Audi's e-tron GT was a standout among EVs thanks to its power, aggressive looks, high-tech air suspension and unmatched Audi craftsmanship. Looking at it begged the question what could Audi improve on in the refresh? Turns out that power is the answer.
While the previous gen's most powerful RS GT topped out at a solid 475 kW (646 hp) with 830 Nm (612 lb-ft) of pulling power, the new one's least powerful S has more of both. And in this RS Performance, we're looking at today, the GT packs mighty 680 kW (925 hp) and 1027 Nm (757 lb-ft).
It's in the name - the e-tron GT is a grand tourer - made for long drives with performance to spare and luxury at heart. It has a sporty coupe shape with four doors, a long 2900 mm (114.2 in) wheelbase, a reasonable 350l of trunk space, and a further 77 l in the front.
Here's a look at the new e-tron GT on the left and the old one on the right. It's very subtle - notice the difference in the front and rear bumpers.
The new Audi e-tron GT on the left, the old one on the right
You still get the lovely matrix LED lights and the active spoiler. The rims are sportier as well.
The new Audi e-tron GT on the left, the old one on the right
The Audi e-tron GT is the ultimate driver car for long distances. And it's the perfect first EV for the GT diehard driver who wants a quieter and smarter cabin.
You'd need to look at hypercars to find better performance, and at a Rolls Royce to find a nicer interior, and only at a Porsche Taycan for a combination of both. But while the Porsche will have nicer driving dynamics, it won't be as nice (or as quiet) inside as the Audi.
What's the opposite of someone who wants an SUV or a crossover? That's the person who'd love an Audi e-tron GT. It sits low to the ground, but it can use its sophisticated air suspension to keep steady in aggressive turns.
It all starts with the looks. It's a special thing, the e-tron GT. Its aggressive presence catches people on the streets immediately.
You'd never think that this car has four doors by looking at its low-slung roof and burly shoulders. But it does and it's not the worse experience to travel in the back either.
The driver's seat is a special place to be. You sit very very low, the steering wheel is the perfect sporty shape, and you feel like you're in command of a fighter jet.
The seats are very comfortable. You have a choice of Sports Seats and Sports Seats Pro. They hug you, but not as much as a bucket seat — this is a pleasant chair to sit in for hours.
Then there's the Performance (yes, with a capital P). The slowest Audi e-tron GT does the 0-62 mph dash in 3.4 seconds, the RS brings that down to 2.8 seconds, and the RS Performance does it in 2.5 seconds. Such an acceleration is almost hard to comprehend.
Rear wheel steering makes the Audi e-tron GT more versatile during high-speed cornering and slow town maneuvering.
The air suspension has gotten smarter in this second generation too. Yes, it does some tricks - like raising the car when you open the door so it's easier to get in (it lowers itself back down a few seconds later), and it can dance - a demo mode that shows off all the suspension's moves.
But it's also sophisticated to recognize the road surface and its angle and counteract it to keep the car steady. It will also raise and lower the front and rear during acceleration and breaking. The car can even, theoretically, jump, though Audi won't let you do that (it's still cool, though).
Well, it's expensive - it starts at just under $166,000 for the RS version.
The Porsche Taycan, which shares a lot of the e-tron GT's underpinnings is better to drive, and a bit cheaper too.
The Audi e-tron GT comes in three tiers - S (starting from $139,800), RS (from $163,100), and GT Performance (from $183,100).
We'd go for the RS with a few added extras - the 21-inch rims are worth it, the nicer seats, the cameras and night vision assist package, and you have a $178,000 car with mind-numbing performance, incredible ride quality, and the biggest battery with the most range!
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
RSS
Settings
Log in I forgot my password Sign up