Audi e-tron GT – advantage through solidity and price

February 9, 2021 Fiona Smith

Today Audi presented the e-tron GT: Although it doesn’t live up to Audi’s claim “Vorsprung durch Technik” at first glance, I still believe that it has the right ingredients to be a success.

The addition to the name of the e-tron GT already reveals that the latest car in the Audi fleet is a Grand Turismo.

You probably know the abbreviation GT behind the model name of a car. It stands for Gran Turismo (Italian), English Grand Touring, French Grand Tourisme, regardless of which language you prefer, it always translates freely as “big trip”. It also describes the intended use of the original GT vehicles. They were comfortable and well motorized (sports) cars that are suitable for long journeys.

In the case of the e-tron GT, the Grand Turismo properties can be recognized by the coupe-like design of the four-door and the good performance values of the electric motors.

If you take a closer look at the e-tron GT, you will quickly see similarities and parallels to the Porsche Taycan, which is related to the group – which I consider to be the current reference among electric cars.

The e-tron GT is supposed to share “only” 60 percent of its parts with the Taycan, but I have the feeling that these are the important parts and I believe that the e-tron GT therefore has a good chance of success for Audi will.

Technical data e-tron GT

Since this is only a comment, I will limit myself to the data that are most important to me in the first comment.

800 V board network
Usable battery capacity 85 kWh (93 kWh gross)
two permanent magnet synchronous motors with 476 PS and 630 Nm (in the RS model: 598 PS and 830 Nm)
Range 472 km (WLTP)

Hopefully I will soon be able to take a closer look at the technology again, but for the moment I consider the above points to be the most important. The other technology such as infotainment and assistance systems are up to date with the Audi standard.

At first glance, the Audi e-tron GT is not a vehicle for me that has a head start on technology. He literally trails the competition in most categories. But that doesn’t mean that he could be a hot candidate for the overall victory.

When you look into the interior you can see the typical Audi design language. The 12.3 ”Audi Virtual Cockpit is accompanied by a 10.1” MMI display. To be honest, I have to say that I was a bit shocked because when controlling the air conditioning, you switched back to the classic control with buttons and knobs instead of a second touch display. But the geek in me may speak, as in my experience most customers prefer this service.

The infotainment system is a good example of the solidity mentioned in the title. There will hardly be a driver who cannot get along with the Audi MMI, on the other hand, Audi will not win a flower pot with the geeks and tech freaks. With the e-tron GT, Audi is focusing more on the general public.

Design e-tron GT

As is well known, one can argue about taste and design. What I personally like most is that the e-tron GT GT is not an SUV. I know that SUV models are one of the most popular product categories, but personally I’m not a fan of it.

In terms of design, the Audi e-tron GT is on a level with the Tesla Model S and Model 3. Whether you like the design or not is up to you to decide.

Personally, I like it a lot, even if it is difficult to judge a car from just pictures and videos. It is strongly reminiscent

e-tron GT – advantage yes or no?

I notice even as I write these lines that the whole thing sounds a bit negative. In fact, I’m very positive about the e-tron GT.

In terms of technical values, the Audi doesn’t have any major weaknesses in my opinion. Fast charging with 800V is more important to me personally than a huge battery capacity.

The design and operating concept will appeal to all those people who are already familiar with Audi.

Compared to the Porsche Taycan, the Audi e-tron GT will be a lot cheaper. The Audi brand image will also support the car positively. While Porsche stands for absolute sportiness, Audi is located more in the middle of society and will thus achieve greater acceptance and accessibility.

The e-tron GT is certainly not a bargain, but it is a beacon that shines into an electric future at Audi.

In a certain way, the claim “Vorsprung durch Technik” may be correct in the end. Technically, it will probably be a very balanced overall package, which in the end the success may prove to be right.