| |
| Audi e-tron GT | |
|---|---|
| Audi | |
| aka | {{{aka}}} |
| Production | 2020–present |
| Class | Executive car (E) |
| Body Style | {{{Body Style}}} |
| Length | 4,990 mm (196.5 in) |
| Width | 1,960 mm (77.2 in) |
| Height | 1,410 mm (55.5 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2,900 mm (114.2 in) |
| Weight | {{{Weight}}} |
| Transmission | {{{Transmission}}} |
| Engine | {{{Engine}}} |
| Power | {{{Power}}} |
| Similar | Porsche Taycan |
| Designer | {{{Designer}}} |
The Audi e-tron GT is a battery electric executive car produced by Audi since late 2020 as part of the e-tron battery electric sub-brand, and the third fully electric car model, after e-tron and e-tron Sportback SUVs. Based on the J1 platform shared with the Porsche Taycan, the car went on sale in March 2021.
E-tron GT concept (2018)
The Audi e-tron GT concept prototype was unveiled in November 2018 in 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, followed by 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
It is very similar to the current production car.
e-tron GT quattro, RS e-tron GT (2021-)
In November 2020, Audi released photographs of what was basically the production model, in a characteristic black and gray veneer with orange accents and overlays on the alloy wheels. The production Audi e-tron GT extensively recreated the design of the concept car, with muscular wheel arches, aggressively styled headlights, and a large hexagonal radiator grille imitation. The gently sloping roofline ends with one-piece taillights connected by a luminous strip. Unlike the concept, the production car has visible door handles.
The car shares technical components with the related Porsche Taycan. 40 percent of its parts are identical to those used in the Taycan, and the cars share the same platform. Just like the Taycan, it is a 4-door sedan despite the sporty coupé-style silhouette.
Pre-order of European models began in mid-February 2021, and went on sale in 2021-05-03.
The fully electric driveline of the Audi e-tron GT is powered by a battery with 84 kWh of net capacity (93.4 kWh of gross capacity) as well as two electric motors providing all-wheel drive. The vehicle accelerates from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.1 seconds, reaches a top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph) and has a maximum sustained power output of 350 kW (469 hp), which can be temporarily boosted to 390 kW (523 hp). Audi has also introduced a more sporty RS version which accelerates from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3.3 seconds, reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) and has a maximum sustained power output of 440 kW (590 hp) which can be temporarily boosted to 475 kW (637 hp).
The official EPA range of the vehicle on a single charge is 383 km (238 mi). In tests performed by the automotive website Edmunds, the car surpassed its EPA rating, achieving 439 km (273 mi).
Production
Preparation of production at Böllinger Höfe plant started in 2019, and started in December 2020. Unlike the e-tron and e-tron Sportback models manufactured in Belgium, it is the first Audi electric car to be produced in Audi's home country Germany, at the Heilbronn plant. Audi officially unveiled the production e-tron GT on 9 February 2021 with sales started in March 2021.
Marketing
In the 2019 superhero film Avengers: Endgame, Tony Stark drove a black Audi e-tron GT. At this time, the car was still a concept and Marvel Studios commissioned Audi to manufacture a prototype specifically for the film. Robert Downey Jr., who plays Tony Stark, drove this prototype to the film’s premiere.
As part of Audi's sponsorship of Spider-Man: Far From Home, Audi e-tron GT concept appeared in a short film titled 'Science Fair', where Peter Parker (Tom Holland) tried to save school science fair presentation by getting Audi e-tron GT concept.
As part of Audi e-Tron GT launch in Hong Kong, Ian Chan of MIRROR became an e-tron brand representative in Hong Kong, and the first Hong Kong artist to own Audi e-Tron GT.
As part of Audi e-Tron GT launch, fashion designer Stella McCartney, actor and producer Tom Hardy, and singer Janelle Monáe became product representatives. The slogan 'Future is an Attitude' was also used in the campaign.
Recent Changes and review
2023 changes
Audi makes a few visual and quality-of-life improvements for the 2023 Audi e-tron GT. The grille is now painted to match the body color. A second charging port is standard, located on the passenger side of the car. Every e-tron GT now comes with anti-theft wheel bolts, an integrated toll module for the rearview mirror, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and 20-inch wheel with all-season tires. The E-tron GT Prestige gets a new optional 21-inch 10-spoke wheel package that replaces the previously available gray finish wheels. The e-tron GT Performance package now includes the previously standard 20-inch wheels wrapped in summer tires. The Executive equipment package now combines the LED interior lighting plus package with heated rear seats. Additionally, the RS e-tron GT gets standard carbon matte inlays on the exterior, and a new Ceramic Brake package with Anthracite brake calipers and 21-inch wheels.
Performance
Packing a pair of electric motors that create an electrified version of Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the regular e-tron GT generates up to 522 horsepower while the RS version peaks at 637 horsepower. This power is converted to powerful acceleration with the help of its two-speed transmission, which has a first gear for launches and a second top gear for efficiency. A complex cooling system means its battery pack can handle repeated runs without the typical signs of heat-related degradation. Audi also eschews traditional one-pedal driving on its EV, instead, providing a more natural feel. The e-tron GT is available with all-wheel steering, an adjustable air suspension, and wheel sizes that range from 19 up to 21 inches.
Interior
Inside, the e-tron GT mixes unique and functional elements. The cabin incorporates multiple digital displays on its angular dashboard along with upscale trim. Audi offers a leather interior with different color options as well as a leather-free package that uses recycled materials. Of course, there's no shortage of available luxury features. The top options include ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, heated-and-cooled front seats with massage functions, and more. Front-seat passengers sit low to the ground, which promotes a sporty driving position. The rear outboard seats provide ample legroom, but its headroom is less abundant, and the middle seat is more courteous than comfortable. There's space for luggage behind the back seats and under the hood in the front trunk (frunk).
Battery
Every e-tron GT features an 83.7-kWh lithium-ion battery. The regular model gets an EPA-estimated 238 miles of range, but the RS model is rated slightly lower at 232 miles. The e-tron GT can also be recharged from 5 to 80 percent of its battery capacity in a claimed 23 minutes using the standard 270-kW DC fast charger. In our testing, both the e-tron GT and the RS e-tron GT beat their respective range estimates as we observed the same 240 miles of range for each car. Even with this result though, the e-tron GT's driving range is short of rivals such as the Model S and the Lucid Air.
Fuel economy
The 2023 e-tron GT is rated at 82 MPGe combined; the RS version falls one short of that mark. On our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, the RS model delivered 83 MPGe. For more information about the e-tron GT's efficiency ratings, visit the EPA's website.
Gallery
e-tron GT quattro
RS e-tron GT
e-tron GT concept
