Audi e-tron GT / RS e-tron GT

From concept to reality, the Audi e-tron GT comes to life as the newest electric sports saloon that targets the likes of the Porsche Taycan and the king of electric saloons, the Tesla Model S. Time to have a quick look through one of 2021's most exciting electric cars to drive.

2022 Audi e-tron GT

The Audi e-tron GT, priced at 99,800 Euros plus additional costs, is more costly to own than the Tesla Model S, but despite being outgunned by the Californian superhero, this electric sports saloon promises to impress a new breed of Audi fanatics with its blend of performance and ecology ripe for this newcomer that promises to be as exciting to drive as a Porsche Taycan.

2022 Audi e-tron GT

Let's begin with the design. Being a concept turned reality, the e-tron GT's exterior is almost faithful to the concept car it was based on. Like the concept car, the e-tron GT is flat, wide, and has a long wheelbase fit for a classic Gran Turismo car. With its coupe-like form, it's no surprise that this electric premium sedan looks surprisingly attractive by Audi standards and it could be the one that can break the longstanding impasse that plagued Audi for being a pariah of the German luxury car market.

2022 Audi e-tron GT interior

Stylish the coupe-like form the e-tron GT is, the interior is all about true to its character. While not bothered to play around with its infotainment and Audi connect, including the highly annoying Amazon Alexa feature that has been butting everybody in the back seat as well as the virtual engine sound system on it that mimics the noises of internal combustion engines of the past, the driver's side is not half bad to live with. 

On the passenger side, it is still as comfy as an Audi A8 without all the drama involved, making it the ideal chauffeur car for VIPs who happen to work at high-profile environmental groups. As for the boot space on both sides, it wasn't half bad as long as you're not toying around with the front hood luggage compartment, trying to fool the world that it's got no engine on it because there isn't one. Only the electric motors are placed underneath the car and in control of all four wheels.

2022 Audi RS e-tron GT

About the electric motors mentioned, these two allowed the normal e-tron GT to produce a total power output of 476PS of power and 630Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 245kph. As for the range, it's good for 479km on WLTP standards, and when plugged into a public charging station, it will reach 80% by 23 minutes.

It may be electric but it behaves just like an Audi. Not as exciting as expected but it sure is a well-balanced Audi that drives through any road conditions, even on snowy days, thanks to the signature Audi quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system with an electric twist. Couple it with its air suspension and damping, double-wishbone setup, and rear-axle differential lock, and you got yourself a luxury electric sedan that not only looks good on the road but feels good to drive.

Speaking of drive, there's an RS e-tron GT for those who demand more. Priced at an ultra-expensive 138,200 Euros plus additional costs, it is nearly similar to the normal one but it features numerous standard goodies that are optional on the normal model such as Matrix LED headlights, ambient lighting package plus, adaptive suspension, and rear-axle differential lock, among many others.

The electric powertrain of the RS model produces 598PS of total power and 830Nm of total torque but when boost mode is engaged, it produces up to 646PS of power for a brief period of time, sprinting from 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250kph. It's almost as fast as an R8 V10 performance, making the RS e-tron GT an electric saloon with supercar levels of performance, well almost.

Of course, being a high-performance electric saloon built to satisfy every Audi fanatics of the world stage, there's no escaping the list of driver assist systems that will bore speedo boys behind the wheel but fine for well-behaved drivers.

And there you have it, the Audi e-tron GT may not be the ideal substitute for the Tesla Model S because of its pricing and performance, but as an Audi, it was made to blow away such expectations of what a so-called high-performance electric luxury saloon can do. This is the electric Audi that deserves well-needed attention.

Photo: Audi