Audi finally unveiled the wraps of the 2022 e-tron GT after teasing it for years, all the way since the 2018 LA Auto Show.
Audi just upped its game in the EV world with the launch of the 2022 e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT. Instead of dwindling down the SUV route, the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer bestowed its performance sedans with one of the most striking designs in recent times. The e-tron GT will compete against its VW stablemate Porsche Taycan, and arch-rival Tesla Model S. Audi left no stone unturned with its latest creation, fitting it with all the equipment that one could think of.
Exterior
Since it was first teased to the world at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2018, the conceptual design remained mostly unchanged with the sweeping coupe-like roofline, the extended taillight strip, long wheelbase, and a 17mm lower roofline than the A7 Sportback to give it a racy appearance. The only differences from the concept are the inclusion of door handles and smaller mirrors.
The sleek contours of the car, along with the bespoke rim design, give the e-tron GT a low drag coefficient of 0.24. Audi also debuted its single-piece grille with a honeycomb pattern housing all the sensors and hardware used in intelligent assist systems. The grille is body-colored as standard, although owners can specify a grey or a black option with matching colors on the side trim and rear diffuser. Wheel sizes range from 19 to 21 inches.
Chassis and Powertrain
The 2022 Audi e-tron GT is offered in two main variants, including the standard Quattro and the RS version. The standard features a 235 hp electric motor powering the front axle and a 429 hp motor at the rear axle. The powertrain’s net combined output turns out to 469 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, but with an over-boost function, the power climbs up to 523bhp for 2.5 seconds when using launch control. The e-tron GT can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.1 secs and reaches a top speed of 152 mph.
The RS version shares the same front-mounted motor as its base sibling but gets a more powerful 450 hp motor at the rear axle. Being an RS model, the car churns out an impressive 590 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque. It also gets an overboost raising the power to 637 bhp, and its acceleration from 0-60mph only takes 3.1 seconds.
Both models get a 93 kWh battery pack (86 kWh is usable) plugged with an 800 V system similar to that of the Taycan, allowing for many faster-charging speeds. The battery pack is mounted on the chassis bed, giving it a lower center of gravity than the R8 V10. A standard 11 kW AC Charger can juice the car up with an overnight charge, while there are plans for a 22 kW charger later during the year. Audi teamed up with Ionity to develop a 270 kW DC fast charger capable of increasing the range of 62 miles in 5 minutes and from 0-80% charge in 23 mins. The official WLTP test is yet to be carried out, although it claims a range of 303 miles.
Sustainable Interior
Even though the e-tron GT is poised as a performance sedan from the exteriors, it is still a GT car at heart, meaning that it has all the gizmos to make its occupants comfortable over long journeys. The dash is fitted with two multi-function information panels, with a particular emphasis given to the drivers’ side. With an angular design language following the exterior looks, the center console housing the displays appear to be floating with a black bezel insert surrounding the display.
Despite lowering the roof by 17 mm, Audi claims an improvement in rear passenger comfort using “foot garages,” i.e., the seating position has been lowered with a cut-out battery and flat battery floor combining to lower the cabin.
Taking sustainability as its motto forward, Audi used eco-friendly materials in interiors wherever applicable and has also given the option of leather-free interiors, including recycled fabrics and seats made from polyester fibers from used PET Bottles. Nappa leather is still available to customers, though. The e-tron GT would be manufactured at Audi’s Böllinger Höfe plant and claims to have a net-zero carbon footprint.
Pricing
The e-tron GT sits almost at the top end of Audi’s offerings and starts at $99,900 with the base Premium Plus, $107,100 for the Prestige, and $139,900 for the full spec RS, with all prices excluding taxes. However, it just might be able to qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax incentives.
The 2022 Audi e-tron GT is expected to arrive on American shores this summer, with additional pricing details and real-world range estimates to be out in the next few weeks or months.
