The Audi E-Tron S fights against the forces of physics

The PS industry may be going through a dramatic change - but the desire for performance is unbroken. Even with the electric cars. That's why Audi is now bringing the E-Tron S, the first Stromer from the factory tuner.

Berlin (dpa-infocom) - Audi turns up the regulator and increases the voltage on the E-Tron. Because the Bavarians are the first manufacturer to subject their electric SUV to a factory tuning and will also be bringing the SUV and its Sportback coupé on the market as an S model in autumn.

The price for the SUV, which is also visually a little flattered, climbs by around 10,000 euros to 93,800 euros for the E-Tron with an upright rear and 96,050 euros for the Stromer with an inclined end.

More car for a lot more money

But there is also a lot more car for the surcharge. The output increases from 300 kW / 408 PS to 320 kW / 435 PS throughout and peaks in boost mode when kicking down for eight seconds at 370 KW / 503 PS. Because the drive then develops up to 973 Nm, even the 2.6 tons are hardly significant. As if someone had switched from normal to high voltage, the colossus shoots away: When sprinting from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.5 seconds, it takes more than a second off the normal model. And because Audi only pulls the plug at 210 km / h, in the best case scenario it achieves a lead of 30 kilometers per hour. The E-Tron does not come close to the Porsche Taycan and the fast Tesla models, but it leaves some competitors like the Mercedes EQ C behind.

It's not so much the so-called longitudinal dynamics that makes the difference. And also not the sharpened steering and the firmer chassis. Because Audi has not just turned the power screw, but completely turned the drive inside out and installed two motors in the rear for the first time. They have no mechanical connection and can be controlled in such a way that there are clear differences between the inside and outside of the curve. While the inner wheel is being braked, the E-Tron can accelerate the outer one, making it even faster around the corner: It pulls it around the bend like a car on a roller coaster, and at the latest then you also know why the S-model sports seats Are standard.

Performance reaches the limits of physics

But because even the most ingenious electronics and the fastest processors cannot count the great weight of the E-Tron down, the car with a mass of 2.6 tons will inevitably push outwards at some point. Then not only do the 285 millimeter tires on the imposing 22 customs officers make themselves heard, the stability control also has every effort to counteract the physical forces. In addition, these 2.6 tonnes first have to be set in motion. Unfortunately, with increasing vigor, it also needs more energy and the gross 96 kWh of the battery melt away faster than with any other electric Audi. The promised 365 kilometers are therefore difficult to reach.

Yes, the developers have also fine-tuned the aerodynamics. The fenders, which are a good two centimeters wider on each side, or the new aprons are therefore not only used for showing off. And of course the slightly reduced ground clearance also helps. But the third engine alone, with its 50 kilos extra weight, nullifies the efforts. What you may gain in time on the route, you therefore lose some of the time at the charging station. However, the E-Tron is also in the state of the fast troop and taps the direct current from public columns with up to 150 kW. Therefore, in the best case, 30 minutes is enough for a reload from 5 to 80 percent.

Conclusion: extra power has its price

Blazing fast and despite its imposing dimensions, a king of curves: the E-Tron S with its three-engine Quattro concept is of course a car that is fun. But there is another way to make sense. On the one hand, the high price is a matter of consideration. On the other hand, the ratio of weight, performance and power consumption could be better. After all, unlike the large-displacement petrol engines of the other S models, the E-Tron S does not emit any pollutants - at least not while driving.

Data sheet: Audi E-Tron S Sportback

All data according to the manufacturer, GDV, Schwacke

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