First Audi e-tron GT lands in Australia. Source: Audi
The Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT have been previewed at an event in Sydney, giving a first look at the high-performance electric grand tourers that tip the hat to their stablemate, the Porsche Taycan, in more ways than one.
Audi’s newest electric offerings are set to hit Australian roads in September 2022, and will start from $181,700 for the e-tron GT quattro and $249,700 for its range-topping RS e-tron GT, all before on-road costs and charges.
They joining the existing e-tron and e-tron S SUVs, and will present a formidable addition to its electric range, with a powerful electric platform that takes its DNA from that of the Porsche Taycan.
“This is an Audi unlike any that have gone before it,” said Paul Sansom, director of Audi Australia and MD of Volkswagen Group Australia regarding the new grand tourer.
“The e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT look stunning, offer incredible dynamic performance, but most significantly, they do this while emitting zero emissions. The e-tron GT is what the performance car of the future looks like.”
With a long wheelbase, wide track and 20″ wheels, the Audi e-tron GT’s specifications include dual electric motors outputting a hefty 630Nm torque and 350kW of power that can boost up to 390kW for short periods.
First Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT will arive in September 2022. Source: Audi
The RS e-tron GT, which gets 21″ alloys wheels with tungsten carbide brake discs that are marked out with red calipers, takes it a step further. With 440kW power (up to 475kW on boost ) and 830Nm torque it can sprint from 0-100km/hr in a shattering 3.3 seconds, while the e-tron GT is not far behind, able to do the sprint in 3.6 seconds.
Both variants get a 93kWh battery enabling 448-488km driving range (WLTP) for the e-tron GT and 433-472km driving range for the RS e-tron GT, and perhaps importantly are able to charge at blistering speeds of 270kW thanks to an 800-volt architecture it shares with the Taycan.
In addition to power and performance, driving comfort is also front of mind for Audi’s electric range, including three-zone air conditioning as well as heated and ventilated seats in the front.
Adaptive air suspension with three chambers make for a super-soft ride that can be transformed to sports mode when desired to experience the thrill of the road.
In the front seats, a full array of electronic controls allow the driver and passenger to customise position as well as seat shape (we love the adjustable thigh support in particular), saving it in the memory for the driver at the push of a button.
First Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT will arive in September 2022. Source: Audi
The premium feel of the e-tron GT of course is complimented with vegan upholstery and headliners, while Bang and Olufsen 16-speaker surround sound make for an audibly impressive ride.
The RS e-tron GT comes with a choice of six Nappa leather interior trims, and while both are available in a choice of eight metallic colours, the RS e-tron GT offers exclusive colour options Ascari Blue and Tactical Green.
Four-way lumbar support and honeycomb stitching feature in the seating while a heated steering wheel and generous paddles to shift the car’s gears are at the driver’s command.
All in all, the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT look to take task to the Porsche Taycan – one of Australia’s best selling EVs in 2021 despite its high-end price – when they arrive later in 2022.
To sweeten the deal, Audi has partnered with JET Charge to offer free standard installation of a wall charger at home (it comes with a mobile charger as standard). Drivers will also get unlimited ultra-rapid charging on the Chargefox network, as well as free servicing and roadside assistance for the first six years of ownership.
As with the Audi e-tron and e-tron S, the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT come with a five year warranty, with 12 years manufacturer warranty against corrosion perforation in bodywork and an eight-year battery warranty.
Keyword: Audi’s new e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT take electric DNA from Porsche Taycan