Audi’s new all-electric GT models completely redefine the essence of high-performance

Audi has completely reset the bar on high-performance motoring with the arrival of the new e-tron GT range. Comprising three models – the Audi S e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT performance – Audi has taken this already impressive range to new heights, creating a new benchmark for all-electric performance in the process. With significantly more power than before, greater battery capacity, and increased range as well as a raft of performance and dynamic improvements, the e-tron GT range represents the very pinnacle of the brand’s powers.

The release of the Audi e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT in 2021 represented a milestone for Audi, combining a stunning aesthetic with tremendous all-electric performance. The revised e-tron GT range builds on that legacy with three breathtaking models that includes the RS e-tron GT performance, the brand’s most powerful production model ever – and by a significant margin.

“Our new all-electric GT models epitomise the Audi philosophy and are perfect examples of Vorsprung durch Technik,” says Audi Australia Director, Jeff Mannering.

“Audi has never been a brand to rest on its laurels and the new RS e-tron GT performance is the perfect example of continuously pushing the envelope.”

In addition to their extraordinary performance which includes new boost function and launch control modes, the new models also feature greater battery capacity and increased range of over 500km for each model as well as faster charging which has been increased from 270 kW to 320 kW.

New interior design and cutting-edge technology as well as a raft of other improvements cement the brand’s all-electric GT models in a class of their own.

Greater power, range and faster charging
The performance capabilities of the e-tron GT range has increased appreciably across the board, with the entry-level S e-tron GT on a par with the original RS e-tron GT. With 435kW or 500kW on boost, it boasts 740Nm of torque and hits 100km/h from standstill in just 3.4 seconds. The new RS e-tron GT offers even greater power and torque, delivering 500kW and 630kW on boost, with 865Nm of torque and a 0 to 100km/h time of 3.1 seconds. The RS e-tron GT performance takes things even further with 550 and 680kW of power on boost and a massive 1,027Nm of torque, for a sprint time of 2.5 seconds from rest to 100km/h.

In addition to this incredible performance increase, braking recuperation has increased to 400kW and the coasting recuperation increased to 0.6m/s2 and 1.3 m/s2 (previously 0.3 and 0.6). Additionally, the weight of the high-voltage battery has been reduced while simultaneously increasing its energy density and despite its higher energy content of 105 kWh gross, weighs 9kg less.

Range (WLTP) has also increased to up to 559km for the S e-tron GT, while the RS e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT performance offer up to 522 and 528km respectively. Charging too has been markedly upgraded with an additional 50kW to 320 kW, which under ideal conditions, allows charging from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes at a high-power charging outlet.

A new performance experience
The e-tron GT range offers a driving experience like never before, with a newly developed ‘push to pass’ boost function on the RS e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT performance which provides an additional 70kW of power for overtaking on demand. The launch control mode has also been significantly bolstered with a sizeable 65kW initial boost for the S e-tron GT and an enormous 130kW for the two RS variants for extraordinary performance right off the line.

Suspension has also been completely revised to make the most of the power increases and deliver handling commensurate with these levels of performance. Updated air suspension is a standard feature on the S and RS e-tron GT models, while an active suspension system, standard on the RS e-tron GT performance, is also available as an option on the RS e-tron GT.

Setting the standard for all-electric grand tourers
Across the board the all-electric GT range is impressive, starting with the S e-tron GT ($209,900*) which rides on 20-inch alloy wheels in a multi-spoke S design, with the large red brake calipers clearly visible. It features a black exterior styling package with the Audi logo and wing mirror caps also finished in black, while metallic paint is standard. There are seven exterior colours to choose from for the S e-tron GT, including Progressive red metallic which is a new colour. Another new colour, Nimbus grey pearl, is also available for the two RS variants, while Bedford green metallic is reserved for the RS e-tron GT performance.

The Singleframe centre section is painted in body colour while HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and dynamic indicators front and rear are also standard features. Exterior mirrors are electronically adjusted, heated and auto-dimming and a large panoramic glass roof floods the interior with natural light. Privacy glass, electric boot lid and adaptive air suspension are all standard, as is Audi’s e-quattro sport differential with torque vectoring and all wheel steering. The S e-tron GT features S specific exterior sound as well as dual charging ports (driver and passenger sides) an 11 kW AC on-board charger and Audi e-tron GT compact charger.

Inside, the sport front seats pro with integrated inlay and illuminated logo are covered in fine Nappa leather upholstery with the distinctive honeycomb stitching. Indeed a fine Nappa leather interior package sees the centre console, upper dashboard, door rails and armrests covered in fine Nappa leather while the door inserts are finished in Dinamica. The front seats are heated and ventilated for maximum comfort and feature 18-way electric adjustment with driver memory function. Rear seats feature 40:20:40 split fold for convenience when storing bulky items while three-zone climate control is standard along with comfort stationary remote air conditioning.

The multi-function leather-bound steering wheel is heated and features a flat top and bottom while the steering column features electric adjustment. A colour LED interior ambient lighting package changes the interior feel at the touch of a button, while graphite grey inlays, illuminated door sill trims with aluminium inlays and the pedal cluster is in stainless steel, completing the clean, sophisticated interior.

Both infotainment and the safety/assistance offerings for the e-tron GT models are impressive, from the MMI navigation plus with MMI touch response to the Audi virtual cockpit plus, Audi connect plus and 710 Watt Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 16 speakers. Audi smartphone interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Audi phone box light with wireless charging and digital radio DAB+ are all standard inclusions.

In terms of safety and driver assistance systems, the e-tron GT models come with a full suite, with adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function and traffic jam assist, as well as Audi pre-sense front and pre-sense rear, active lane assist, side assist with rear cross traffic assist and exit warning. Likewise collision avoidance assist and turn assist, intersection assist are all standard along with 360-degree cameras with kerb view, tyre pressure monitoring and head-up display.