Overview
The Audi e-tron GT represents the pinnacle of Audi’s electric vehicle ambitions, serving as the brand’s flagship performance EV in the increasingly competitive luxury electric segment. Sharing its platform with the Porsche Taycan, this four-door gran turismo combines stunning aesthetics with cutting-edge electric performance, effectively translating Audi’s distinguished design language into the electric era.
First introduced to the U.S. market in 2021, the e-tron GT makes an immediate visual impact with its low-slung profile, aggressive stance, and meticulously sculpted body. At just 55.6 inches tall and with a width of 77.3 inches, the e-tron GT presents a wide, planted appearance that communicates its performance intentions. The distinctive sloping roofline, muscular haunches, and matrix LED headlights create a silhouette that remains unmistakably Audi while pushing the brand’s design language forward.
Available in two primary variants in the American market—the standard e-tron GT quattro and the high-performance RS e-tron GT—this electric grand tourer competes directly with vehicles like the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, and Mercedes-Benz EQS. What distinguishes the Audi in this competitive set is its harmonious balance of performance, luxury, and daily usability, wrapped in a package that manages to appear both futuristic and timelessly elegant.
Driving
The driving experience of the Audi e-tron GT showcases the unique advantages of electric performance vehicles while maintaining the dynamic characteristics Audi enthusiasts expect. The standard e-tron GT quattro delivers 469 horsepower (boosted to 522 hp with overboost function), while the RS variant produces an impressive 590 horsepower (637 hp with overboost), enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.1 seconds.
What distinguishes the e-tron GT’s driving character is the sophistication of its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. Unlike mechanical quattro systems, the e-tron GT uses individually controlled electric motors at each axle, allowing for precise torque vectoring that enhances both performance and stability. The result is exceptional traction in all conditions, a critical consideration for American buyers across diverse climates from snowy Northeast winters to rain-slicked Pacific Northwest roads.
The vehicle’s 93.4 kWh battery pack (83.7 kWh usable) is integrated into the floor structure, creating a low center of gravity that contributes to the car’s remarkable cornering stability. This architecture, combined with standard air suspension and available four-wheel steering, delivers handling that belies the vehicle’s substantial weight of approximately 5,100 pounds. The adaptive air suspension provides a range of ride heights, lowering the vehicle at highway speeds for improved aerodynamics and raising it to navigate steep driveways or rough road surfaces.
The e-tron GT’s EPA-estimated range of 238 miles for the standard model and 232 miles for the RS variant positions it competitively within its segment, though still behind the Tesla Model S. However, the Audi compensates with 800-volt architecture enabling DC fast charging at rates up to 270 kW, allowing a charge from 5% to 80% in approximately 22 minutes under ideal conditions. This advanced charging capability makes the e-tron GT particularly well-suited for interstate travel along America’s expanding fast-charging networks.
Braking performance merits special mention, as the e-tron GT employs a sophisticated blended system that seamlessly transitions between regenerative and friction braking. Unlike some EVs that rely heavily on single-pedal driving, the e-tron GT offers adjustable regeneration levels but defaults to a more conventional driving feel that will be immediately familiar to those transitioning from traditional luxury performance vehicles.
Interior
The interior of the Audi e-tron GT exemplifies the brand’s reputation for exceptional cabin design, blending premium materials with thoughtfully integrated technology. The dashboard architecture follows a driver-oriented layout with Audi’s now-familiar dual-screen approach, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment functions and a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display replacing traditional gauges.
Material quality throughout the cabin is exemplary, with standard leather-free upholstery (a nod to sustainability) or optional Nappa leather. The flagship RS model adds microfiber suede elements and additional carbon fiber trim. Front seats provide excellent support during spirited driving while maintaining comfort for longer journeys, a critical balance for a grand touring vehicle. The driving position is decidedly sports-car-like, with occupants sitting low in the cabin, though visibility remains surprisingly good for a vehicle with such dramatic exterior styling.
Despite its coupe-like profile, the e-tron GT offers reasonable practicality by segment standards. Rear-seat accommodations can comfortably transport two adults, though the sloping roofline does impact headroom for taller passengers. The rear cargo area provides 14.0 cubic feet of space, supplemented by a small 2.9 cubic-foot front trunk (frunk) for charging cables or small items. While not voluminous, this storage capacity proves adequate for weekend getaways or daily utility.
The standard technology suite is comprehensive, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bang & Olufsen premium audio, and an extensive driver assistance package. The cabin maintains exceptional sound isolation, with wind and road noise effectively minimized—a particularly important quality in an electric vehicle where the absence of engine noise makes other sound sources more noticeable.
