The new Audi e-tron S Sportback - Electric Torque Vectoring

In order to improve efficiency, only the rear electric motors are engaged as long as the Audi e-tron S2 and the e-tron S Sportback are operating in normal driving mode. The front electric motor flashes into action when the driver demands more performance, or predictively before traction subsides.

Electric all-wheel drive is now enhanced with electric torque vectoring: Each of the rear electric motors sends the drive torques directly to the respective wheel via a single-speed transmission; there is no more mechanical differential. Need-based regulation takes just milliseconds and can manage very high drive torques.

Drivers experience the excellent agility and traction of the electric S models in particular when challenging them on curvy roads. Their character has a stronger emphasis on the rear end and is even sportier than that of the technical basis. If the ESC stabilization control is set to “sport” and the Audi drive select dynamic handling system is set to maximum performance in “dynamic” mode, the drive layout facilitates a high level of transverse dynamics and, upon request, controlled drifts as well. When approaching the physical limit, the unloaded front wheel on the inside of the curve is decelerated slightly via the wheel brake to prevent slip and further refine handling. The sharp dynamism, high level of precision, and uncompromising safety are based on the close networking between all control units that manage the drive and suspension systems.