The Audi e-tron S is a peculiar and compelling creature: a mid-size luxury SUV with three electric motors, sports-sedan thrust, and the thirst of a linebacker at halftime. If you’re eyeing one on the used market today, you’re probably wondering whether the performance, comfort, and badge cachet outweigh concerns about range and long-term battery health. Let’s walk through what this electric Audi S actually is, how it drives, and what you should check before you buy.
Quick context
Audi’s original e-tron SUV launched for 2019 and spawned the higher-performance e-tron S in 2021. After a facelift and renaming, it became the Q8 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron. In 2025 Audi confirmed that Q8 e-tron production is ending, making the e-tron S line a short-lived but intriguing chapter in Audi history.
Audi e-tron S at a glance
Audi e-tron S headline specs (U.S.)
- Body style: mid-size luxury SUV (also offered as sloped-roof Sportback overseas; U.S. focus is SUV)
- Drivetrain: tri-motor all-wheel drive (1 front, 2 rear for torque vectoring)
- Battery: ~95 kWh gross pack (usable capacity a bit lower)
- Layout: 5-seater with generous rear legroom and a large cargo area
- Positioning: performance version of the original Audi e-tron SUV, roughly equivalent in spirit to an SQ5 that runs on electrons
Performance: what makes the e-tron S special
Audi didn’t just bolt a bigger motor onto the regular e-tron and call it a day. The e-tron S uses three motors, one up front, two at the rear, to achieve genuine torque-vectoring shenanigans. In simple terms, the car can overdrive the outside rear wheel in a corner and pull you through the apex like a water skier on a short rope. For a 6,000‑plus‑pound family hauler, it’s shockingly graceful.
How the e-tron S drives
Luxury cruiser first, back-road hooligan second
Launch control shove
With boost engaged, the e-tron S unleashes up to 496 hp and serious torque for a 0–60 mph sprint in the mid‑4‑second range. There’s no drama: just lean back, inhale, and observe the horizon approaching quickly.
Torque-vectoring rear axle
Dual rear motors allow independent left/right control. In dynamic mode, the outside rear wheel can get extra torque to rotate the car. It feels like rear‑steer, without the slightly spooky sensation.
Quiet, heavy, composed
Despite the power, the e-tron S’s core character is refined and calm. Air suspension and sound insulation make it a serene commuter that just happens to be able to embarrass warm hatchbacks at stoplights.
Pro driving tip
If you test drive an e-tron S, make sure you sample both Efficiency/Comfort modes and Dynamic mode. The car’s personality swings from smooth German lounge to surprisingly rowdy when you ask for the full S treatment.
Range, battery and charging reality
Here’s the part where the e-tron S is less rock star and more jazz bassist, talented, but not headlining any range charts. The tri‑motor setup, big frontal area, and Audi’s commitment to silence and comfort mean this SUV is not a hyper‑efficient Tesla rival. You buy it for the way it feels, not how far it stretches a kilowatt-hour.
Official range vs real life
- EPA rating: roughly 208 miles for the e-tron S SUV in the U.S.
- On the highway at 75 mph, many owners report something closer to 170–190 miles per charge.
- Cold weather can shave off another 15–25%, especially on short trips.
If you regularly do 300‑mile days, you’ll be living at fast chargers. If your life is mostly commuting and errands with the occasional weekend drive, the range is workable.
Charging experience
- Max DC fast charge power around 150 kW on a robust public charger.
- 10–80% in roughly 30 minutes when conditions are ideal, a bit longer in winter.
- On Level 2 at home (about 9–11 kW), expect a full charge overnight.
The e-tron S supports common CCS fast charging. If you’re new to EVs, a solid home Level 2 charger will matter more to your daily happiness than the absolute peak fast‑charge number.
Range reality check
If your current gas SUV regularly runs 350‑plus‑mile stints between fuel stops, the e-tron S will feel like a step down in reach. Plan around its strengths: home charging, predictable commuting, and fun short trips rather than epic cross‑country hauls.
e-tron S vs Q8 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron
Audi later refreshed and renamed its big electric SUV line as the Q8 e-tron and, for the performance model, the SQ8 e-tron. If you’re looking at a used Audi EV today, your search results may blend all three together like a German alphabet soup. Here’s how to think about them.
Audi e-tron S family comparison
How the original e-tron S relates to later Q8 e-tron variants
| Model | Production era (approx.) | Motors | Power feel | Range feel | Styling notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-tron S | ~2021–2022 | 3 | Strong, instant shove | Shortest of the bunch | Original e-tron look; more understated |
| SQ8 e-tron | 2023–2025 | 3 | Similar performance | Slightly improved in some trims | Updated nose, lighting, and aero details |
| Q8 e-tron 55 (non-S) | 2023–2025 | 2 | Plenty quick, less manic | Best of the trio | Same face as SQ8, but more efficiency-focused |
Details vary by year and market, but this gives you the broad strokes.
Production winding down
In 2025 Audi confirmed that the Q8 e-tron line, including SQ8 e-tron, is ending as the Brussels factory shuts down. That doesn’t hurt existing owners, but it does mean the e-tron S family is a finite, well‑defined chapter, something to keep in mind for long‑term parts and support, and for future collectability.
