The Audi e-tron GT is a sleek four-door saloon masquerading as a coupé; it just happens to be all-electric. That’s Audi’s philosophy when it comes to creating its new wave of petrol-free vehicles. The design is sophisticated and very modern, but it doesn’t shout “I’m electric” and that’s what customers seem to appreciate.
As part of the VW Group, Audi can share technology with the other brands in the stable, and the e-tron GT shares many components with Porsche’s Taycan. That’s a tick for the e-tron GT, given that the Taycan is one of the most critically acclaimed electric vehicles to hit the market. They have similar proportions and the shape of the glass elements gives away the family relationship, but the body design is different. It’s a good-looking car — confident but never too pleased with itself, especially in a muted body colour.
If you are looking for the difference between the two cars, the Taycan goes for a sporty crown while the e-tron GT positions itself as a sophisticated grand tourer. This is where the use of electric power can really pay dividends, offering near-silent, refined propulsion. The power comes from two electric motors, front and back, and 800V architecture gives you rapid charging time, which will help this car’s aspirations to be a long-legged tourer. You don’t need to stop for long periods while enjoying a cross-continental getaway, and the e-tron GT will get you as far as 292 miles between charges. If you have access to charging of up to 270kW, you can be fully topped up in 30 minutes. It has metal paddles on the steering wheel that can be used to increase the regenerative braking, but even in its highest setting this isn’t a car that can be driven with one pedal and, unlike some electric vehicles, you will still require the brakes to come to a complete stop.
If you pay a little extra to add the R and S letters to your car you get Audi’s “RennSport”, or racing sport division, treatment of the e-tron GT. This version is like any RS Audi, both petrol or electric, with a big extra dollop of horsepower and a firmer, more agile ride.
Once inside you are in traditional Audi territory and that’s no bad thing. It’s not overly exciting, but it is very well thought out and everything is where you need it, including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, as seen across its other models. The main difference from other Audis is how low-slung the driving position is, with all of that familiar interior architecture wrapping around you in the cosseting driving position, giving it a racier feel than most of the brand’s other models. It has a generous 10.1in touchscreen but mercifully keeps the climate controls as actual switches.
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The downsides to its swooping dramatic bodywork are slightly compromised rear seats for extra tall passengers and a boot that, although perfectly adequate at 405l, has a narrow aperture, restricting what you can fit in. There is also storage at the front, but this is relatively small and best used for the charging cables. Like many electric cars it emits an artificial motor sound in the cabin, but it’s a pleasing futuristic hum that doesn’t irritate even on long runs. That applies to the whole Audi e-tron GT package, which is very easy to live with — especially if you want an EV in your life. It will do most of the things you require a car to do on a daily basis — calm, quiet, with room for five — but will eagerly adapt when you feel the need, the need for a high-speed tourer.
