Audi e-tron S: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Audi e-tron S is a five-seat electric midsize luxury SUV known for strong acceleration, standard all-wheel drive, and a quiet, upscale cabin. It is the sportier version of the regular e-tron SUV.
The e-tron S brought Audi’s familiar S performance approach to an electric SUV. It paired three electric motors and standard all-wheel drive with sharper styling and a more athletic suspension setup than the regular e-tron. Sold in the U.S. for 2022 and 2023, it was renamed and updated as the SQ8 e-tron for 2024.
Strengths
- Its three-motor electric system made 496 horsepower in 2023, giving this large SUV strong acceleration.
- Standard all-wheel drive provides sure-footed power delivery without requiring a trim upgrade.
- The cabin is quiet, upscale, and designed to feel more familiar than experimental.
- Standard adaptive air suspension balances the e-tron S’s sportier handling with everyday comfort.
- Fast-charging capability makes charging stops more practical on longer drives.
Who it's for
It suits someone who wants a quick, quiet electric SUV but prefers a familiar luxury-car experience over a futuristic or minimalist one. It is especially well matched to daily driving and shorter road trips where its 2023 electric range of 208 to 212 miles is sufficient.
Audi e-tron S lineup
Premium Plus is the sensible pick if the e-tron S’s three-motor performance and standard all-wheel drive are the main attraction. Prestige is the step up for shoppers who want the more richly equipped version. In 2023, that included upgraded matrix-design LED headlights as standard, while both trims shared the same basic electric performance formula.
Audi e-tron S generations
From 2022 to 2023, the e-tron S spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2022.
1st Generation (2022–2023)
The e-tron S was the performance-focused version of Audi’s electric midsize SUV, sold in SUV and Sportback body styles. It used three electric motors, standard AWD, S-specific bodywork, and adaptive air suspension. After 2023, it was refreshed and renamed SQ8 e-tron.
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2023
LED interior lighting and carbon-look interior trim became standard across the lineup. Prestige models gained upgraded matrix-design LED headlights.
2022
The e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback arrived in the U.S. as Audi’s first fully electric S models, with Premium Plus and Prestige trims.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Audi e-tron S.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi e-tron S fully electric?
Yes. The Audi e-tron S is a fully electric luxury SUV with three electric motors and standard all-wheel drive. It does not use a gasoline engine.
How powerful is the Audi e-tron S?
The 2023 Audi e-tron S is rated at 496 horsepower and 717 lb-ft of torque. Its three-motor setup is built for strong, quiet acceleration rather than extra trim-to-trim power.
Does the Audi e-tron S have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every Audi e-tron S uses electric all-wheel drive. Its three motors send power to both axles, so AWD is part of the model rather than a trim upgrade.
How many people does the Audi e-tron S seat?
The Audi e-tron S seats five people in a four-door SUV body. It suits shoppers who want an upscale electric vehicle with everyday passenger space.
How far can the Audi e-tron S go on a charge?
The 2023 Audi e-tron S lineup is rated for 208 to 212 miles of electric range, depending on the version. Real-world distance varies with speed, weather, terrain, and climate-control use.
Can the Audi e-tron S tow?
Yes. The Audi e-tron S has a listed maximum towing capacity of 3,300 pounds. A used example still needs the proper towing equipment, and its condition matters.
How does the e-tron S fit into Audi's electric SUV history?
The e-tron S was the performance-focused version of Audi’s original e-tron SUV in the U.S. for 2022 and 2023. After that, the refreshed model adopted the SQ8 e-tron name.