Audi recently unveiled the production version of its electric e-tron GT that is a rival to Porsche’s Taycan and Tesla's Model S.

The four-door high-performance coupe is the start of a new era for the German brand as premium and luxury manufacturers up their EV line-up.

Due to arrive in New Zealand in mid-2021, there will be two models introduced to the local market, the e-tron GT quattro and the RS e-tron GT. 

The e-tron GT quattro generates 350kW of power and 650Nm of torque, while the RS e-tron GT achieves maximum power of 440kW and maximum torque of 830Nm. Launch control adds a boost function, which can increase the power figures to 390kW and 475kW respectively.

The range of up to 487 kilometres is made possible by the battery’s net capacity of 85kWh, and the 800-volt technology enables fast DC charging with an output of up to 270 kW.

At 4.99m long, 1.96m wide and only 1.41m tall, the E-tron GT is just under 3cm longer and taller than the Porsche Taycan, which shares its architecture, and is virtually identical in width. The roof is 17mm lower than an Audi A7 Sportback.

Some international motoring writers have now had a chance to test the electric sedan.

Top Gear UK

“This is the Audi e-tron GT, the sister car to the Porsche Taycan – based on the same VW Group J1 platform and containing much of the same technology – albeit wrapped in an extremely sharp suit. It’s not the first pure-electric Audi of course, that title goes to its ever-growing line-up of e-tron SUVs, but it’s definitely the most exciting.

So, the Audi is being pitched as more of a rapid GT than a four-door sports car. Fast, but not as fast as the Porsche.

Despite sharing its bones and gizzards with the Taycan, both cars won’t be built in the same place. The e-tron GT will be assembled alongside the R8 at Audi’s Neckarsulm factory, which puts a bit of a cap on the number it can build, initially at least. 

Audi reckons “something in the high four figures” a year is achievable – so roughly a 10,000-unit ceiling – compared to the 20,000-odd Taycans Porsche flogged in 2020.”

Car Wow UK

“As the future of Audi’s RS models, the RS e-tron makes cars like RS6 and RS7 feel like morse-code machines at a Silicon Valley show.

Despite having huge wheels and rubber-band tyres, the RS e-tron GT is perfectly comfortable in Comfort mode, and even when you switch it into Dynamic it’s still fine.

The RS e-tron GT weights a portly 2.3 tonnes, which you’d think would prove troublesome on a twisty road, but it isn’t so. The Audi changes direction well, helped by the four-wheel steering, four-wheel drive and rear limited-slip differential, plus the fact that the batteries are stored in the floor, lowering its centre of gravity. It grips strongly, too, but if there’s a downside, it’s that the brakes feel a touch artificial at first.

As with most electric cars, the Audi RS e-tron GT is very quiet indeed, although you can pay a bit extra for it to make a noise. Oh yes, Audi has engineered in an optional unusual electronic ‘whoom’ noise when you accelerate. “

Car Magazine UK

“It only takes four or five of Milton Keynes’ 130 roundabouts to understand the Audi e-Tron GT quattro is a very different car to the Porsche Taycan. Despite sharing the same bespoke electric J1 platform – developed jointly by Audi and Porsche – the second e-Tron seems to have more in common with a combustion-engined S7 stepsibling, than its electric twin from Stuttgart.  

The Audi’s performance doesn’t arrive in bottomless servings like the Porsche’s, nor is it point-and-click like a Tesla. Instead, the e-Tron GT’s power is progressive, its torque flat – and it makes the Audi effortlessly accumulate speed as opposed to gaining it instantly.  

Riding on air – optional in the quattro but standard in the RS – our test car was firm but well-mannered around town and pliable on B-roads. Motorways were equally quiet in the e-Tron GT; even in Dynamic mode, the Audi’s adaptive suspension soaked up bumps from expansion joints, choosing not to send them straight to the drivers’ seat.

The added comfort comes at the expense of outright handling, so body roll and dive – when you step on the tungsten carbide-coated steel brakes – does creep in. Empty the quattro’s power reserves on the exit of a corner, and you’ll also get the bonnet to rise a little, along with some sideways sway as Audi’s all-wheel-drive claws you down the road.”

Edmonds USA

“Rather than follow the solitary big touchscreen design from Tesla and Ford, the e-tron GT sticks with a more traditional layout, and for that, we're thankful. There are enough physical buttons to allow for quick adjustments without having to take your eyes off the road to swipe through on-screen menus. The touchscreen is also canted toward the driver for easier operation.

We haven't yet had the opportunity to examine the interior in person, but Audi assures us that the rear seats can accommodate adult passengers thanks to a low seating position and space for your feet under the front seats.

In keeping with the e-tron's eco-friendly theme, many of the interior materials are derived from recycled textiles and plastic bottles. These include the upholstery fabric, interior trim elements and the headliner.

Audi has historically been known for its smart use of technology, and the e-tron GT carries on this tradition. Unlike some emerging rivals, however, Audi takes a more pragmatic approach: It enhances a familiar interface rather than rewrite the book.

All of the typical advanced safety features (forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control) are standard or available. Other features include a head-up display, remote park assist, night vision and driver assistants that are found in many Audi vehicles and competitors.

To help drivers on long trips, a route planner integrated into the navigation system will suggest spots to recharge the battery. It will also precondition the battery temperature for optimal charge efficiency to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.”