The e-tron programme is part of the parent Volkswagen Group’s technology being applied to its sporting Porsche brand but refined and engineered for Audi customers in particular.
Audi is selling standard and RS versions of its technology with the latter adding more power and features in both SUV and sleek GT saloon styles and we tested the four-door lesser-powered version here at a more accessible price, but still a lot of money.
Our e-tron GT had the entry level 390kW output powertrain and it gave good acceleration from rest for the 2.3 tonnes car with its near seamless automatic delivery to all four wheels. There is a way to do a full-throttle launch control start to shorten the 0-62mph time but that is more brutal and not as smooth as you might expect.
Driven briskly the GT has the ability to nip around slower traffic and reduces overtaking exposure to just seconds with the power flowing very strongly while motorway cruising is effortless and nearly silent, except for some road rumbles and low wind noise from the mirror housings.
Audi has equipped the e-tron GT with three power cables: for domestic three-pin use, commercial charging via seven-pin points and an ‘industrial connector’ for business premises with dedicated supply – which I had never come across before.
We tried both three-pin and seven pin 22kWh chargers and balanced delivery through the car’s on-board charging computer each time so it went to 80% in as little as 2hrs on one occasion or would have taken overnight on domestic rates at the other end of the scale.
Suspension was very good with shock absorption taking care of the very worst bits of tarmac without letting the car roll around and pitch or dip were absent so it was a nicely cocooned cabin, but one passenger said the low rear seats behind tall and wide front seats and a high waistline did make them feel hemmed in too much.
The seats were very well shaped and supporting with excellent adjustment in front and access was straightforward. Using the boot was simple with electric operation but there was not a lot of height to the long and wide shape and the power cables’ bag filled some of that. A good sized front boot helped raise total capacity.
For the driver everything came to hand and foot as it should and without stretching or feeling restricted. The secondary controls were grouped on the wheel-spokes, column stalks or fascia and console and just a few push-switches were set apart.
Not only was the Audi e-tron GT very pleasant to look at with its smooth lines from nose to tail and over the flowing flanks but from inside you have very good sight-lines, enormous sunroof, bright intelligent headlights and effective washers/ wipers.
Everything worked with a satisfying silence and precision for the driver and even the doors closed with a reassuring muted click.
The feeling of refinement was there from looking at it before even starting out to glancing back as the driver’s door clicked shut and locked. In between it covers ground very easily, smoothly and comfortably without any signs of stress or strain and the only concern is ensuring you find a rapid charging point through which to continue the experience mile after mile.
Robin Roberts Miles Better News Agency
AutoBrief Snippets
Audi e-tron GT
Price: £83,665
Mechanical: 83.7kWH battery, 523bhp twin electric motors, automatic, 4WD
Max Speed: 152mph
0-62mph: 4.1sec
Range: 240 – 295 miles
Insurance Group: 50
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Tax costs: BiK rating2%, VED £0 First Year then £0 Standard Rate
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles mech., 8yrs/ 100K battery
Size: L4.99m, W1.97m, H1.42m
Bootspace: 490 litres
Kerbweight: 2347kg
For: Stunning 4-door GT styling, sophisticated all-electric powertrain, very comfortable, good ride, very well equipped, excellent roadholding, very strong brakes, quick acceleration and relaxed cruising, huge sunroof.
Against: Claustrophobic rear seats, shallow luggage space, intrusive road noise on bad surfaces, limited oddments room, did not feel agile due to its high weight.