Audi has revealed its updated e-tron GT lineup, featuring the typical minor exterior styling tweaks, a host of new interior features, and a staggering increase in power.
The updates follow similar changes to the Porsche Taycan, a model from which Audi borrows much of its chassis and battery technology.
As a result, the Audi e-tron sees the usable power of its battery packs increase from 84 kWh to 97 kWh, with maximum charging speeds increasing from 270 kW to a maximum of 320 kW from suitable fast charging sockets.
Charging speeds improve naturally: the high-voltage battery charges from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes via a high-power charging station. In 10 minutes, it can add up to 174 miles of range.
But it's the power output that has made many sit up and take notice, as the range-topping RS e-tron GT Performance (clumsy, we know) comes with an impressive 912bhp. In this way, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes only 2.5 seconds.
To put this into perspective, the mighty Audi R8 managed around 612bhp from a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine. This innovative but somewhat practical supercar offered a relatively slow 0-100 km/h time of 3.1 seconds.
By contrast, the latest e-tron GT has four doors, interior space for five and enough space in the boot or boot for the weekly grocery shop.
If the full 912 hp isn't exactly your thing, you can always opt for the base twin-motor version, which now goes by the name S e-tron GT and offers a frankly embarrassing 671 hp power output, still enough to What a shame for a modern Ferrari.
Audi says the driving experience has also improved with the introduction of air suspension as standard across the range.
There is also the option of an active system that tilts the body when cornering and counteracts the forces felt when accelerating and braking, similar to the system we see in the renewed Porsche Panamera.
In terms of exterior styling, it's now slightly easier to differentiate between the S and RS models, with the latter featuring a more aggressive front grille with dark inserts on the edges that make it appear wider.
Inside, there's a new flat top and bottom steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons that handle the car's key functions. On both RS models, there are two large buttons that operate the drive modes and initiate custom drive mode settings.
Electric vehicles are breaking the supercar regulations
For now, pricing is only available for the German market, where the new e-tron GT will start at €126,000 for the S model (around $135,300/£106,500/AU$203,300), rising to €147,500 for the RS (around $158,400 / £124,670 / AU$238,000) and a maximum of €160,500 (around $172,400 / £135,650 / $AU259,000) for the RS Performance model.
It won't be cheap, but with an R8-sized gap in the Audi range (production stopped in March this year), the German brand is turning to its e-tron to act as a high-performance product that appeals. to the newcomers. its electrified range.
Despite the ridiculous power available, the e-tron GT arguably won't bring the gut-wrenching thrills of the outgoing supercar. But it cannot be denied that it is the most practical and technically accomplished option of the group. Proof that you can have your cake and eat it in the age of electric vehicles.
