Audi e-tron GT is the pinnacle of progress
THE fully-electric Audi e-tron GT performance car is closely related to the Porsche Taycan, and that can only be a good thing, as the Taycan is one of the most exciting cars on sale. The e-tron GT has been engineered to build on Audi’s enviable quattro DNA, along with the brand’s iconic sporty driving character.
There are two variants of the e-tron GT, both of which come equipped with quattro four-wheel drive as standard.
The entry-level model is the e-tron GT quattro, and its dual electric motors produce 470hp as standard, but a two-second overboost function ups this to 526hp when you launch the car and this, along with a thumping 640Nm of torque, enables the car to reach 100km/h from a standing start in just 4.1-seconds. The range-topping RS e-tron GT produces even more power (598hp as standard, boosted to 646hp) and this, along with 830Nm of torque, propels the car to 100km/h in an eye-watering 3.3-seconds.
The 800-volt lithium-ion battery integrated flat into the underbody offers extremely high performance – both when charging and when driving. In conjunction with the recuperation system, a range of up to 501km was calculated according to the WLTP measuring procedure. The 93.4kWh battery has a usable capacity of 83.7kWh, and it can be charged from 5% to 80% in as little as 22.5 minutes at a maximum DC charging power of up to 270Kw.
The stunning exterior design of the e-tron GT is a true feast for the eyes, and the meticulously-crafted interior provides a similar treat for the senses. The aerodynamically optimised and strikingly-sporty exterior design of the e-tron GT features shapes with functional detailing.
From the intelligent air inlets at the front end to the vented wheel arches and striking rear diffuser, the entire design oozes true desirability. An animated light strip runs across the entire width of the rear, framed at its outer edges by individual V-shaped LED segments within the lighting units themselves, and the double reversing light and indicator function is a first for Audi.
The luxurious and modern interior radiates sportiness, exclusivity and comfort, and occupants are provided with the very latest infotainment, driver-assistance systems and connectivity. The sporty front seats, with integrated head restraints, feature side bolsters to provide good lateral support for cornering and sporty driving, while the shaped outer rear seats, with an additional centre seat, underline the sporty prowess of the e-tron GT.
My review car was an e-tron GT quattro in Tango Red metallic paint, and it was fitted with optional 21” two-tone alloy wheels, along with a host of other optional extras. Standard equipment includes LED headlights with dynamic indicators, panoramic glass sunroof, electrically-adjustable and heated front sport seats, 3-spoke leather multifunction flat-bottom steering wheel, windscreen with acoustic glazing, Audi Sound System, MMI Navigation Plus, 3-zone air-conditioning, lane departure warning, and a heat pump, along with a host of advanced safety systems and comfort features. Using a unique design which mounts the batteries low down in the chassis to reduce the car’s centre of gravity, Audi engineers were able to push the wheels as far out to the corners as possible in order to achieve a wide track and a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
The e-tron GT’s two potent motors vary the flow of power and torque across the car for the best balance relative to the road surface and weather conditions. On a motorway, for example, the power will traditionally be sent to the front wheels for enhanced efficiency, while on a more demanding road surface, the smart all-electric quattro system sends more of its power to the rear wheels in order to provide a more engaging driving experience. However, when necessary, the quattro system will intelligently blend the best of both for outstanding all-wheel traction.
The high-tech electric motors in the e-tron GT offer up to 0.3g of regenerative braking force in order to greatly enhance its stopping power, and drivers can choose the level of braking force they feel most comfortable with by way of using the steering wheel paddles.
With 470hp (boosted to 526hp) and 640Nm of torque on offer, it is fair to say that the e-tron GT is insanely quick in all situations, but it combines this outstanding performance with neat handling, terrific driving dynamics, impressive traction and a truly comfortable cabin experience for all occupants.
Pricing starts at €108,345 for the Audi e-tron GT, with the RS e-tron GT priced from €148,345.