Audi adds vorsprung to its electric range with the 2022 e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT

e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT feature a 93.4kWh battery with 800 volt electrical architecture, and a maximum DC charging rate of 270kW
e-tron GT quattro produces a combined 345 kW (469PS) and 629Nm (464 lb-ft) from its two motors
RS e-tron GT produces a combined 440kW (590PS) and 830Nm (612 lb-ft) from upgraded motors
Three-chamber air suspension and all-wheel steering improve handling and agility
e-tron GT quattro priced from US$99,900 MSRP, RS e-tron GT priced from US$139,900 MSRP
Sales commence in North America from summer 2021

Audi has officially pulled the camouflage off the 2022 e-tron GT quattro and Rennsport RS e-tron GT models overnight, and we certainly like what we see. Long, low and wide, the e-tron shares a lot with the show car unveiled in 2018, and also shares a lot under the skin with Porsche’s Taycan EV. Audi has released US pricing for the e-tron, with the e-tron GT quattro Premium Plus starting from $99,900, the e-tron GT quattro Prestige from $107,100 and the RS e-tron GT from $139,900. For comparison, the Porsche Taycan 4S starts at $103,800 and the Turbo from $150,900.

Exterior Design

Marc Lichte, Head of Audi Design states that “Good design is achieved when a product is aesthetic and functional at the same time”. He goes on to say that ”form follows function, [and] aesthetics arise from efficiency. The new design language creates a stronger flow and thereby creates refined aerodynamics. The design of the e-tron GT thus forms the basis for the design of future electric models.”

Clearly Porsche’s J1 platform architecture has informed the design of the e-tron GT family, but we don't mind one bit. Audi has reinterpreted its singleframe honeycomb grille into a drag coefficient friendly form (0.24Cd in case you’re wondering), and paired it with a long, wide front and squared-off blistered fenders reminiscent of the quattro S2 and RS wagons.

The E-Tron GT's sloping roof is made from five layers of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and helps to keep the centre of gravity low in the body. It tapers back to an agressive rear end with bold tail light graphics. Large wheels are very much the order of the day with EVs at the moment, and the e-tron comes with 20-inch 5-double-spoke alloys as standard. 21-inch wheels are available as an option.

The e-tron GT shares the Taycan’s 2.9 metre wheelbase, but bests the Taycan on overall length by around 3cm, at 4.98 metres long. Overall height is low, at just 1.41 metres.

The RS e-tron GT promises to excite with its RS handling and performance characteristics.

For us, the e-tron really brings together the best of Audi’s Vorsprung durch Technik design philosophy. While regular A-series Audi’s are perhaps becoming too fussy with slats, fake vents and angles everywhere in a bid to stand out from the crowd, the e-tron GT keeps things simple; the wide arches, rising dynamic line up the side, large functional vents and a scalloped hood hint at muscular performance without putting on a show. It's an evolution of Audis of the past, from the first gen type 42 R8, to the quattro coupe concept and the original RS2 Avant. We particularly like the pale blue used in the press images, which reminds us of the 2008 R8’s Jet Blue hue.

Low and wide, the e-tron GT shares the Porsche Taycan’s J1 architecture.

Interior Design

On the inside, current A7 or RS7 drivers would feel right at home in the interior of the e-tron GT quattro or RS e-tron GT. It sports a traditional instrument cluster, and centrally mounted screen with Audi’s familiar MMI-touch interface. Audi claims the e-tron GT interior harks back to the monoposto (single-seat) cockpit design of the R8, with the screen and dashboard angled towards the driver.

The e-tron GT features an animal free interior, and a driver zone familiar to current Audi drivers.

Audi must have listed to customers and the media, because the third touch screen for climate control from the A6, A7 and A8 models has gone, replaced by a conventional set of buttons and knobs. A leather-free interior featuring Dinamica and Alcantara is standard, however Nappa leather is available should hold a strong desire to sit on dead cow.

