On the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Present (a time after we might all nonetheless collect round a automotive and talk about it clearly with out masks), Audi unveiled an EV prototype that was an enormous success. The title? The Audi E-Tron GT Idea. After two-plus years of ready, the automaker is able to debut the production-ready 2022 Audi E-Tron GT, arriving on our roads with solely minor alterations from its idea predecessor.
A couple of weeks after its official presentation, we had been capable of take the wheel of the mannequin for 2 quick hours in Reims, France, for a really preliminary “first style,” stoking our appetites for a extra full drive within the coming weeks. This was a possibility to get a more in-depth have a look at the well-known platform-mate of the Porsche Taycan and to examine whether or not the E-Tron GT upholds Audi’s declare that it’s certainly a unique animal than its cousin from Stuttgart.
Love At First Sight?
Immediately, the Audi E-Tron GT wows onlookers with its spectacular design and weird particulars. Though it seems far more imposing than the Taycan 4S, the 2 truly share the identical footprint, with an equivalent 114.2-inch wheelbase and solely marginal size and width variations – the Taycan 4S spans 195.4 inches lengthy and 84.4 inches broad, whereas the Euro-spec E-Tron is up inch between the bumpers and 0.6-inch between the mirrors.
However whereas Porsche comparisons are inevitable, it additionally should be mentioned that the E-Tron can also be much more dynamic-looking than the equally sized S7 Sportback, due to a 0.2-inch-lower roofline and a few incremental size and width will increase. Prospects in one of these phase are all however assured to reply positively to the E-Tron GT’s stance, and the wind will like it too, due to a drag coefficient of 0.24 (barely up on the smoother Taycan’s 0.22).
Like the outside, the cabin isn’t any mere copy-paste of the Porsche EV, however a bona fide Audi inside. Whereas the Taycan options as much as 4 inside screens, the E-Tron GT makes do with two – a 12.3-inch Audi Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a ten.1-inch infotainment system. For our half, we discover it extra ergonomic, thanks particularly to the presence of bodily buttons for sure shortcuts. Alternatively, as within the Taycan, we nonetheless really feel a bit overwhelmed, and our tester wasn’t even outfitted with the non-compulsory MMI Contact secondary heart show.
The 2022 Audi E-Tron GT additionally is not one of the best when it comes to inside roominess, with pretty cramped rear seats. And because of a reasonably outstanding door sill (a operate of the floor-mounted batteries), you will must contort your self to get in. On the very least, baggage house should not be a problem. This European-market E-Tron GT includes a 405-liter cargo space underneath the rear hatch and an 81-liter frunk – that converts to 14.3 cubic toes and a couple of.9 cubic toes respectively, although these numbers do not essentially correspond to official US-market measuring requirements.
The 2022 Audi E-Tron GT, By The Numbers
This sporty (however not too sporty, since there’s an RS model coming) EV has two electrical motors; one mounted on the entrance axle makes 235 horsepower by itself, whereas the rear motor produces 429. Between the 2, the E-Tron GT reins in 469 ponies, with a complete of 464 pound-feet as properly. Additionally, an occasional-use “overboost” operate frees up 522 hp and 472 lb-ft, helpful for fast passes or stoplight getaways. Audi claims a 60-mile-per-hour dash of three.9 seconds and a prime velocity of 152 mph.
Just like the Taycan however not like another EVs, the E-Tron GT has a two-speed gearbox, permitting for quicker response throughout a wider velocity vary. What’s extra, a rear differential lock permits for higher grip when exiting corners or encountering unhealthy climate. Notably, the Audi’s powertrain corresponds extra carefully to that of the Taycan 4S with Efficiency Battery Plus, eclipsing each the usual Taycan 4S and the bottom Taycan when it comes to energy and velocity. Porsche will not launch its grip on flagship efficiency although; each the Taycan Turbo and Turbo S outpace the forthcoming Audi RS E-Tron GT.
So far as charging is worried, Audi claims that taking the battery from 5 p.c to 80 p.c will take 22.5 minutes with a most charging energy of 270 kW. It can take about 9 hours on a regular house charging outlet to go from 0 to 100%. On the battery facet, we’ve an 800-volt system, not a 400-volt system, which permits for a extra constant distribution of efficiency.
Comprised of 33 separate modules with 12 cells every, the battery accommodates 396 cells for a complete capability of 93.4 kilowatt-hours. Every module has an inside management unit to handle voltage and temperature. Built-in into the cooling circuit of the automotive by way of a warmth pump, the battery will be cooled or heated to be perpetually inside a super temperature window, minimizing vary degradation and prolonging battery life.
Is It Actually An Audi?
Audi claims an EPA-rated vary of 238 miles, and happily, after two hours of driving and one hour of images, we did not come near depleting the battery. In fact, such a brief drive cycle is not sufficient to essentially consider the E-Tron GT’s vary claims (we’ll want far more time for that), so we selected to spend most of our time concentrating on the EV’s dynamics and driving habits.
From the very first spin, we anticipated the E-Tron to be an ideal copy of Porsche’s Taycan, which might have been an ideal consequence for the agency with 4 rings. However we should always have listened to the corporate representatives once they mentioned that the Audi takes Porsche’s underpinnings, however applies a unique philosophy to them. You’ll be able to really feel inside the first few blocks that, true to its title, the E-Tron is extra of a GT automotive, with a softer suspension and extra subtly tuned steering.
