Review: Audi e-tron GT

Audi’s e-tron GT is easily the most graceful car in the German brand’s line-up, following the R8 coupe’s departure from showrooms.

Closely aligned to the Porsche’s Taycan – the two cars share a platform – it is also its fastest. The 912bhp RS Performance version is capable of a 2.5-second acceleration to 62mph.

But, after a series of recent updates, including a bigger 105kW battery pack, we sampled the standard e-tron GT quattro to see how it stacks up against the best four-door performance saloons.

Even the cheapest e-tron is not cheap. The optional Floret silver paint and ‘Technology Pack’ of our test car added £4,415 to its £88,555 price tag.

The new e-tron GT’s exterior styling is little changed. The standard version serves up a clean, understated on-road sophistication in spades.

Understated it may be, accelerative it certainly is. In everyday driving you have instant access to 496bhp, the chassis’ large footprint, wide tyres and quattro all-wheel-drive providing ultimate traction.

In ‘Dynamic’ mode launch control is easily deployed. Planting the brake and accelerator, before stepping off the left pedal awakens 577bhp, pressing you into your seat for a four second ride to 62mph.

Synthesised sound is piped into the cabin via a Bang & Olufsen sound system to add drama. However, I still pine for the sensations of an engine and gearbox.

Actually, the e-tron GT does operate a two-speed gearbox. In Dynamic mode, the occasional switch of ratios makes for a characterful quirk in an EV.

Otherwise, the e-tron GT is as polished as you would expect of a flagship Audi.

The driving position is low, with plenty of steering column adjustment to help you get comfortable, albeit this can compromise rear legroom.

The e-tron GT’s cabin materials are quite dark, but nonetheless dramatic and driver-focused, with angular architecture placing you at the centre of a space featuring a 10-inch central screen and 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument binnacle.

A squared off steering wheel is a new addition.

The e-tron GT is an impressive cruiser and rapid point-to-point. The standard air suspension lacks the RS versions’ adaptive damping but provides a comfortable ride.

Only when the pace increases does the weight of the car become apparent, raising doubts over regenerative brakes which lack feel.

Over long distances, the e-tron GT is extremely capable. Audi’s new, larger battery can also be charged at a super-rapid 320kW, allowing 170 miles of range to be added in 10 minutes.

A claimed range of 383 miles did not look likely in our test’s chilly conditions. High-200 miles looked more likely, perhaps calling into question the GT’s ‘grand tourer’ credentials.

That said, there is no denying that there are few five-seat performance EVs with such an appealingly understated premium polish.

Specification

Audi e-tron GT

Price: £92,700 (as tested)

Engine: 105kWh battery

Power: 577bhp (with launch control)

Torque: 625Nm

Transmission: Two-speed electric

Top Speed: 152mph

0-62mph: Four seconds

Range: 383 miles

CO2 emissions: 0g/km