In a similar vein to its petrol and diesel-engined cars, Audi is launching a high-performance 'S' version of the e-tron and e-tron Sportback electric SUVs. Order books opened in summer 2020, with UK pricing confirmed at £87,000 for the e-tron S and £88,700 for the e-tron Sportback S (pictured).

The cars' three-motor electric drivetrain puts out 496bhp. In addition to its healthy power output, the e-tron S gets a clever electronic torque-vectoring system. This varies the amount of grunt being sent to each wheel automatically, so as to maximise grip and improve the car's handling. The 0-62mph and top-speed figures for the e-tron S and e-tron Sportback S are identical, at 4.5 seconds and 130mph respectively.

Audi says the S version of the e-tron models features a much more rearward-biased version of the brand's quattro four-wheel-drive setup than the 50 and 55 drivetrains (detailed below), making the S feel sportier and more agile. The S models also come with more responsive sports steering as standard.

The front-axle motor of the S is the same as the rear-axle motor of the other two versions, while on its rear axle, the S has two more motors, contributing to that near-500bhp total power figure. Battery capacity for the S is the same as for the 55, at 95kWh, while in normal driving only the two motors on the rear axle are used, with the front one activating if extra power is needed for greater acceleration or enhanced grip.

The e-tron S gets 20-inch alloys as standard, with larger choices up to 22 inches available as an option. Wider wheelarches, orange-painted brake callipers and 'S' badging also serve to set it apart from the 50 and 55 versions. The same 150kW rapid charging capability as the other e-tron models is offered here.