These Are Our Favorite Features On The Audi e-tron GT

2022-10-02 01:18:57 By : Mr. Vincent Lee

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Developed alongside the Porsche Taycan, the Audi e-tron GT also features the 800-volt propulsion architecture for faster charging.

The e-tron nameplate debuted as a concept prototype at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. The e-tron GT is one of the most fascinating sedans Audi has ever built. It is the newest member of the marque’s EV sub-brand, a battery-electric luxury sedan released in 2021.

Audi first showed photographs of the production model in late 2020. The production model retained much of the design characteristics of the prototype, including the muscular wheel arches, aggressively styled headlights, and a large hexagonal radiator grille. Audi has always used the e-tron name to classify its range of electrified vehicles, separating them from the conventional ICE-powered models. Though a flagship model, the e-tron GT is not the automaker’s first all-electric vehicle. That title goes to the 2019 Audi e-tron.

However, the e-tron GT is Audi's third all-electric car, and it is based on the same J1 platform as the Porsche Taycan, which explains why the model is a 4-door sedan, despite the sporty coupe-like silhouette. Not only that, the Audi e-tron shares 40% of its parts with the Porsche Taycan. Unlike the first e-tron, the 2022 e-tron GT is a driver-centric, performance-focused sedan that prioritizes handling over practicality. Let’s check it out.

Related: Everything You Should Know About Audi's EV Lineup

For an all-electric sedan, both the 2022 Audi e-tron GT and RS are simply stunning inside and out. The GT’s exterior is marked by a sloping roofline that meets easily with the single-piece taillights connected by a lighted bar. Deviating from the design of the prototype, the production model comes with visible door handles.

The wide stance of the overall posture, enhanced by flowing lines, is classic Audi performance cars, such as the Audi R8 Coupe. According to the automaker, “the Audi e-tron GT boasts an authoritative, wide stance, with subtle features that enhance its performance. The electric rear spoiler improves stability by increasing downforce at speed. Meanwhile, the flat underbody flows into a broad diffuser, as adaptive air suspension completes the aerodynamic optimization.”

The Matrix-style LED headlights enhance the e-tron’s stunning impression. Audi follows this with optional Audi laser lights that "sharpen visibility range for greater confidence on the road at all times.”

Inside, the fixed panoramic roof enhances the already decent cabin volume. This design is only available in the GT model. The RS model comes with a lightweight carbon-fiber roof intended to promote a lower center of gravity and improved performance. We're not surprised by the high level of passenger comfort. Audi has a reputation for crafting high-performance cars that still provide excellent road comfort.

That’s why the new e-tron GT manages to deliver an enviably comfortable ride despite the large 20-inch wheels and performance tires. Also known as summer tires, performance tires such as the e-tron GT's are driver-centric tires designed to improve handling and agility on slippery and dry roads, although they're best for warmer weather or areas that experience infrequent rainfall.

Thanks to the adaptive suspension, passengers experience improved comfort as the suspensions soften to absorb all kinds of road bumps, jerks, and jostles. As for road noise, the e-tron GT handles well, but it can do better.

Just as we expected, it comes with adjustable front sports seats featuring all the goodies, including heating, massaging, and cooling. We're not as thrilled with the rear seats, though. However, it's important to note the difference between the bucket and sports seats. They may look alike, but sports seats are upgraded bucket seats and more anatomical in that they provide better lateral support and advanced weight distribution. What's equally cool about them is that they accommodate racing harnesses.

So, while scoring points based on seating, remember that e-tron GT’s front seats are top-of-the-line. It might lose some of those points to the rear cabin-to-floor level though. Long-legged rear passengers may not enjoy as much legroom in there as the rest of us. But the car has lots of other convenience features to maximize passenger comforts, such as the adjustable cooling system and user-friendly climate control.

Related: Over A Decade After, The 2009 Audi R8 Coupe Is Still A Kick-Ass Supercar

And remember, Audi has few worthy rivals when it comes to spectacular interiors. That trait is pleasantly repeated in the 2022 e-tron GT. What we have here is a beautifully executed form-meets-function interior design highlighted by intuitive infotainment touchscreens and hard buttons.

We like the virtual cockpit and available head-up display. Plus, if you’re one of those turned off by the increasing use of touch-sensor buttons and steering controls, you're in luck because Audi hasn't succumbed to that, at least not yet.

Moving to the powertrain, the entry-level e-tron GT features an electric motor at each axle, producing a combined 469 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. That power is delivered to all four wheels via a 2-speed transmission. With launch control or overboost enabled, the motor can deliver up to 522 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. The RS model can do even better – up to 637 horsepower.

In other words, this car is almost as fast as the Porsche Taycan 4S. Audi claims both the e-tron GT and RS can make 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, and 3.1 seconds with boost engaged.

It’s the range, thanks to its incredible battery pack. While it’s true that modern EVs are delivering increasingly longer range on a single charge, we think it’s impressive that the Audi e-tron GT offers a superior range and faster charging than its Taycan twin. This is because the e-tron GT comes equipped with a 93.4 kWh battery pack rated at 238 miles of range, whereas Taycan utilizes a 79.2-kWh pack rated at 199 miles of range.

We wouldn’t normally think too much of 238 miles of range, not when a bigger SUV like the Cadillac Lyriq comes with the promise of 312 miles EPA-estimated range. What’s really great about the e-tron is that the Porsche Taycan does offer a larger battery pack than the e-tron’s (even though it still lags behind e-tron’s range) but for an extra $5,570. Maybe that's because the e-tron cost more than Taycan? No, not true. E-tron has an MSRP of $102,400, while Taycan is priced from $105,150.

Philip Uwaoma, this bearded black male from Nigeria, is fast approaching two million words in articles published on various websites, including toylist.com, rehabaid.com, and autoquarterly.com. After not getting credit for his work on Auto Quarterly, Philip is now convinced that ghostwriting sucks. He has no dog, no wife- yet- and he loves Rolls Royce a little too much.