Audi has finally taken the wraps off its e-tron GT electric sedan. The performance-oriented car looks nearly identical to its concept version from two years ago, save for the side mirrors, door handles and bumpers.
Based on the Porsche Taycan’s J1 platform, the newcomer has the same 2.9 meters (9.51 ft.) of inter-axle spacing, but at 4,989 mm (16.37 ft.) long, the Audi is 26 mm (1”) longer than the Taycan. At 1,964 mm (6.44 ft.) wide and 1,414 mm (4.64 ft.) tall, it is also 2 mm (0.1”) narrower and 35 mm (1.4”) taller.
While the Taycan boasts a superb aerodynamic drag ratio of just 0.22, the e-tron GT is not far behind with 0.24. Customers can choose between 19, 20 and 21 inch wheel sizes.
Audi’s latest flagship comes in two main modifications, both featuring dual electric motors and AWD. The more affordable one has 238 PS (235 hp / 175 kW) driving its front axle and 435 PS (430 hp / 320 kW) driving the rear one. The cumulative output stays capped at 476 PS (469 hp / 350 kW) and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque most of the time, but you can use launch control mode to get a boost to 530 PS (523 hp / 390 kW) and 640 Nm (472 lb-ft) of torque. The boost lasts 2.5 seconds and is similar in essence to the one used by the Taycan 4S.
The cheaper version needs 4.1 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) and maxes out at 245 km/h (152 miles per hour). Adaptive spring-based suspension and rear diff lock are listed under standard features.
The top spec is named the RS e-tron GT, and is Audi’s first fully electric RS model. It has the same electric motor at the front end, but boasts a new motor at the rear rated at 456 PS (450 hp / 335 kW). The peak output amounts to 598 PS (590 hp / 440 kW) and jumps to 646 PS (637 hp / 475 kW) and 830 Nm (612 lb-ft) during the boost. The Taycan Turbo Overboost remains in the lead with its 680 PS (671 hp / 500 kW) and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque.
Getting from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) is a matter of 3.3 seconds, and the top speed lies at 250 km/h (155 mph). The basic equipment include air-ride suspension with three-chamber air tanks and 42 mm (1.6”) of ride height freedom. Electronic rear differential comes optional for the non-RS version and standard for the RS.
The traction battery is rated for 93 kWh of power (useful capacity 85 kWh) and translate into 487 km (302 miles) of WLTP-rated driving range for the base spec. The RS spec is barely below at 472 km (293 miles). Five minutes spent at a 270kW charger can replenish over 100 km (62 miles) of range.
Interior features include a HUD, a 12.3-inch digital dash cluster, a 10.1-inch touch-enabled infotainment display, and – unexpectedly enough – hardware HVAC controls.
Options include carbon-ceramic brakes, 4WS, ACC, remote automatic parking, LED Matrix headlights, and ICE sound imitation (standard for the RS).
Production started in Neckarsulm last December. Pre-orders are already running starting from €100,000 for the base spec and €138,000 for the RS, which is €6,000 - €15,000 below the price points of the comparable Taycan specs.