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Real-world practicality and ownership
Living with an Audi e-tron S
Beyond the spec sheet, what’s it like?
Space & comfort
Five adults fit comfortably, with rear legroom matching many mid-size luxury SUVs. Seats are classic Audi: firm, supportive, and well-shaped for long hauls. The air suspension smooths out ugly pavement beautifully.
Cargo & utility
With the rear seats up, there’s ample space for a family grocery run, strollers, or luggage. Fold them and you have a very usable cargo hold. There’s a small front trunk, but it’s mostly for cables and odds and ends.
Tech & UX
Dual touchscreens and the Virtual Cockpit cluster look sharp, but the haptic feedback glass can feel a bit distracting until you adjust. Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, driver assists, and a strong audio system are all part of the luxury story.
Noise, vibration, and harshness are practically non‑existent; at 70 mph the loudest thing in the cabin is usually your own thoughts about whether you really needed the Black Optic package. The car feels heavy but planted, like a battery-powered bank vault. If you’re stepping out of a Q7, the transition will feel natural, just much smoother and quieter.
Buying a used Audi e-tron S
Because the e-tron S sold in relatively small numbers and has now been superseded, it’s quickly becoming a connoisseur’s choice on the used market. That’s good news if you appreciate under‑the‑radar performance; less good if you’re trying to comparison‑shop dozens of nearly identical examples. Here’s how to approach it.
Key questions before you buy
What you should decide up front
How far do you really drive?
If most of your driving is under 60–80 miles a day with occasional trips, the e-tron S’s range is workable and its comfort shines. If you routinely road‑trip several hundred miles, you may want to look at more efficient EVs or plug‑in hybrids.
Do you value feel over numbers?
The e-tron S will rarely win a spreadsheet contest on range or efficiency. It wins in tactile qualities: steering, ride, cabin ambiance. If that matters to you, its specs start to make more sense.
Where Recharged fits in
When you shop for a used EV through Recharged, every vehicle comes with a Recharged Score Report that includes verified battery health, fair market pricing, and expert EV guidance. That’s especially helpful on a niche model like the e-tron S, where understanding pack health is critical.
Inspection checklist for shoppers
Used Audi e-tron S inspection checklist
1. Verify battery health and DC fast-charge history
Ask for a recent battery health report showing state of health (SOH) and charging patterns. Heavy fast‑charging isn’t automatically bad, but repeated 0–100% cycles and constant high‑power DC sessions can accelerate degradation.
2. Check service history for software and cooling updates
Audi has released software tweaks for charging and thermal management. Confirm regular service and any relevant technical updates or recalls have been completed.
3. Inspect tires and brakes closely
At over 6,000 lb with instant torque, the e-tron S works its tires and pads hard. Uneven wear, cupping, or prematurely worn pads and rotors can be signs of spirited driving or alignment issues.
4. Test all driver-assist and infotainment functions
Cycle through adaptive cruise, lane keeping, parking sensors, cameras, and the dual touchscreens. Glitches here can be annoying and expensive out of warranty.
5. Listen for suspension clunks or air system issues
On a test drive, pay attention over speed bumps, driveways, and rough pavement. Any squeaks, clunks, or height‑adjustment warnings merit a closer look before you sign anything.
6. Confirm charging compatibility at home
Before you buy, make sure you can install, or already have, a suitable Level 2 charger at home. A big, comfortable EV is wasted if you’re trickle‑charging from a 120V outlet.
Warranty and support warning
Because Audi is winding down this generation of its large electric SUV, pay attention to warranty status. An active high‑voltage battery warranty is a big plus, and an extended warranty on major components can help de‑stress ownership.
How Recharged helps with used Audi EVs
Used EVs reward informed buyers and punish impulse shoppers. That’s where Recharged comes in. Instead of handing you a stack of PDFs and wishing you luck, we aim to make EV ownership simple and transparent.
Shopping an e-tron S with Recharged
What you can expect from the process
Recharged Score Report
Every vehicle includes a Recharged Score, a plain‑English report that covers battery health, charging history where available, estimated remaining life, and how that specific car compares to similar EVs.
Financing & trade-in
You can finance your used Audi EV, get an instant trade‑in offer, or even consign your current vehicle. Everything happens digitally, with clear, upfront numbers.
Nationwide delivery & support
Browse online, work with EV specialists over chat or phone, and have the car delivered to your door in most of the U.S. If you’d rather see and feel first, you can visit our Experience Center in Richmond, VA.
Frequently asked questions about the Audi e-tron S
Audi e-tron S FAQ
Bottom line: who should choose an e-tron S?
If you’re the kind of driver who cares less about chasing the longest possible range number and more about how a vehicle feels from behind the wheel, the Audi e-tron S starts to look very appealing. It’s a proper luxury SUV with a mischievous streak, one that happens to glide silently through traffic and skip gas stations.
As a used buy, the key is doing your homework: verify battery health, understand your real‑world driving needs, and make sure warranty coverage and charging access line up with your life. Work through a specialist like Recharged, and you get data on the battery, fair market pricing, financing and trade‑in support, plus people who speak EV fluently, so you can focus on choosing the specific e-tron S that fits your taste, not decoding kilowatt-hours on your own.