That is not sufficient to make it a “gentle” automotive, although – fairly the alternative, with 469 hp to play with, the Audi is loads quick. However whereas the Taycan completely crushes you towards your seat, the E-Tron GT is a little more docile, with much less violent acceleration. That does not cease it from providing the driving force a dynamic expertise, and it is nonetheless very enjoyable to drive.
The 2-speed gearing is nice, and dynamic habits is healthier. Because of some climate throughout our take a look at drive, the street was notably greasy. We weren’t involved, as a result of if the E-Tron GT was as grounded as a Taycan, solely the legal guidelines of physics might cease our enthusiasm. The tires play a key function right here too, clearly. With Goodyear Eagle F1 rubber, our Audi E-Tron GT Quattro might rapidly flip right into a dancer, particularly throughout overly bold acceleration on the exit of a curve that might lead to some pleasant, controllable oversteer.
Not because the mid-engined R8 RWD has an Audi felt so sporty and playful. Much more stunning, the E-Tron GT is especially enjoyable on twisty roads, extra so than a base Porsche Taycan, which is able to choose to play the effectivity card. The Audi’s steering is much less incisive and its suspension is softer, however the result’s, presumably paradoxically, extra frisky and satisfying. And all this with out breaking your lumbar vertebrae on the slightest bump. Which may be the mark of a real GT automotive – comfy over lengthy distances, with out sacrificing the enjoyment of constructing good time over a twisty, undulating street.
In fact, it is laborious to argue with the legal guidelines of physics an excessive amount of when piloting greater than 5,000 kilos of European-market EV round. Audi does its greatest to defeat Newton, using rear-axle steering, an Audi Sport setting for the rear differential, and E-Quattro all-wheel drive that may energy the automotive in rear-drive-only mode. However all that mass interprets into plenty of inertia, so anticipating the street forward is essential. Our 2,290-kilogram (5,048-pound) take a look at automotive can rapidly take you the place you do not wish to go for those who get overly bold.
Particularly because the E-Tron’s braking shouldn’t be what delighted us most. Whereas the Audi RS E-Tron GT comes customary with tungsten carbide–handled brakes with 16.3-inch rotors and 10-piston calipers on the entrance (brakes that had been launched at Porsche a while in the past), our customary Quattro model had 14.1-inch metal brake discs and six-piston calipers. These seemingly huge brakes really feel barely undersized for such a heavy automotive (for sporting use, no less than). To not be catastrophic, they had been satisfactory for many conditions.
One other grievance, inherent in just about all electrical automobiles, is the transition from regenerative braking to friction braking. The “standard” braking system is just known as upon past a deceleration of greater than 0.39 g. It is a very complicated operation, so in consequence, little occurs in the beginning of the pedal stroke till hydraulic braking comes into motion and all of a sudden grips the discs. At first, it’s totally stunning habits, and the dearth of progressiveness hinders dynamic driving.
Counting Pennies
Pricing for the US-market 2022 Audi E-Tron GT hasn’t been fully sussed out simply but, however we all know that the bottom Quattro will begin at $99,900 plus $1,095 for vacation spot. The France-spec automotive we drove was very properly outfitted, with a 100,500-euro beginning value bolstered by a 5,400-euro Dynamic bundle (Quattro differential on the rear axle, steerable rear wheels, and adaptive air suspension) and 4,600-euro carbon fiber roof – which could not be important, since the usual E-Tron GT’s heart of gravity is already decrease than that of the R8 supercar.
Brake-wise, these aforementioned tungsten-coated discs price an extra 4,150 euros, and they are much extra appropriate for dynamic use. And if metal actually would not go well with you, Audi nonetheless presents ceramic brakes as an possibility at 10,500 euros, however they make extra sense on the high-performance RS E-Tron GT than on the much less aggressive Quattro mannequin.
For those who really need most Audi EV efficiency, you will must get in line for that RS mannequin. With a beginning value of $139,900 within the US, the RS E-Tron GT will get 590 hp (or 637 hp on overboost) and 612 lb-ft, good for a 60-mph dash of three.1 seconds and a prime velocity of 155 mph. The RS additionally comes customary with a carbon fiber roof, rear-axle steering, and the game differential, making it a neater promote to those that may possibility the usual Quattro with these options.
The E-Tron GT is constructed at Audi’s Böllinger Höfe plant in Neckarsulm, Germany – the identical facility because the R8. The primary buyer deliveries of the Audi EV, together with the higher-performance RS model, will start this summer season within the US. Particular possibility pricing and packaging can be revealed nearer to that nebulous on-sale date, however Audi will provide the E-Tron in $99,900 Premium Plus and $107,100 Status varieties, with the RS E-Tron bought in a single top-dog trim stage. These costs examine favorably to the Porsche EVs: the $79,900 Taycan rear-drive, $103,800 Taycan 4S, $109,370 Taycan 4S with Efficiency Battery Plus, $150,900 Taycan Turbo, and $185,000 Taycan Turbo S.
Parting Ideas
Although too quick, our first encounter with the latest member of Audi’s increasing E-Tron household was a pleasant shock. Some will discover the E-Tron GT to supply a bit extra enjoyable than the efficiency-minded Porsche, and the extra civilized Audi can also be completely usable every day. (In fact, like most EVs, the Audi’s user-friendliness is contingent on what charging setup one has at house.)
In any case, behind the wheel, the E-Tron GT is an effective shock, regardless of our few kilometers behind the wheel. The quick drive was tantalizing, and in contrast to different electrical automobiles, it makes us wish to uncover the 2022 Audi E-Tron GT just a little longer.
