2023 Audi e-tron S
20" wheels
Luxury Electric SUV · AWD
Based on battery health, build quality, owner data, EPA range, and market pricing
Below average for 2023 EV SUVs (class avg 66)
Personalize this scoreIs a low score bad?
Last scanned 25 days ago
The 2023 Audi e-tron S (20-inch wheels) puts down 496 hp, 208 miles of EPA range and a 87 kWh battery, and the EPA number is your fair-weather best case; cold weather will eat into it hard.
Score read
A 62/100 makes this a records-first inspection. Software and driver-assist score is the cleaner read at 78/100; range and efficiency score needs more diligence at 36/100. On Reddit, owners keep flagging the same two issues: software and build quality. A clean VIN lookup matters more than the headline count.
Price context
Used examples are running around $34,223. This trim started from $88,200 new, though options can push the actual sticker higher; treat the market number as your negotiation floor and pull a current KBB Fair Purchase before naming a price.
Who this is for
✓ Good for
- ⏱ Daily commuter ≤50 mi/day, predictable charging
✗ Avoid if you are a
- ☷ Family hauler 3+ kids, cargo, towing
- ↦ Road tripper Long trips, needs DC fast network
- $ Bargain hunter Best TCO, reliability + low depreciation
Gotchas
- Serviceable Recall paperwork has to match the exact VIN.
Mitigation Use NHTSA and the automaker lookup, then require repair records instead of a verbal promise.
- Built in Range is the easy place to overbuy this trim (36/100).
Mitigation Check your commute, winter margin, and fast-charge plan before you assume the EPA number fits your use.
Pre-purchase inspection
- 1 Run the exact VIN through NHTSA and the automaker recall lookup before discussing price.
- 2 Compare the dashboard range estimate with the EPA 208-mile rating after a full charge.
- 3 Confirm how much of the 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty remains and whether it transfers.
- 4 If road trips matter, run a short DC fast-charge session and watch whether speed tapers normally.
- 5 Map your normal highway route and winter margin against the EPA range before you treat it as a road-trip car.
VIN status first This model has 3 NHTSA recall records. The exact VIN lookup decides whether the car in front of you is clear.
Complaint context This scan found 4 NHTSA complaint records (10 per 10K VINs, near industry average). Read the themes below before treating the raw count as the verdict.
Price anchor Current market range is $34,223-$37,000. Use that range to compare listings for the same trim, mileage, and condition.
Pricing & Market Value
Score Breakdown
What matters most to you?
Drag the sliders to prioritize what you care about. Your TrimIndex Score recalculates instantly.
Vehicle Specifications
EVs at your price point that match or beat this trim
Price-gated peer set: vehicles within $28.5K–$42.7K market value (±20% of $35.6K). 5 outscore · 1 score within ±2. Mixed across makes — no "spend more, score better" comps.
Model Y
- ✓ +102 mi more range
- ✓ Happier owners overall
- ✓ Better safety score
e-tron S
- ✓ Happier owners overall
- ✓ Better infotainment UX
- ✓ Better safety score
Ioniq 5
- ✓ +110 mi more range
- ✓ Better infotainment UX
- ✓ Better owner satisfaction
LYRIQ
- ✓ +106 mi more range
- ✓ Better owner satisfaction
- ✓ Better infotainment UX
iX
- ✓ +97 mi more range
- ✓ Happier owners overall
- ✓ Better infotainment UX
Niro
- ✓ Better infotainment UX
- ✓ Notably better build quality
- ✓ Stronger safety record
The federal $4,000 used-EV credit ended Sept 30, 2025.
But 10 states still run their own used-EV rebate programs — some up to $5,000. Pick your state to see what's available for this trim.
Source & disclaimer
Dealers make ~$10,058 on the average car loan.
After the price is set, the finance manager runs four plays to rebuild margin. Every buyer without a pre-approval is a target. Here's exactly what they run — and what stops each one.
78% of dealer loans carry a hidden +1.13% markup above what the lender actually charges. You never see it — it's buried in the contract. · CFPB
Dealer must match or beat your lender — they can't add margin invisibly. The markup play is dead on arrival.
Once you answer, they stretch the term to hit your number. Median result: $4K less off the price, 12 more months on the loan. · Industry avg
Financing is done. Only the sale price is on the table — and the dealer knows it.
Back-office F&I profit averages $1,975/vehicle, up 8.5% YoY. These products exist — but dealer markup is 4–10x what you'd pay elsewhere. · Dealership Guy
Dealer GAP runs $500–1K. Your insurer sells the same coverage for $100–250 over 5 years. Now you know.
"Your loan fell through — come re-sign." This pulls your APR up +5% on average. It's legal. It works because you've already driven the car home. · Ctr for Responsible Lending
A lender commitment letter means the deal is final. "Pending dealer approval" doesn't apply. You can't be yo-yo'd.
