Recently at an Audi event, the long-awaited e-tron GT was revealed, now available in Irish showrooms. This innovative car exemplifies Audi’s vision for the future of mobility. The new four-door coupé boasts a fully electric powertrain and sleek design, marking the beginning of a new era for Audi, dubbed the Gran Turismo of the future. These vehicles promise power, speed, and an exhilarating driving experience while emitting zero local emissions. The current offering is the e-tron GT Quattro, with a more potent RS e-tron GT variant on the horizon. We got behind the wheel for a drive through the Dublin Mountains.
The exterior of the Audi e-tron GT is striking, with a captivating design that seamlessly flows from the headlights to the rear diffuser. Its aerodynamic efficiency is remarkable, boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.24, allowing it to effortlessly slice through the air. Unlocking the doors reveals a classic Gran Turismo interior design by Audi. The front seats are positioned low and separated by a broad center console, providing easy access to all controls. The premium interior features sustainable recycled artificial leather with Kaskade material, crafted from repurposed plastic bottles and textiles, delivering a luxurious feel. The rear seats offer ample space and comfortable legroom for passengers.
The e-tron GT is equipped with cutting-edge technology, offering state-of-the-art infotainment, online connectivity, and advanced driver-assist systems typical of Audi’s top-tier models. A standout feature is the inclusion of a heat pump that utilizes waste heat from high-voltage components to heat the interior, significantly reducing range loss typically caused by climate control. Through the myAudi app, owners can easily manage climate control and charging settings remotely.
Driving the e-tron GT is a thrilling experience, with its relentless power delivery courtesy of the fully variable Quattro drive system, intelligently distributing power to each wheel. With 522hp at your disposal, the e-tron GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The large 86 kWh battery enables a range of up to 479 kilometers (WLTP), delivering impressive performance. The car navigates twists and turns with ease, providing a smooth and comfortable ride akin to a magic carpet, even on 19-inch wheels.
The 800-volt technology enables rapid DC charging, offering approximately 60 miles of range in just five minutes and an 80% charge in about 22 minutes. The upcoming RS e-tron GT model will boast even more power, with 637hp and 830 Nm of torque, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds.
In terms of safety, the e-tron GT is packed with driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, remote self-parking via a smartphone app, and standard safety systems such as forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The vehicle is yet to be crash-tested by Euro NCAP, but based on its sibling, the Porsche Taycan’s 5-star rating, similar safety expectations are set for the Audi e-tron GT. Standard features on the e-tron GT 350kW model include 19-inch alloys, Quattro with e-torque vectoring, a panoramic sunroof, and front & rear parking sensors, with prices starting at $102,400.
The introduction of the Audi e-tron GT marks a significant milestone for Audi and the future of electric mobility. The car impresses with its performance and design, offering a unique driving experience. While compared to the Porsche Taycan, each has its strengths, with the e-tron GT excelling in its sound design, emitting a powerful and engaging tone that adds to the driving experience. Test drives are available at Audi dealerships nationwide, offering the opportunity to configure your dream e-tron GT on Audiusa.com.
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