To further beef up its EV game, Audi has also on offer an RS version to the e-Tron GT
Remember the Audi E-Tron GT concept from the 2018 LA Auto Show? Well, the same all-electric sedan has now finally hit the production lines! Audi has launched the E-Tron GT Quattro in the global market. As already speculated, the E-Tron GT has strict mechanical ties to the Porsche Taycan electric sportscar that is already on sale in many global markets. To further beef up their EV game, Audi has also added an RS trim to the E-Tron GT.
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As evident from the name, the E Tron GT is an all-electric Gran tourer, which essentially means that albeit offering comparable performance levels to the Porsche Taycan, the E Tron GT is much more usable and practical car. With prices starting at €99,800 (Rs. 88.14 lakh) for the Quattro and €138,200 (Rs. 1.22 crore) for the RS trims, the E Tron is relatively cheaper than its Porsche cousin in the home market.
The RS E-Tron GT stays remarkably close to the 2018 concept in its design. All that you would find different from the concept would be a few ‘strictly showcar’ elements. Other than these, no line or no crease has had a change from the early proto. The E Tron is quite low-slung and wide and has a sloping roofline, something which Audi usually calls by the name ‘Sportback’.
Powertrain
The key talking point on the E Tron is its all-electric powertrain. This performance sedan is built on Porsche’s new age J1 performance platform, which underpins the Taycan as well. The E-Tron gets a twin-motor setup, a 175 kWh motor at the front, and a 320 kWh unit at the rear ( the GT gets 335 kWh though) on both the standard and the RS versions. On the E Tron GT, these motors churn out 494 hp and 630Nm, while on the RS guise, it is a huge 598hp and 830Nm. Turn on the launch control and you will see the power figures shoot to 522hp and 636hp. Plus, there is the Taycan’s smart two-speed automatic transmission here as well, providing for better low-speed acceleration and efficiency.
Performance And Dynamics
The E-Tron GT RS does the 0-100 sprint in 3.3 seconds while the regular Quattro takes 3.9 seconds for the same. While the RS has a top speed of 255 kmph, the regular car has a good 245 kmph. The highly aerodynamic design of the car further facilitates its breathtaking performance. The E-Tron has a drag coefficient of 0.24, courtesy of the carefully drawn design and the smart air-channelling tricks onboard the car.
The E Tron has a really low stance, rear diff-lock, and carefully controlled dampers (You can of course opt for a 3-chamber air suspension as well). You also sit quite low as the E Tron GT has a center of gravity that it lower than that of an Audi R8! These, along with stuff like AWD, and All-wheel steering ups the overall dynamics and handling of the car. The E Tron gets Carbon Ceramic discs for flawless braking at all speeds.
Range
The E Tron GT comes powered by an 85 kWh battery pack, which would give it a range of around 480km per charge. Much like the Taycan, the Audi E Tron GT also supports DC fast charging. Plug in to a fast charger and you could charge for another 60 miles in just five minutes. This is definitely not something you would hear about every other EV out here. Audi has introduced a thermal management system which works in sync with the new 800V electrical architecture, to precondition the battery pack to the optimum temperature for the fastest possible charging speeds.
Interior
The E Tron GT has a cabin that is highly premium, usable and comfortable. It has plenty of physical controls and a decently sized infotainment screen. Audi has refrained from using actual leather for the E Tron’s upholstery and has gone for something made with a high percentage of recycled material instead. Also, think of this car as a decent four-seater, where the rear seats are not just for name’s sake.
India Launch?
While Audi India has given out no official word as to when or if at all they would be bringing the E Tron GT to our shores, we expect the same to happen sometime in 2022. Audi India is planning to bring in their EV lineup in a matter of months, by launching the E Tron SUV to pilot the EV saga. With Porsche known to be readying the Taycan for a soon-to-happen India launch as well, we definitely hope Audi to bring in the E Tron GT in another year or so…
