SPYSHOTS: Audi e-tron ‘quattro S’ spotted testing

With the Audi e-tron having made its global debut last year, the units spotted running tests around the Nurburgring Nordschleife would appear to be a higher performance version of the all-electric SUV.

At present, the Audi e-tron is powered by a 95 kWh battery pack which feeds a pair of electric motors – 168 hp for the front axle, and 188 hp for the rear – for a total output of 355 hp and 561 Nm of torque in launch guise. This improves to 402 hp and 664 Nm of torque with a temporary boost mode, and driven thus, attains the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds.

Rumours suggest that the uprated e-tron will gain an extra motor to make two on the rear axle and one on the front for a theoretical 640 hp, though a ‘more realistic’ output figure of around 500 hp to 550 hp is more likely, our sources say. The usual go-faster improvements are expected with the e-tron ‘quattro S’ – a possible performance variant suffix – where lower, uprated suspension as well as larger wheels and tyres will feature.

Exterior enhancements also appear to follow the convention set by Audi’s own internal-combustion S models, namely a subtle redesign of the e-tron’s grille, front bumper splitter, side skirts and rear bumper, and possible unique designs for the aforementioned upsized rolling stock. Interior details for the more potent e-tron have yet to surface, though there could likely be unique trim to distinguish it from the standard model.

The production e-tron is offered with two home AC charging solutions – Charging System Compact, and Charging System Connect, the latter rated at up to 22 kW to give a full charge in 4.5 hours. Battery pack upgrades to suit the higher output of this sportier e-tron will likely also yield an improvement in battery range, which is claimed at over 400 km on the WLTP test protocols for the standard e-tron.