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Audi has unveiled its top-end e-tron GT and even its top-end RS e-tron GT electric coupe, both built with electric drive technology originally designed for the Porsche Taycan electric sports car.
While leaked images just a few days ago gave some of the first teasers of Audi’s latest pure electric offering, the German automaker has revealed all the details and specs.
Due to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2021, the new Gran Turismo-style e-tron is offered in two variants, starting with the “entry-level” quattro at a base price of € 99,800 ($ 156,240 / day). today). rates). This is joined by the top-end RS e-tron quattro, priced at € 138,200 ($ A216,356 at today’s rates).
Both are key components of Audi’s efforts to spearhead the expensive but lucrative market for premium electric sedans, versus Tesla’s flagship Model S, which has just undergone some serious updates.
Billed as “sporty, electric, and trailblazing,” both push the limits of Audi’s electrical efforts to date.
Design-wise, the e-tron GT is a sleek four-door coupe that would seem to live up to Audi’s goal of offering a vehicle that evokes desire and, dare we say, a little envy.
But it’s what’s under the hood, or rather the floor, that really counts.
With a 487km driving range (WLTP) from its 85kWh battery (usable capacity), the entry-level e-tron GT generates 350kW of power (approximately 470hp) from its dual-motor setup on the front and rear axles combined. , surpassing the e -Tron quattro SUV’s 300kW by 50kW level.
The RS version takes it to the next level with 440 kW (about 590 hp), while both models are equipped with a two-speed transmission motor on the rear axle.
Sadly, the rumored 520 kW three-engine powertrain that was thought to rival the Tesla Model S Plaid was not revealed for the RS-etron during Audi’s online event on Tuesday night (Australian time). ).
However, the launch control pushes those numbers up to 390 kW and 475 kW respectively for up to 2.5 seconds, long enough for hearts to beat and palms to sweat.
Using launch control will propel the e-tron GT to 100 kilometers per hour in 4.1 seconds from a standing start, while the RS version does the sprint in 3.3 seconds. Top speeds are 245 lm / h and 250 km / h, respectively.
As with the Porsche Taycan, due to launch in Australia imminently, an 800-volt architecture offers one of the fastest charging speeds on the market today, although while 350 kW is theoretically possible, Audi, like Porsche, limits top loading by software. speed to 270kW for now.
That’s enough to add a 100km driving range in just five minutes, and it would be safe to assume that when the e-tron GT arrives in Australia it will benefit from the e-tron’s 6-year courtesy fast-charging agreement on Chargefox 350kW. ultrafast. sites.
Charging at these speeds calls for a serious cooling system, which Audi says it has tackled with four separate coolant circuits to ensure optimal battery performance when driving and charging.
On an AC charger, a charging speed of up to 11kW allows the e-tron GT to charge in less than eight hours, and Audi says an optional 22kW charger will be available after market launch.
Audi promises a smooth ride in the e-tron GT, with suspension tuned for comfort and dynamics thanks to drive select, all-wheel steering, controlled damping, three-chamber air suspension, electric all-wheel drive and rear axle differential. to block.
Standard driver assistance features include lane departure warnings and cruise control, while additional driver assistance features are divided into packages called “tour,” “city,” and “parking.” For example, adaptive cruise control is included in the “tour” package, remote parking assistant is included in the “park” package.
Audi does not specify whether connectivity such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, but it did confirm that MMI navigation plus media center comes standard as with the e-tron SUV, bundled with LTE Advanced with integrated wi-fi access point.
Additional connectivity services include Audi emergency call and connection, hazard warnings and roadside parking finder via car-to-X, and the e-tron route planner.
Bridie Schmidt is a lead reporter for The Driven, Renew Economy’s sister site. He specializes in writing about new technologies and has been writing about electric vehicles for two years. She has a keen interest in the role zero-emission transportation should play in sustainability and is a co-organizer of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum.
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