Audi has finally, officially, revealed its range-topping electric car, the e-tron GT, in all its 'four-door coupe' glory. As we've already reported, the new EV will be offered in e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT flavours, with power of up to 597hp and maximum range of 488 kilometres. Arriving in Ireland from April this year, Audi Ireland expects the e-tron to start at in and around €100,000, putting it into direct competition with the car it shares so much of its underpinnings with, the Porsche Taycan.
Those electric bits
Both versions of the Audi e-tron GT revealed today send power to all four wheels, thanks to an electric motor on each axle. The entry-level model gets maximum outputs of 476hp and 630Nm, while the RS version tops out at 598hp and 830Nm of torque. However, a launch control function allows the power to increase to 530hp and 646hp, respectively, for a few seconds, allowing 0-100km/h times of 4.1- or 3.3 seconds. The top speeds quoted by Audi are 245- and 250km/h.
The e-tron GT uses the Taycan's innovative 800-volt electrical system, which allows faster charging. Within the wheelbase sits a large lithium-ion battery pack with a usable 85kWh capacity. The 270kW charging capability means as much as 100km of range for five minutes of charging, though the e-tron GT can be charged at an AC wallbox at 11kW, too. The standard model's range is predicted to be 488km.
More Porsche-derived technology
Keeping all that performance in check is a comprehensive suite of chassis technology. The e-tron GT quattro gets adaptive damping as standard, while the RS model adds air suspension and an active rear differential. All-wheel steering is optional on both, as are carbon ceramic brake discs. The RS version does get tungsten carbide coated discs by default. We don't yet know which alloy wheels Audi Ireland will specify for its cars; the e-tron GT is available on a range of rims, measuring 19-21 inches in diameter.
The rest of that exterior
Those wheels complement a distinctive shape that isn't all that far removed from the concept that previewed this showroom-bound car. Notable details include the Audi Quattro inspired wheelarch blisters and a full width LED light strip at the back. Inside, the e-tron GT uses some of the current Audi switchgear and detailing, but it debuts a lovely new steering wheel and has a simpler centre stack than some models in the range.
Read our review of a prototype version of the Audi RS e-tron GT here.