It seems like the premium electric sedan segment is the hot-favourite for almost all brands currently. With Tesla Model S having dominated that section for quite some time now, people always look towards the Californian automaker while thinking of buying an electric sedan. But now, slowly but surely, automakers are populating this segment with their own premium-level sedans. Porsche came up with the Taycan, and Lucid Motors launched the Air last year. Now, it is Audi’s turn.
The e-Tron was Audi’s answer to the electric crossover challenge, and now, they have unveiled its GT version in the form of a sedan. Being a part of the Volkswagen Group, the e-Tron GT shares its chassis and battery architecture with Porsche Taycan. But don’t think that this is a sibling of Porsche’s all-electric sedan. The e-Tron GT is Audi’s answer to consumers’ requirements in this segment. And you could say it’s a very good one too.
Audi e-Tron GT: First Look
The e-Tron GT only shares the chassis and battery architecture with the Taycan. But the exterior and interior look as Audi-like as it can get. Bold and striking styling on the exterior and classy elegance on the interior defines this electric sedan. And if looks aren’t enough, the specs are just as impressive.
The e-Tron GT is the quickest Audi produced till today, managing a 0-60 mph (96.5 kph) timing of 3.1 seconds. That is 0.1 seconds faster than the R8 V10 Performance, which held the title of the quickest Audi. As in the Taycan, the e-Tron GT has an 800-volt battery, which is capable of giving an output of 475 bhp and 630 N-m of torque for the base model, and 598 bhp and 830 N-m for the RS variant. This also makes it the most powerful Audi yet. There is one motor on either axle, giving the e-Tron GT an all-wheel-drive powertrain. The top speed is electronically limited to 152 mph (245 kph).
Since there are a lot of similarities with Porsche Taycan, one shouldn’t be surprised to see a two-speed transmission inside. While multi-gear transmission systems are rare in electric vehicles, the one inside the Audi offers better acceleration at the lower gear and better high-speed performance and higher efficiency at the higher gear. The e-Tron GT also contains standard features such as all-wheel steering, an adjustable three-chamber air suspension, and wheel sizes that range from 19 up to 21 inches.
A Look At The Battery and Range
When it comes to electric vehicles, the battery talk is of utmost importance. The Audi e-Tron GT has made a decent attempt at solving range anxiety, with an 85-kWh battery pack (93 kWh gross). The 800-volt architecture minimizes losses, and this results in a range of 303 miles (487 km) for the e-Tron GT. The RS e-Tron GT, which is more performance-oriented, gets a slightly lower range of 293 miles (472 km). These are decent figures, and even slightly better than the Taycan. While the battery is shared, Audi takes the lead due to the improved vehicular efficiency over the Porsche.
Of course, this range isn’t as good as Tesla Model S, or the proposed figures for Lucid Air. But it is still a decent position to start, and further progress in battery technology will only improve this number.
Moreover, Audi claims that the e-tron GT has fast-charging capabilities which are possibly better than the Taycan. The 5-80% charging can happen in 23 minutes using the standard 270-kW DC fast charger.
Overall Looks – Interior and Exterior
The e-tron GT shares its overall looks with its compatriots from the combustion sector. While many may feel the exterior is a little over-the-top, the striking features can make some others drool too. The four-door coupe has a heavily sloping roofline, wide track, broad shoulder line and low bonnet. The honeycomb-patterned front grille serves two main purposes. The engine cooling is a common function, but it also acts as a shield for numerous sensors on the front of the vehicle. The cooling system has a complicated pattern but ensures maintenance of battery health.
Inside, the cabin incorporates a number of digital displays. A leather interior, ambient lighting, a head-up display, heated-and-cooled front seats with massage functions and plenty of cargo space ensure a luxurious experience, one that is fast becoming a necessity in this segment. The central touchscreen measures 10.1 inches and works with steering-wheel-mounted controls and voice-recognition software. There is also a wide variety of driver assistance and safety systems, along with a 16-speaker, 710W Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Variants and Pricing
With a number of features, striking looks on the outside with an elegant feel inside, and very good performance specs, one can expect the Audi e-tron GT to be on the costlier side. Surprisingly enough, it is much cheaper than Porsche Taycan.
The GT Premium Plus, which is the base version, costs $99,900. The GT Prestige, which is sort of a middle ground between the base variant and the RS variant, costs $107,000. Finally, the RS variant goes as high as $139,900.
These prices may not be as competitive as Tesla Model S, but they can definitely challenge Lucid Air and Porsche Taycan.
Our Opinion
Audi has said that the e-Tron is set to hit the European markets around spring season, and they expect it to create some waves. And it definitely should. The e-tron is Audi’s bold entry into the premium sedan segment in electric mobility. While it may not have battery and performance figures as good as Model S, it definitely has more competitive pricing than Lucid Air. Yes, Lucid offers much better specs in its topmost variant, but the e-Tron GT definitely offers good specs for its cost. And of course, it is definitely a more viable alternative to Porsche Taycan. All in all, Audi has made a good start to the sedan segment, and they should look to improve on this base.
