Audi e-tron GT revealed along with 637bhp RS version

Audi has officially unveiled the e-tron GT - an all-electric performance grand tourer.

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Due to go on sale from spring 2021 priced from £79,900, the regular e-tron GT quattro will be joined by an RS e-tron GT with 637bhp and capable of 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds. RS models will start at £110,950.

Based on the same platform as the Porsche Taycan and featuring some of the same drivetrain choices, the e-tron GT is positioned to go head-to-head with the Tesla Model S as a large, high-performance four-door saloon/fastback.

e-tron GT design

At just under five metres long, almost two metres wide but just 1.4 metres tall, the e-tron GT is long, low and wide and retains much of the sporting styling of the original 2018 concept car. Swollen wheel arches and a steeply raked roofline are reminiscent of Audi’s two-door coupe models and the e-tron GT rolls on 20-inch alloys, while the RS features 21-inch wheels. As part of the car’s eco credentials, the wheel making process has changed to cut associated CO2 emissions.

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At the front, the Audi single-frame grille has been reimagined for the EV era with a new honeycomb pattern and the option of being finished in the car’s body colour. Flanking it are 3D effect running lights and LED headlights - upgradable to Matrix laser lights. At the rear a full-width light bar features graduated light segments and sits below an active spoiler which changes position based on the driving situation.

Chassis, drivetrain and performance

The e-tron GT features a four-wheel-drive setup powered by two motors. At the rear is a 429bhp motor with a two-speed transmission while a 235bhp unit drives the front wheels. Combined power is 469bhp but this rises to 523bhp for 2.5 seconds in “boost mode”.

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The RS e-tron GT uses the same front motor but the rear motor puts out 450bhp and total system output is increased to 590bhp. In boost mode, the RS e-tron GT can produce 637bhp and it is capable of reaching 62mph from standstill in 3.3 seconds compared with the standard car’s 4.1. Top speeds are capped at 152mph and 155mph for the two models.

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Supplying the motors in all variants is a 93kWh battery (85kWh usable). Audi says this will provide up to 280 miles of range and, thanks to its 800V power structure, allows rapid DC charging at up to 270kW - enough to charge from five to 80 per cent in just 23 minutes. AC charging of up to 11kW is available as standard, with an optional 22kW system due shortly after launch.

Entry level cars get electronic adaptive damping while higher-spec cars enjoy three-chamber adaptive air suspension. Similarly, all but standard quattro cars get all-wheel steering and a self-locking centre differential while the RS also gets an electronic rear axle diff lock.

Interior and equipment

The e-tron GT’s interior is immediately recognisable as an Audi with clean, sharp horizontal lines dividing the dashboard into segments and carrying through the rest of the cabin. A high centre tunnel separates driver and passenger and gives the cabin a “wraparound” feel.

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Audi says that despite the plunging roofline, rear passengers have “sufficient” space thanks to a low seating position and a “foot garage” - a recess built into the battery pack to create more space.

All e-tron GTs feature a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit with digital instruments, a 10.1-inch main touchscreen and - praise be - physical controls for the three-zone climate control. Standard features include the always connected MMI navigation plus system, with special navigation and mapping functions designed for EVs along with remote control functions for locking, charging and climate control.

The e-tron GT features a similar suite of driver assist functions as other high-end Audis, with functions such as adaptive cruise, intersection assist and surround view camera featured in options packs. Other optional equipment includes a 710-watt Bang & Olufsen stereo, car-to-X communication, remote parking, night vision assist and a head-up display.

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A leather interior pack is available but Audi is also offering a leather-free finish which uses a combination of artificial leather and fabrics made from recycled plastics and textiles.

Audi e-tron GT price

The e-tron GT will be available in five specifications from launch. The entry level e-tron GT quattro will cost £79,000 while the high-spec Vorsprung model, which incorporates many of the options packs, starts at £106,000. Above that the RS e-tron GT starts at £110,950, rising to £124,540 for the Carbon Black edition and £133,340 for the top-of-range RS Carbon Vorsprung.

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