That's 19 months of your car payment — handed to the dealer's finance department for nothing.
Takes 2 minutes. No obligation to use it — but you'll walk in with all the leverage.
Pre-approval is a soft credit inquiry — no score impact. FICO treats all auto-loan hard pulls within 14 days as one, so you can still shop rates at the dealer.
NHTSA Recalls (3)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Audi E-Tron and 2020-2024 Audi E-Tron Sportback vehicles. The fastener that connects the brake pedal and the brake booster may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake pedal to detach from the brake booster.
Brake pedal detachment can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to use the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govNHTSA Complaints (4 total · 10 per 10K US vehicles · near industry average)
On at least two occasions, my car suddenly accelerated when I was trying to reverse from a parking spot. The acceleration was very sudden. I did not even have my foot on accelerator at the time. This is extremely scary. In one occasion, I did hit a passing car as my car accelerated. Fortunately no one was hurt (or killed!), but had damage to both the cars. Second time when this happened, fortunately I was able to stop it before it hit any car behind me. On internet there are many Audi E-tron owners have similar experience either while reversing or simply while trying to park the car - the car accelerates without any warning. NHTSA need to force Audi to recall these cars and make needed corrections and updates as needed to prevent any further disaster due to this issue.
On at least two occasions, my car suddenly accelerated when I was trying to reverse from a parking spot. The acceleration was very sudden. I did not even have my foot on accelerator at the time. This is extremely scary. In one occasion, I did hit a passing car as my car accelerated. Fortunately no one was hurt (or killed!), but had damage to both the cars. Second time when this happened, fortunately I was able to stop it before it hit any car behind me. On internet there are many Audi E-tron owners have similar experience either while reversing or simply while trying to park the car - the car accelerates without any warning. NHTSA need to force Audi to recall these cars and make needed corrections and updates as needed to prevent any further disaster due to this issue.
Audi E-Tron (Q8) sudden unintentional acceleration caused a collision to stationary object while releasing brake on a turn. The accelerator was not touched while turning the steering wheel into the drive. It instead launched forward beyond the agreed 5 MPH and hit a tree. Causing significant damage to the vehicle’s front passenger wheel and hood. The airbags did not deploy nor did the “pre-sense” safety collision avoidance sensor attempted to stop the vehicle from hitting the object.
Audi E-Tron (Q8) sudden unintentional acceleration caused a collision to stationary object while releasing brake on a turn. The accelerator was not touched while turning the steering wheel into the drive. It instead launched forward beyond the agreed 5 MPH and hit a tree. Causing significant damage to the vehicle’s front passenger wheel and hood. The airbags did not deploy nor did the “pre-sense” safety collision avoidance sensor attempted to stop the vehicle from hitting the object.
Vehicle malfunctioned and stopped in middle of highway with no warning. It forcefully braked to shutdown. Was able to restart car and drive away after a minute. Two days later it had emergency SOS warning on dashboard. Took vehicle in for diagnostic and repair. When pushing software update the module locked up and car would not start. Replaced module but not confident vehicle will not repeat random behavior. No data provided by Audi to make sure this was not trial and error corrections and that the vehicle is safe.
Vehicle malfunctioned and stopped in middle of highway with no warning. It forcefully braked to shutdown. Was able to restart car and drive away after a minute. Two days later it had emergency SOS warning on dashboard. Took vehicle in for diagnostic and repair. When pushing software update the module locked up and car would not start. Replaced module but not confident vehicle will not repeat random behavior. No data provided by Audi to make sure this was not trial and error corrections and that the vehicle is safe.
The contact owns a 2023 Audi E-Tron. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and then stopping at a stoplight, the contact attempted to accelerate the vehicle failed to respond as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 380.
The contact owns a 2023 Audi E-Tron. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and then stopping at a stoplight, the contact attempted to accelerate the vehicle failed to respond as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 380.
What Owners Are Saying
"Hey all, I have been looking for a full EV for some time and have tested all sorts with my wife. Tesla, Rivian, Etron, EV9... My wife is going to be the primary driver for the car and she is very particular of seat and ride comfort. So far, the Etron is the most comfortable in her opinion. I love the looks and everything about it, so I think its a done deal for us. I found a 2022 Premium Plus with the Galaxy blue which is very tempting but I don't want to jump the gun and I want to find the perfect car. Is the Prestige worth looking for? Or is a fully loaded Plus a like the one I found a good option? #2· 2d ago Hi, @Blackbird76, welcome to the group. I don't want to scare you away, but read this before committing to and buying the e-tron SUV."
