The field of high-performance, ultra-luxury electric sedans with six-figure price tags is getting crowded (even as the classic family sedan is fading away). The latest entry? A shapely Audi with 0-to-60 time under three seconds and a beautiful, driver-focused cockpit.
The Audi e-tron GT shares much of its chassis with the Porsche Taycan but offers more power (at least in the base model of each). The standard GT Quattro two electric motors (one on each axle) make a net total of 469 horsepower. That number spikes at 522 for 2.5 seconds with launch control. The more powerful RS model boasts a net of 590 in normal mode, which jumps to 637 with launch control.
Its all-wheel drive system can shift torque entirely to the front or rear wheels as conditions demand. A controlled differential with variable locking (standard on RS, optional on Quattro) and available 4-wheel steering should make handling very precise.
European Range of 300 Miles
In the European testing cycle, Audi says, the e-tron GT is good for 300 miles on a charge. Keep in mind U.S. tests often produce lower numbers. Audi says recharging battery from 5 percent to 80 percent takes just over 22 minutes.
The car’s sleek exterior shows its obvious genetic connection to the Taycan, but with Audi tailoring. The shoulder-line bulges of the Porsche are prominent but sport sharper creases to give it more muscle. A contour line just inside the edge of the hood and big fascia vents ahead of the front wheels do the same.
Inside, the cabin has that driver-focused feel best described as a cockpit. The seats sit low, divided by a wide console. The infotainment screen is a big one, at 12.3 inches. Entirely synthetic materials are standard, with leather an option.
The e-Tron GT Quattro starts at $99,900 plus destination fees (just squeezing in under the six-figure line), while the RS model has an MSRP of $139,900. Both should be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax incentive.
