgraded six-piston orange brake calipers and 15.7-inch front discs. On a single charge, the e-tron S will last 208 miles, while the e-tron S Sportback has a range of 212 miles according to EPA estimations. Using a high-speed 150 kW charger, the battery can be charged from around 5-80 percent in under 30 minutes.

Visually, the e-tron S and is nearly two inches wider than the regular e-tron and e-tron Sportback thanks to 0.9-inch wider front fenders. More aggressive front and rear bumpers and larger air curtains also set them apart. As standard, the e-tron S rides on 20-inch wheels with all-season tires. Larger 21- and 22-inch wheels are also available with summer tires as part of the Black Optic package.

Standard tech includes a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display and a dual-screen MMI display incorporating a 10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower display, along with a topview camera, traffic sign recognition, active lane assist with turn assist, adaptive cruise assist, pre sense front collision avoidance, and traffic sign recognition.

Unsurprisingly, this extra performance comes at a premium. While the standard e-tron has an MSRP of $65,900, the e-tron S starts at $84,800 and $89,800 for the Premium Plus and Prestige trims, respectively. The e-tron S Sportback, on the other hand, will set you back $87,400 for the Premium Plus trim and $92,400 for the Prestige trim. All prices exclude the 1,095 destination charge. Both high-performance electric SUVs will arrive in US dealers this fall.