The e-Tron GT from Audi is a magnificent cruiser, effortlessly covering long distances between charges with elegance and sophistication. This electric vehicle showcases a sleek design that serves both as a luxurious grand tourer and a high-performance sports car. Positioned to rival other premium electric cars such as the Porsche Taycan, Tesla Model S, and the upcoming BMW i4, the e-Tron GT excels in offering a blend of comfort and style. The 2022 model introduces two versions – the standard e-Tron GT and the RS e-Tron GT, providing enhanced power and performance. Sharing a platform with the Porsche Taycan, this vehicle delivers a remarkable driving experience.
Describing the e-Tron GT as merely ‘good’ falls short. This car boasts a striking appearance with a smooth and alluring silhouette that captures attention from every angle. While the exterior of the e-Tron GT earns admirers for its beauty, the interior, although taking fewer design risks, exudes appeal in the classic Audi fashion. The holistic design of the vehicle seamlessly blends smaller details with its overall sleekness, making it a standout piece. Even with a front grille present, it can be customized in body color to offer a more futuristic and subtle look to the vehicle’s front end.
In terms of performance, the e-Tron GT is equipped with potent powertrains in both its variants. The non-RS models exhibit impressive acceleration, going from 0-60 mph in under four seconds. Both versions feature a dual-motor setup ensuring standard all-wheel drive, with the RS variant capable of extracting more power from the shared 93.4-kWh battery pack, resulting in enhanced performance. Generating 496 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque in regular conditions, the e-Tron GT can be boosted to reach 522 hp and 472 lb-ft temporarily. Meanwhile, the RS variant pushes the boundaries with a remarkable output of 590 hp and 612 lb-ft, extendable to 637 hp.
Such immense power enables the e-Tron GT to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, while the RS variant achieves a supercar-level acceleration of 3.1 seconds. Both models offer an easily accessible launch control feature that enhances acceleration. Shifting to the “Dynamic” drive mode, applying full throttle while holding the brake initiates the launch control, providing an exhilarating experience. It is vital to caution passengers to brace themselves before this rapid acceleration. The RS variant displays robust performance even at high speeds, effortlessly surpassing highway limits and delivering strong acceleration from a standstill.
Underneath the surface, both the e-Tron GT and RS come with a standard three-chamber adaptive air suspension. While the e-Tron additionally offers a Performance package that includes rear torque vectoring, power steering boost at low speeds, and rear-wheel steering (standard in RS except for the rear-wheel steering). This suspension system leans towards comfort, effectively managing rebound and enhancing the e-Tron GT’s cruising capabilities for extended journeys. The steering resistance engineered by Audi is perfectly tuned for navigating winding roads with precision. RS models feature standard carbide brakes with larger rotors, and an optional ceramic brake package.
The e-Tron GT achieves an estimated maximum range of 238 miles. Despite performance disparities, the range estimates remain close between the two models: 238 miles for the e-Tron GT and 232 miles for the RS. With a 93.4-kWh battery pack, the e-Tron GT achieves 82 combined MPGe (81 combined MPGe for RS). The vehicle’s standout feature is its 800-volt architecture facilitating quick charging capabilities, allowing the battery to charge from 5% to 80% in just 22 minutes using 800-volt DC fast-charging, provided optimal conditions near the vehicle’s 270-kW maximum charging power. Audi also includes a three-year complimentary DC fast-charging plan through Electrify America for buyers.
While crash testing of the e-Tron GT is pending from both IIHS and NHTSA, the vehicle encompasses a robust standard and optional safety feature set. Standard safety elements include automatic forward emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warnings, and blind spot monitors. Additional safety features such as a surround view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control are available as options.
Inside the vehicle, the design reflects Audi’s conventional style, featuring an understated appearance with familiar screens and controls akin to other Audi models. Noteworthy is the simplified approach with dedicated switches for climate control and drive modes, eschewing the secondary screen common in most Audi vehicles. The dashboard hosts a pair of screens – a 12.3-inch display for the driver and a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Upholstery and materials within the cabin exhibit luxury-grade quality with impeccable fit and finish. The primary distinction between the two variants lies in the roof design – the e-Tron GT boasts a panoramic glass roof while the RS variant is equipped with a carbon fiber roof. Though the rear seating area may feel somewhat confined due to the vehicle’s shape, the seats provide sufficient comfort for passengers.
Front seats offer exceptional comfort, featuring high-quality materials throughout the cabin, as expected from Audi. Standard 14-way powered and heated front seats provide optimal comfort and support, with bolstering ensuring a secure yet comfortable seating experience. The materials used in the cabin mirror the standards of a luxury vehicle with the starting price in the six-figure range. Audi’s decision to eliminate the second screen and include dedicated switches enhances user experience, making climate control and drive mode adjustments easily accessible.
The e-Tron GT lineup offers a compelling set of features across all trim levels, including a wide array of standard features, a sizable infotainment screen, and a notable selection of optional enhancements. The e-Tron GT model generally appeals to a broader consumer base, considering the significant price difference to upgrade to the high-performance RS variant. Available in Premium Plus ($100,945) and Prestige ($110,645) trims, the standard features include artificial leather upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, 14-way powered and heated front seats, LED headlights, panoramic glass roof, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen, and a 10.1-inch canted infotainment screen for driver-centric operation. Prestige models offer additional features like a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, heated rear seats, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
For those seeking RS-level performance without the power boost, a Performance package ($6,000) is available for both e-Tron GT variants. This package enhances various aspects like rear wheel steering, unique 20-inch wheels, an upgraded rear differential, blacked-out trim pieces, and carbon-fiber inserts in the interior. Another available option is the Leather package ($4,000), enriching the cabin with premium leather upholstery. Exclusive for the initial year of production, the RS e-Tron GT is offered with a Year One package comprising the Carbon performance and full leather packages, 21-inch wheels, and interior accents with red contrast stitching and seat belts, elevating the RS price tag significantly.
Being relatively new to the electric vehicle market, Audi had the e-Tron SUV preceding the e-Tron GT. With exceptional models like the e-Tron GT, Audi is swiftly enhancing its standing in this segment. Boasting a stunning appearance, impressive driving dynamics, and cutting-edge technology, the 2022 Audi e-Tron GT stands out as a highly impressive vehicle. For individuals seeking a departure from the prevalent trend of Tesla vehicles and craving something innovative with excellent quality, the new e-Tron GT is a worthy consideration. After experiencing the e-Tron GT’s remarkable features, leaving the vehicle might just prove to be a challenging task indeed.
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