A large slab of open-pore wood sits atop the dash in the e-tron GT quattro; the RS variant receives carbon fibre inlays. The rest of the interior appears to be classic Audi; functional and stylish, with solid build quality and (hopefully) soft plastics on touch points. Side vision mirrors appear to remain conventional glass rather than the camera and screen setup from the e-tron SUV.

The RS e-tron GT ups the ante with sporty seats, carbon fibre and alcantara with contrasting stitching

Battery and Drivetrain

The e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT both feature two permanent magnet synchronous motors, one each at the front and rear axles and a two-speed transmission at the rear axle:

The Audi e-tron GT quattro has a total output of 350 kW (476 PS) and 630 Nm (464.7 lb-ft) of torque
The RS e-tron GT outputs 440 kW (598 PS) and 830 Nm (612.2 lb-ft) of torque
0–100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.1 or 3.3 seconds (RS model), respectively
Top speed of 245 km/h (152.2 mph) with the e-tron GT quattro and 250 km/h (155.3 mph) with the RS model
Intelligent control of coasting and recuperation, brake recuperation of up to 265 kW

The liquid-cooled Li-ion battery is comprised of 396 pouch cells in 33 modules.

The Lithium-ion battery is shared with porsche’s Taycan, and has a net energy content of 85 kWh (93 kWh gross) and a voltage level of 800 volts comprised of 396 pouch cells in 33 modules. Both models feature AC charging up to 11kW, and DC charging up to 270kW.

Officially the WLTP range of the e-tron GT quattro is 487 kilometres (303 miles) on the WLTP cycle. Audi claims a 100km range boost in five minutes. the e-tron GT features sophisticated thermal management with four cooling circuits and an efficient heat pump as standard, with battery preconditioning for fast DC charging on the road.

The e-tron GT drivetrain features two electric motors and a two speed gearbox

Vehicle Tecnhology

As standard, the e-tron GT quattro features controlled damping with a rear-axle differential lock. The RS model adds a controlled rear axle differential lock with multi plate clutch for greater control over each the traction at each wheel. A three-chamber air suspension system is also standard on the RS. All-wheel steering is optional for both models, providing greater handling and roadholdling through counter steering up to 2.8 degrees.

Audi’s three chamber air suspension (optional on e-tron GT) promises upgraded ride comfort and handling

The brake disks are conventiional steel, with tungsten carbide coating as an option (standard with the RS model. Carbon fiber ceramic discs are optional for both models for those with deep pockets and/or track ambitions.

Audi pre sense safety systems are fitted as standard, while the e-tron GT offers adaptive cruise assist, and (remote) park assist plus. As the owner of a current VAG model, Audi’s adpative cruise in its current generation is a fine safety aid, but is nothing like Tesla’s Autopilot. This is still very much a vehicle one has to drive oneself.

LED front and rear lights are standard, with optional Matrix LED lights available (standard on the RS model). Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light are available as a range-topping option, providing an additional laser spot/high beam light about 70 km/h.

The Audi e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT models are assembled in the Böllinger Höfe plant at Neckarsulm alongside the Audi R8 supercar. Production of the Audi e-tron GT uses 100% eco-electricity, with a combined heat and power plant fired with biogas providing the necessary heat for the Böllinger Höfe. Emissions that cannot yet be avoided are compensated with carbon credits from certified climate protection projects. This is now the first Audi site in Germany and the third worldwide behind the Brussels and Győr sites to be certified as carbon neutral.

A pre-production e-Tron GT outside the Böllinger Höfe plant at Audi’s Neckarsulm facility

Legacy auto manufacturers still have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to Tesla; ease of charging is a consideration when purchasing a new EV for most people, and in that regard Tesla has the competition trounced. For those who would prefer a bit of German flair with their zero emission status symbol however, the e-tron GT range would be worth your consideration.

North American and European sales are expected to commence in summer 2021, while Audi has stated that Australia can expect to see the e-tron GT range in Australia from Q3 2021.

Scroll down for additional images and video, courtesy Audi AG.