Climate control deserves special mention, as the e-tron GT employs an efficient heat pump system that helps preserve range in colder climates—an important consideration for buyers in northern U.S. regions where conventional EV range can be significantly impacted during winter months.
Buying
Purchasing an Audi e-tron GT in the United States represents a significant investment, with the standard quattro model starting at approximately $104,900 and the RS variant commanding $143,900 before options, destination charges, or applicable incentives. This positioning places the e-tron GT in direct competition with the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S.
The standard e-tron GT quattro comes well-equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive air suspension, matrix LED headlights, and leather-free upholstery. The Premium Plus package adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and head-up display, while the Prestige package further introduces adaptive cruise control, remote parking, and noise-insulating glass.
The RS e-tron GT includes most of these features as standard, along with upgraded performance components, carbon fiber roof (optional on the standard model), and distinctive exterior styling elements. Notable options across both models include performance packages with rear-wheel steering, carbon-ceramic brakes, and additional cosmetic enhancements.
From a practical perspective, Audi provides a limited warranty covering 4 years or 50,000 miles, with the battery component separately warranted for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Three years of included maintenance adds value to the ownership proposition. New e-tron GT purchases may qualify for federal tax incentives depending on current legislation and the buyer’s tax situation, potentially reducing the effective purchase price.
Audi’s dealer network offers a more traditional sales experience compared to Tesla’s direct-to-consumer model, which some buyers may prefer. The company’s partnership with Electrify America provides e-tron GT owners with 250 kWh of complimentary charging, though this represents a more modest incentive compared to some competitors.
Residual values remain somewhat unpredictable given the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market, though Audi’s strong brand position and the e-tron GT’s limited production numbers suggest reasonable value retention. Lease options may provide an attractive alternative for those concerned about potential technological obsolescence in this rapidly advancing segment.
Specs & Prices
Technical Specifications
- Powertrain: Dual synchronous electric motors with all-wheel drive
- Battery: 93.4 kWh (83.7 kWh usable)
- Power:
- e-tron GT quattro: 469 hp (522 hp with overboost)
- RS e-tron GT: 590 hp (637 hp with overboost)
- Torque:
- e-tron GT quattro: 464 lb-ft
- RS e-tron GT: 612 lb-ft
- Transmission: 2-speed automatic (rear motor only)
- 0-60 mph:
- e-tron GT quattro: 3.9 seconds
- RS e-tron GT: 3.1 seconds
- Top Speed:
- e-tron GT quattro: 152 mph
- RS e-tron GT: 155 mph
- EPA Range:
- e-tron GT quattro: 238 miles
- RS e-tron GT: 232 miles
- Charging:
- AC Level 2 (11 kW): 0-100% in approximately 9 hours
- DC Fast Charging (270 kW): 5-80% in approximately 22 minutes
Dimensions
- Length: 196.4 inches
- Width: 77.3 inches (84.9 inches with mirrors)
- Height: 55.6 inches
- Wheelbase: 114.2 inches
- Curb Weight:
- e-tron GT quattro: approximately 5,060 lbs
- RS e-tron GT: approximately 5,140 lbs
- Cargo Volume:
- Rear trunk: 14.0 cubic feet
- Front trunk: 2.9 cubic feet
U.S. Pricing (2025 Model Year)
- e-tron GT quattro: Starting at $104,900
- Premium Plus Package: +$7,200
- Prestige Package: +$13,500
- RS e-tron GT: Starting at $143,900
- Additional options:
- Performance Package: +$8,500
- Carbon Ceramic Brakes: +$10,500
- Full Leather Interior: +$4,900
- Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound: +$4,800
- Carbon Fiber Exterior Trim: +$4,500
- Additional options:
- Destination Charge: $1,095
- Federal Tax Incentive: Up to $7,500 (subject to current legislation and buyer eligibility)
Available Exterior Colors
- Ascari Blue Metallic: +$595
- Daytona Gray Pearl Effect: +$595
- Kemora Gray Metallic: +$595
- Mythos Black Metallic: +$595
- Suzuka Gray Metallic: +$595
- Tactics Green Metallic: +$595
- Audi Exclusive Custom Paint: +$3,900
In conclusion, the Audi e-tron GT successfully translates the brand’s performance heritage into the electric era, offering American luxury buyers a compelling alternative to both traditional internal combustion flagships and competing electric offerings. Its combination of striking design, exhilarating performance, and premium appointments justifies its substantial price tag, while its advanced charging capabilities help address range concerns inherent to electric vehicle ownership. For those seeking a high-performance luxury EV with European pedigree and unmistakable presence, the e-tron GT delivers a thoroughly convincing proposition that sacrifices little in the transition to electrification
