Audi S TDI Mild Hybrid: the sporty range debuts mild hybridisation

Audi updates its S range, making it greener with the addition of the Mild Hybrid system to its 3.0 TDI V6 engine. As a result, the new Audi S models offer the perfect combination of sportiness and efficiency.

The S range of Audi has always been synonymous with sportiness and strong performance. With the new generation of models bearing the sporty badge of the four-ring brand, the picture changes, as these models now come as TDI variants with mild hybrid (MHEV) systems. Don’t worry, sportiness remains one of their core principles.

The entire Audi S range, namely the Audi S4, S5, S6, S7 and SQ5, features a 3-litre TDI V6 engine under the bonnet, paired with a 48-volt Mild Hybrid system and a new electric compressor.

You may be interested in: How does a Mild Hybrid system work?

The combined output stands at 349 CV, with a maximum torque of no less than 700 Nm. The Audi S range therefore continues to deliver sports-car performance while offering much more restrained consumption.

The new Audi S models combine power with low consumption

As one would expect from a diesel engine of this size, the new Audi S’s three-litre TDI V6 delivers enough torque to split the Earth’s tectonic plates: 700 Nm from 2,500 rpm. Combined with an electric compressor and the 48-volt system, the driver will have more than enough power at their right foot at all times.

One of the main advantages of this type of system is the range these cars offer. For example, the Audi S6, which has a 73-litre fuel tank, can cover 1,170 kilometres without stopping to refuel. This is achieved thanks to an average consumption for the Audi S TDI range of just 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

In the upper segments, the S TDI range caters to customers who want sportiness without giving up ride comfort. With such a broad range of models, Audi can target each one at a specific type of customer: the Audi S4 and S5 are the sportiest models in the range, the Audi S6 is the quintessential sporty saloon, the Audi S7 is the grand tourer that will make the neighbours envious, and the Audi SQ5 is the ideal choice if you want a sporty SUV.

Mild hybridisation debuts in the Audi S range

The new Audi S TDI models continue along the path opened by the Audi SQ7 TDI. That was the first model from the four-ring brand to fit an electric compressor, which delivers strong, linear acceleration. However, the new sporty range from the Ingolstadt manufacturer places the electric compressor closer to the engine, with the aim of reducing response time and improving efficiency. This device working alongside the conventional turbo makes the response instantaneous.

This compressor is powered by the 48-volt Mild Hybrid (MHEV) system. Unlike a conventional compressor, it starts operating on electrical energy. We explain in detail how the electric compressor works in the Audi V6 TDI engine.

This mild hybridisation of the Audi S TDI range represents a further step in the brand’s electrification strategy, improving both performance and consumption. At speeds between 55 and 160 km/h, the car can coast (“sail”) with the combustion engine switched off for intervals of up to 40 seconds. Thanks to the regenerative braking system, the output power reaches 8 kW. In real terms, mild hybridisation reduces consumption by around 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

Audi has reworked the TDI V6 engine with changes such as aluminium pistons resistant to high temperatures, modifications to the crankshaft and connecting rods, cylinder heads with optimised cooling, and new, larger water and oil pumps. All these modifications help improve efficiency and performance.

Dynamic behaviour to match

There is no doubt that the Audi S TDI range will remain a benchmark for dynamic handling. The brand has worked on the sport suspension, which features adjustable damping as standard on both the Audi S6 and S7. Additionally, Audi offers an optional adaptive air suspension, providing an even higher level of comfort. The Audi SQ5, meanwhile, comes with a sport air suspension as standard.

As for steering, Audi optionally offers dynamic steering (standard on the Audi SQ5), which varies its ratio according to speed. Four-wheel steering is also available as an option on both the Audi S6 and S7. In addition, the brand’s sporty saloons can be fitted with carbon-ceramic brake discs.

As is only fitting for a sporty Audi model, the entire S TDI range comes with quattro all-wheel drive. The TDI V6 is also paired with an 8-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox. As an additional option, a sport rear differential can be fitted, ensuring exemplary agility through corners.

The Audi S6 TDI and S7 TDI are already available at the brand’s dealerships, while the Audi S4 TDI and S5 TDI will arrive later this month. The last launch in the S range will be the Audi SQ5, for which no launch date has yet been announced.