Reviewing the Audi e-Tron GT Saloon

The Audi e-Tron GT Saloon review

“Electric cars are boring …”  a historic statement which was often lamented by those UK customers who were not so enthusiastic about this new form of motoring. And with some of the early innovations perhaps adding creditability to this, with basic and understated external designs coupled with lower capacity batteries, there was some suspicion that the UK’s transition to all-electric fleets would be a difficult one.

But around 2018 / 2019 in the build up to the events of Covid, there a was noticeable shift in manufacturer attitudes towards creating luxury and performance cars; vehicles which would sit side-by-side against the Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche of this world. And with the car shown, the Audi e-Tron GT a fully electric sports car was made available in late 2020 to our UK customers who wanted the eco-lifestyle but with a little more excitement and dynamism.

While COVID may have been an initial concern for most EV-producing car and van manufacturers, the ensuing pandemic actually served as a catalyst and motivator for a change in car buying habits. Lower mileages, environmental consciousness and a more considered approach to a sustainable future almost certainly prevailed.

Indeed, as the SMMT  data provides, in August 2020 over 80,000 new cars were registered in the UK compared to the 68,000 registered in August 2022. The move towards electric transport has not been a painless one however, with a series of obstacles in the way towards the ongoing Government plans for a decarbonised 2030 and beyond.

Car shortages, parts shortages, reducing discounts and increasing prices have created a more difficult platform for businesses like ours to maintain momentum. In a recent article from the FT, some of this was highlighted in the form of “costly leasing deals”, as factor in reducing the progression.

And with a recent energy crisis, culminating in the Government agreeing a 34p/kWh tariff -  the reasons for electric were seemingly diminishing. Indeed, it was reputed that the domestic UK households would incur 50p/kWh tariffs and beyond, making it double, if not triple, the cost to fuel your vehicle. This is why the e-car lease website is so respected, as we always reflect the maximum tariff you will pay so that you a) ascertain the cost of a full tank; and b) calculate a cost per mile for understanding running costs. As you note below on the e-Tron GT sport car, the confirmed energy price cap and standard variable tariffs is great news.

Example - Audi e-Tron GT Saloon 390kW Quattro 93kWh 4dr Auto running costs

The updated position on energy costs and improving supply chain is as good news to the supercar and performance aspects of the all-electric industry as it is for the other options. While a niche segment, these types of EVs are important for attracting interest and demonstrate just what is achievable with electric motors.

Brands like Audi, who have just a positive reputation and following in the UK, are instrumental in encouraging the crossover to EV. The e-tron GT is based on the same platform as the Porsche Taycan, another leading EV sports car, and is available in some key specifications including:

•  E-tron GT (base) - at £84,325.00 the standard model offers 20” alloys, LED headlights, MMI navigation plus, sport seats with electric adjustment, panoramic roof, privacy glass, power-operated tailgate, heated front seats, climate control, 3-spoke leather flat bottom steering wheel, 12.3” Virtual Cockpit, keyless go, rear view camera, parking system plus and wireless charging;        
• E-tron GT (Comfort and Sound) - at £87,825.00 this model offers matrix LED headlights, Bang & Olufsen premium sound, ambient lighting package and parking assistance package with remote parking (surround view camera and memory function folding mirrors)

•  E-tron GT (Comfort and Sound Plus) - at £92,425.00 this model adds adaptive air suspension, seat ventilation, sport seats pro and full leather with a honeycomb pattern;

•  E-tron GT (Vorsprung) - at £110,335.00 this model offers the same battery performance as the above but with some subtle additions and enhancements. This benefits from upgraded 20” 5-spoke aero alloys, matrix LED lights, carbon twill inlays, air suspicion, acoustic glazing, black dinamica headlining, night vision assistant, city assist pack, tour pack and adaptive cruise - essentially for those drivers needing the full specification experience!
•  RS e-tron GT - at £115,235.00 the RS model is all about performance and driver experience. A base model is far from bereft on the specification with key options like 21” alloys, matrix LED lights, sport seat pro, adaptive air suspension and Bang & Olufsen sound all included. Pay £128,825.00 and upgrade to the Carbon Black edition if you want the upgraded 21” black alloys, carbon styling, RS interior, carbon twills and alcantara steering wheel. Or pay £137,625.00 for the top of the line Carbon Vorsprung if you want to add every conceivable option like the night vision assist, head up display, parking assist, city assist pack and ventilated / massage front seats.

But what about the battery and driving experience with e-tron GT - does it actually deliver on speed, range and charging?

• The standard e-tron - this is based on an 85 kWh usable battery which offers 390 kW (or 523hp) for 4.1 second 0 - 62 times and 152mph top speeds. In terms of range, expect this to offer around 220 miles on a full charge (in winter) and 295 miles in warmer temperatures. In terms of charging times, the 11 kW AC maximum allows for 9 hour and 15 minute 0 - 100% charging times with the 268 kW rapid charge max allowing for 17 minute 10 - 80 % capabilities. A vehicle fuel equivalent of 124 mpg (to compare to your petrol supercar), this option still offers 405L of cargo volume; and
•  The RS e-tron - this is based on an 85 kWh usable battery which offers 475 kW (or 637hp) for 3.3 second 0 - 62 times and 155mph top speeds. In terms of range, expect this to offer around 210 miles on a full charge (in winter) and 285 miles in warmer temperatures. In terms of charging times, the 11 kW AC maximum allows for 9 hour and 15 minute 0 - 100% charging times with the 268 kW rapid charge max allowing for 17 minute 10 - 80 % capabilities. A vehicle fuel equivalent of 119 mpg (to compare to your petrol supercar), this option still offers 366L of cargo volume.

But the e-tron is not unopposed in its ambition to become the UK’s best (and fastest) EV sports car. With the equivalent Porsche Taycan (in saloon, cross turismo and sports turismo format), the BMW i4 M50, the luxury Mercedes EQS and the upcoming Lotus Evija all equally exciting, this is set to be a competitive segment in the electric car market.

Audi E-TRON GT SALOON 390kW Quattro 93kWh 4dr Auto [C+S]

In terms of the car shown, the Audi E-TRON GT SALOON 390kW Quattro 93kWh 4dr Auto [C+S], this is based on the following configuration:

•  Metallic - Suzuka grey
•  Twin leather - Black
• 20" aluminium alloy wheels in a 5 twin spoke design in platinum look
•  Front and rear door sill trims with aluminium inlays

What is the range of the Audi e-tron GT?

What is the battery capacity and charging speed on the Audi e-tron GT?

How long does it take to charge the Audi e-tron GT?

What is the company car tax on the Audi e-tron GT?

Where can I charge the Audi e-tron GT?