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Pros: Handsome looks, thrilling performance, handling and drive
Cons: Tesla offers more range, expensive options list, limited rear visibility
The e-tron GT is the pinnacle of Audi’s electric car range and a rival to the Porsche Taycan, which it shares a lot in common with. Of course, the Audi e-tron GT also goes up against the Tesla Model S, which has been one of the best-selling premium EVs in recent years. There are two versions of the car available, the entry e-tron GT Quattro, which is the one that we tested here, and also a performance-orientated RS e-tron GT model, which is the first electric Audi model ever to wear the coveted RS badge.
e-tron GT Design
The e-tron GT demands attention with chiselled styling and a low-slung four door GT stance. During our test drive, other motorists frequently commented on how good it looks, and were often surprised to learn it is an electric car. It is possibly the most eye-catching design that Audi has launched in the past decade. As standard the e-tron GT Quattro is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, but you’ll have to spend more to get the large 20-inch alloy wheels as featured on our test car. There are nine colour choices, and the optional Kemora Grey metallic featured on our test car looks incredible in the metal. You can also customise the grille colour in grey, black or even to match the body colour of the car.
e-tron GT Interior
Audi showcases its latest and greatest tech inside, with a crisp 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display behind the steering wheel and a 10.1-inch touch screen infotainment system in the centre console. There’s also lots of physical buttons for controlling driving modes, climate control and the heated seats. At this price tag, the e-tron GT’s interior needs to impress and it does, with high quality materials throughout and even synthetic leather upholstery which is constructed from recycled plastic bottles and other recycled materials. Space is good up front and the driving position is comfortable, although rear visibility is limited due to the sloping roof design. It’s a similar story in the rear, with plenty of room for two passengers, or three at a squeeze. Boot space is good at 405 litres, although the boot opening is narrow. There is an additional storage area underneath the bonnet with 81 litres of space to store charge cables and other items.
e-tron GT Performance & Drive:
The e-tron GT Quattro is equipped with a 93kWh battery, of which 84kWh is usable, and it sends 470 horsepower to two electric motors at the front and rear wheels. Power increases to an incredible 523 horsepower for a short two second burst when launch control is enabled, and thanks to all-wheel-drive, it can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.1 seconds. It is thrilling to drive with so much instantaneous power and acceleration, and it handles with poise through tight corners despite its heavu weight. If you need more performance, the RS e-tron GT produces a huge 590 horsepower (637hp in overboost) which is good enough to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.3 seconds. The e-tron GT has a claimed range of up to 488 kilometres and we found that the range is consistent in real world driving conditions, as we achieved 400 kilometres of range from a single charge driving along Ireland's east coast. The e-tron GT also supports 800-volt fast charging which means it can charge up to 80 percent battery capacity in just 22 minutes, although it can be difficult to locate chargers that deliver this charge rate at present.
e-tron GT Pricing
Prices for the Audi e-tron GT Quattro start from €102,395 in Ireland, while the Audi RS e-tron GT starts at €140,370. As standard the e-tron GT Quattro is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with dynamic indicators, a panoramic glass sunroof, heated and ventilated sports seats, leather or synthetic leather upholstery, a three-spoke sports steering wheel and lots more. Comparing against its rivals, the Porsche Taycan starts at €92,732 in Ireland for the base version, while the Tesla Model S Long Range starts at €102,990.
Carzone Verdict: 4/5
The e-tron GT Quattro is a tremendous showcase for Audi’s electric division, and a sign of what’s to come from the brand in years to come. The e-tron GT combines handsome styling, with thrilling performance and a high-quality interior into what is one of the best premium EVs on the market right now. There are some areas where the e-tron GT falls short on its rivals however, namely on range where it can’t compete with the Tesla Model S Long Range, and performance where it is outshone by the Porsche Taycan. That said, the e-tron GT makes up for this with extra comfort and space inside. If you are looking for an electric four-door GT that’s sure to demand attention, the e-tron GT is definitely one to consider.