A halo model can be hugely important for a brand – acting as that flagship model that buyers yearn to own, but with ‘lesser’ models benefitting from much of the technology and design.
That halo car for Audi is its new e-tron GT – a stylish, upmarket four-door sporting model that heads up the brand’s growing electric range. It’s one of the firm’s most eagerly-awaited models in recent years, and is just reaching showrooms now. Here’s what you need to know about it…
It shares a platform with the Porsche Taycan
If ever there was a car that you would want to share underpinnings with, it’s the Porsche Taycan. It was the sports car firm’s first EV and sent shockwaves through the motoring world because of its fantastic driving experience and desirability.
So it couldn’t bode much better for Audi when its e-tron GT shares the same J1 platform as that car. That said, this model has more of a focus on cross-continent abilities and comfort than outright sportiness, which it certainly excels at.
Two options available – including flagship RS
Audi is offering the e-tron GT in two forms, with the ‘standard’ car and an RS model available – the latter being Audi’s first electrified model to wear the legendary badge.
Let’s kickstart with the standard e-tron GT, which combines a 93kWh battery with twin electric motors – one on each axle allowing for quattro all-wheel-drive – which enables the standard GT to produce 496bhp or 523bhp with launch control that enables a special boost setting. Even the GT can sprint to 60mph in under 3.9 seconds.
Then at the top of the range is the RS e-tron GT. This gets the same basic battery and electric motor setup, but sees the power increase to 590bhp, or 637bhp in the overboost setting, meaning it can sprint from 0-60mph in just over three seconds. A truly impressive stat considering the weight of this car.
Impressive rapid charging capability
As we mentioned, the e-tron GT was designed with cross-continent driving ability in mind. And it certainly impresses here, with Audi claiming a range of 295 miles for the regular e-tron GT and 280 miles for the RS model.
However, both cars have seriously impressive rapid charging capability – allowing them to top up at speeds of 270kW. Using the quickest chargers, it means the battery can be charged from five to 80 per cent in as little as 23 minutes.
Stunning design
We reckon the e-tron GT is one of Audi’s best-looking cars in recent years, with the model having a striking coupe-like profile thanks to a sloping roofline and extended bonnet.
Intricate LED lighting also appears, while a bold closed-off Singleframe grille certainly gives the model fantastic presence when out on the road. RS models are distinguished by their larger air inlets, black styling and larger 21-inch alloy wheels.
Strong sustainability focus
Given the ‘green’ credentials of EVs anyway, Audi has ramped things up further on the e-tron GT, with a strong focus on using as many sustainable materials as possible. There’s a new material called ‘Cascade’ available, which is produced from a proportion of recycled materials, such as recycled plastic bottles and textiles.
All the mats for the car are also produced from recycled nylons, fabric and carpet remnants, too.
The Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT are on sale now, with prices starting from £79,900 and £110,950 respectively.
Enquire on a new Audi e-tron GT
