The Audi e-tron GT is a very important car for the Ingolstadt company, because it is the first new generation electric car to leave the SUV sector to enter the limousine sector. This timing is not accidental, but is the result of a precise strategy within the Volkswagen Group. In fact, while Audi made its debut in zero emissions with the e-tron, Porsche’s cousins did the same with the Taycan, of which the e-tron GT is a very close relative.
Both flagships originate from the J1 platform, which was originally developed in Zuffenhausen and then shared. Thus, although stylistically very different, the two cars share proportions and measurements, around five meters long and two meters wide. Numbers that also lead to a non-negligible mass, greater than 24 quintals in running order, but it is the price to pay for having a large battery pack and four-wheel drive configured by two separate electric motors, one for each axle.
The Audi e-tron GT is available in two variants, a “quiet” 530 hp and another more high-performance 646 hp which was developed by Audi Sport and therefore earns the acronym RS. It is a model of some relevance in the history of the Four Rings, because it is the most powerful production car ever built. Of all this you are not aware of while driving on the highway at code speed.
The silence is almost absolute, total comfort. We are traveling from Milan to Forte dei Marmi, with the idea of simulating a realistic journey of a potential owner, who can count on a declared maximum range (WLTP approved) of 472 km. The distance that separates the Lombard capital from the most famous town in Versilia is just under 300 km, so there shouldn’t be any problem.
Indeed, if there were an unexpected event such as a long queue, we would be more relaxed here than on a thermal car with the reserve warning light on, since the electric in stop and go situations consume very little.
But the traffic is flowing and the Audi e-tron GT RS proceeds in efficiency mode, that is the one that allows the best distances: it limits the maximum speed to 140 km / h, lowers the car by a couple of centimeters and closes the movable bulkheads. for cooling the battery, bringing the Cx to an incredible 0.24. The difference is immediately seen in the residual autonomy indicator which gains about ten kilometers; on the contrary, by selecting the dynamic mode, the number of km that can be traveled is reduced. It also drastically reduces if you let yourself be tempted by the 830 Nm of torque that comes instantly. Accelerating fully, from any pace, the thrust is instantaneous, overflowing and glues to the seat, stopping only at the 250 km / h of the limiter. The classic 0-100 km / h, on the other hand, is closed in 3.3 seconds with the stomach trying to see the kidneys. But the e-tron GT RS is not only satisfying on the straight.
The 50:50 weight distribution, the low center of gravity, the active rear differential, the adaptive triple chamber air suspension and the parametric steering configure a high level dynamics. We tested it on the Cisa Pass, where this Audi generates a speed and a level of grip that few cars can match; you just have to pay attention to the dimensions and inertia because the laws of physics are always the same even for electric cars. In this regard, the lithium-ion battery is 93 kWh (85 kWh effective) and the 800 Volt electrical system allows charging in alternating current (AC) up to 22 kW and in direct current (DC) up to 270 kW. It means that in 5 minutes, columns permitting, 100 km can be recovered. Like all Audi, the e-tron GT RS also has the connected infotainment, while the driver assistance systems are the most complete available in the range; also there are gadgets such as the digital sound that copies the powertrain delivery.
Audi e-tron GT RS, the factsheet
What is that: the first electric Audi flagship, also in the RS version. It was born on the same platform as the Porsche Taycan
Dimensions: length 4.96 meters, width 1.97 m height 1.38 m step 2.90 m
Trunk: 350 liters
Motor: synchronous with permanent magnets
Exchange: automatic with two ratios
Traction: integral variable at 100%
Benefits: performance, design, on-board technology, driving pleasure
Defects: small trunk, price
Production: Heilbronn, Germany
Prices: The price list of the Audi e-tron GT starts at 105,800 euros, for the RS version it goes up to 147,800 euros