"My new '22 Sportback e-tron is bank vault solid and not a single rattle, even on horrible Los Angeles roads, or driving through bumpy canyons. Audi has their head up their ass\*s when it comes to the app, but the build, fit, finish and quality of the e-tron is truly outstanding. I find e-tron build quality to be on par with Bentley, and honestly better than Rolls-Royce! #13· Apr 2, 2022 To be honest, with the quietness of the motors, even the faintest of sounds would be picked up in a typical EV cabin. Building the cabin is a real challenge for EV makers. #14· Apr 3, 2022 > JNealCox said: > > Building the cabin is a real challenge for EV makers. > > > Click to expand... ... and keeping it quiet over the years. I have an odd squeak in the passenger door around the loudspeaker and cannot locate it for the life of me. And yes, it does drive me insane when it happens. #15· May 5, 2022"
"I bought from Carvana. I called the local dealer with the car info to confirm warranties and service history before purchasing and scheduling delivery. They give you 7 days to test drive and return if you're not satisfied, so I left it with Audi for two of those days for a PPI ($250). It was completely solid, other than some evidence of minor body work, likely done to cover bumps before the lease return from the original owner. I had a great experience with this vehicle, and would do it again. CPO is tempting, but there are plenty of great cars on the market, and extended warranties can be cheaper elsewhere."
"My new '22 Sportback e-tron is bank vault solid and not a single rattle, even on horrible Los Angeles roads, or driving through bumpy canyons. Audi has their head up their ass\*s when it comes to the app, but the build, fit, finish and quality of the e-tron is truly outstanding. I find e-tron build quality to be on par with Bentley, and honestly better than Rolls-Royce! #13· Apr 2, 2022 To be honest, with the quietness of the motors, even the faintest of sounds would be picked up in a typical EV cabin. Building the cabin is a real challenge for EV makers. #14· Apr 3, 2022 > JNealCox said: > > Building the cabin is a real challenge for EV makers. > > > Click to expand... ... and keeping it quiet over the years. I have an odd squeak in the passenger door around the loudspeaker and cannot locate it for the life of me. And yes, it does drive me insane when it happens. #15· May 5, 2022"
"I am almost at the end of my tether with this car. Wonderful mechanically but the software is a disaster. I bought the car in March 2024 with 3000 miles on the clock and it worked very well for a year, but then it has become a very annoying and expensive technology mess. Failure to connect my... 2125q8canuck replied Oct 17, 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Forum fltguymk Oct 18, 2025 Digital Key Error after KD2 Update Trying to ad digital key back after KD2 update. Tier 2 nor dealer can fix. Anyone else ? Get this eroor when trying to add from MyAudi app. Add Digital key button on MMI greyed out Can’t press 18957calbear92 replied Feb 9, 2026"
"Apparently, that particular update was needed in order to allow future updates to occur OTA. I've had one OTA update since then, and it screwed up most of my settings. #4· Jul 21, 2023 I’m naive. I figured this would be pretty common by now. That major companies would have figured it out. Not getting why it is so hard. Whether the data comes from a USB stick or OTA … we get software patches and updates all the time for computers. Via wifi. #5· Jul 21, 2023 > Nom said: > > I’m naive. I figured this would be pretty common by now. That major companies would have figured it out. Not getting why it is so hard. Whether the data comes from a USB stick or OTA … we get software patches and updates all the time for computers. Via wifi. > > Why so hard? > > > Click to expand..."
"I can almost bet it has simply to do with luck on whether everything is done right during manufacturing or not. With Edition One unit, I want to believe they put some more care into assembly early on. #9· Dec 2, 2021 Console rattling on my 1 month old e-tron driving me nuts. Double insulated glass which I have are kinda insulting at this point. #10· Dec 3, 2021 I have an intermittent console rattle, maybe in the glove box area, that is a little annoying. Audi took a look at it, but no real resolution. It only happens with certain slightly rough roads that shake the cabin slightly. Considering how quiet EV motors are and the great job Audi did with eliminating external noises, I'm not surprised that every little squeak and rattle, sounds that would be lost in the noise in an ICE vehicle, tends to stand out. This takes cabin design to the next level (here's looking at you, Tesla!). #11· Dec 21, 2021"
"Not really. Audi tried and I tried a few times but it keeps coming back. I'm not sure, but it may be related to the dash covering below the glove box. It seems to be a simple plastic sheet that can shift around a bit. I'm thinking it might slip into a position so that it vibrates against the side from time to time. What's interesting about the rattle is that big bumps don't really seem to cause it. It is smaller more frequent car shaking (from road roughness) that sets off the rattle. #27· Sep 28, 2023 Was there any resolution for you in the last year? I've got the exact same issue on my 2019 Prestige (21" wheels). Audi recently disassembled the entire passenger side of the dash, as well as the underlying HVAC components. They tightened and reassembled everything and the rattle is still there. #20· Aug 10, 2022"
Showing 8 of 43 owner excerpts (sorted by sentiment strength)