2023 is not an easy year for enthusiasts of electric, high-performance Audi models, as the cars are getting more expensive but do not bring any range or power improvements, as compared to previous years.
According to the official EPA data, the Combined range in the 2023 model year version of the Audi e-tron S and Audi e-tron S Sportback with 20-inch wheels is respectively 208 miles (335 km) and 212 miles (341 km), just like in 2022.
That’s not good news, considering that this tri-motor beast never had an abundance of range, despite a 95-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. By the way, the standard dual motor e-tron has several more miles of range in the 2023 model year version.
In 2023, there is also no rating for a 21-inch version of the car, but we assume that if someone would opt for the optional 22-inch wheels, the range drop would be quite substantial, just like indicated for the 2022 model year below:
According to the EPA, the energy consumption of both cars is roughly 450-460 watt-hours per mile, including charging losses. That’s one of the highest values and the answer as to why the range in the EPA test is just 208-212 miles.
On the other hand, let’s recall that we are talking about a tri-motor, large SUV with an output of 370 kilowatts (kW), which can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds.
In terms of prices, the competitive position of the Audi e-tron S/Audi e-tron S Sportback worsened in 2023.
The performance-oriented e-tron is $3,400 more expensive, and another $100 bump is caused by the higher destination charge. To make things worse, there is no eligibility for the $7,500 federal tax credit. As a result, the effective price is more than $10,000 higher than in the case of the 2022 model year.
This is why we guess that the Audi e-tron S/e-tron S Sportback will fade, making space for the upcoming 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron. It will get a 114-kWh battery for more range (potentially 270 miles EPA), which alone would be a substantial change.
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