Audi e-tron GT review
The Audi e-tron GT is an extremely impressive entry into the high-end electric sports saloon class from the German brand
Pros
- Incredible performance
- Very fast charging
- Great ride quality
Cons
- Porsche Taycan is sportier
- Expensive to buy
- Quite heavy
| Model | Range | Wallbox charge time | Rapid charge time |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-tron GT quattro | 298 miles | 13hrs 30mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 21mins (10-80%, 270kW) |
| RS e-tron GT | 283 miles | 13hrs 30mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 21mins (10-80%, 270kW) |
The more luxurious end of the electric-car market is filling out nicely, with plenty of options for those with plenty of cash to spend on a pure-electric car from a prestigious manufacturer. The latest arrival is the Audi e-tron GT, a four-door coupe-styled saloon that's ready to take on the Tesla Model S.
To do so, the GT is equipped with a 93kWh battery and two electric motors, which together produce 469bhp in the 'entry-level' e-tron GT quattro version. A 298-mile range is promised, along with a 4.1-second 0-62mph time – pretty impressive for a 2,347kg car. If that's not enough, there's also the RS e-tron GT, which ups the power output to 590bhp for even more scorching performance. The RS' higher performance does impact range, however: the maximum expected figure in this case is reduced to 283 miles.
Charging speed is just as impressive as the performance figures, with a maximum rate of 270kW allowing for a 0-80% charge in 21 minutes – if you can find a quick enough public charger. It's this sort of performance that'll help the e-tron GT take on conventionally powered rivals alongside its more obvious electric competitors.
As you may be able to tell from its overall profile, the e-tron GT shares much under the metal with its Volkswagen Group stablemate the Porsche Taycan: it's based on the same platform as that car and uses much of the same technology. The e-tron GT gets a look all of its own, however, blending Audi's trademark front and rear styling treatments into a more modern silhouette.
That feeling continues inside, where a set of big infotainment screens are carried across from other larger models in Audi's range. The design is largely familiar, but tweaked to suit the increase in real estate offered by the car's pure-electric underpinnings. Those switching from a more traditional Audi model won't actually be that shocked – and that's exactly how the brand wants it.
Overall, the e-tron GT looks set to be a good option at the upper end of the market – not only as an alternative to the Porsche Taycan or Tesla Model S, but also as the flagship model for a brand that's on a rapid course to electrifying its whole line-up. For a more detailed verdict on the Audi e-tron GT (and the RS e-tron GT), read on for the rest of our in-depth review…
