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Audi e-tron GT 2021: RS and Quattro models coming to Australia later this year

 

The Porsche Taycan’s laid back but still blisteringly fast Audi e-tron GT cousin is coming to Australia in the second half of this year.


After months of teasing Audi has officially unveiled the e-tron GT sedan which will arrive in Australia later this year in both a base quattro and full-fat RS guise. 

The e-tron GT shares its underpinnings with the Porsche Taycan but promises to offer a distinctly different driving experience as a grand tourer that will not lack any outright performance. 

Audi RS e-tron GT 2021 driving
Audi will bring the e-tron GT to Australia early in the second half of the year

Audi’s new flagship electric vehicle will join the existing e-tron midsize SUV on showroom floors when it arrives before the end of 2021.

The e-tron GT uses a pair of electric motors, with one unit mounted at the front and the other at the rear. In the e-tron GT quattro model, the car has an output of 350kW of power and 630Nm of torque, while the high-performance RS e-tron GT steps outputs up to 440kW/830Nm.

Engage launch control and those figures can temporarily spike to 390 kW in the e-tron GT quattro or 475kW in the RS e-tron GT for 2.5 seconds, enough time to slingshot the sedans from 0 to 100km/h in 4.1 or 3.3 seconds respectively. 

Audi RS e-tron GT 2021 driving rear
In full-fat RS guise the e-tron GT puts out 440kW of power and 830Nm of torque

The e-tron GT quattro will keep going until it reaches 245km/h with the RS e-tron GT reaching slightly higher speeds at 250 km/h

The availability of an RS version marks the first time Audi has deployed its hallowed ‘rennsport’ badging on a fully electric vehicle. The RS badge – which means ‘racing sport’ in German – is reserved for Audi’s quickest vehicles.

Under the skin is a 93kWh battery, with 85kWh usable, providing a WLTP tested range of 488 kilometres. 

Audi e-tron GT 2021 close up rear
Audi e-tron GT can accelerate from 0 to 100kmh in just 3.3 seconds

Comparisons will be drawn to the updated Tesla Model S sedan, which offers a range of 624km in Long range form and 837km in high-performance Model S Plaid trim.

While the Model S offers greater range, the Audi can be charged at quicker speeds, trumping the Tesla’s 250kW limit with a 270kW DC rapid-charge capability. Full charging speeds will see the e-tron GT pick up 100km of range in five minutes.

The e-tron GT’s 270kW charging is only matched by its Volkswagen Group sibling, the Porsche Taycan – though the Porsche is theoretically capable of quicker 350kW DC charging save for a software block.

Audi says they have no plans to up the e-tron GT’s charging speed to 350kW.

Audi RS e-tron GT 2021 interior
It features a 12.3-inch drivers display and a 10.1-inch centre touchscreen

Audi have packaged the battery pack of the e-tron GT along the floor of the car to give the sedan a low centre of gravity, but designers have created a dip in the floor to allow for more legroom – meaning passengers over six feet tall have adequate headroom.

While official specification may vary once it arrives to the Australian market, Audi says a rear-axle differential lock and adaptive dampers will be fitted as standard.

The quicker RS e-tron GT comes standard with adaptive air suspension and better brakes featuring a tungsten carbide coating on the discs. 

Audi e-tron GT 2021 charging
Audi e-tron GT can charge at 270kW making it one of the fastest charging EVs on the road

It’s likely that all e-tron GT grades that come to Australia will have air suspension – based on the way the e-tron SUV is specified for our market.

Also available for both grades is four wheel steering and an upgrade to carbon-ceramic brakes for increased on track performance. Audi will offer wheel sizes from 19 to 21 inches with a dramatic aero design.

The overall shape of the e-tron GT is naturally similar to its Porsche Taycan cousin but effort has been made to ensure that this EV sedan looks like an Audi. 

The e-tron GT shares its underpinnings with the Porsche Taycan

Audi offers matrix LED headlights as standard on the RS e-tron GT or as an option on the quattro, or either can upgrade to laser lights that are said to double the range of vision.

With driving range a crucial factor with electric vehicles. Audi’s design team has managed to slick the sedan down to a drag coefficient of just 0.24 – which is good but not quite as good as the 0.22 in the Porsche. 

Audi has designed the exterior with a familiar design across the large body stretching nearly five metres in length, 1.4 metres in height and 1.96 meters in width which is just a bit larger than the Audi A7 Sportback.

Audi e-tron GT quattro and RS 2021
Audi e-tron GT is offered in both the quattro (left) and RS grades (right)

Inside, Audi has fitted a 12.3-inch driver’s display that sits next to another 10.1-inch centre touchscreen and a heads up display.

The e-tron GT multimedia system is also fitted with route planning software that will seek out the fastest way to your destination near the most powerful chargers.

Audi e-tron GT quattro 2021 front 3/4 distance
Buyers in Europe can option adaptive dampers or air suspension but we think the latter will likely be the only option in Australia

Audi has also fitted the e-tron GT with inbuilt wi-fi with the ability to create a hotspot in the car, a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system is also offered as a cost option.

Those hesitant to walk away from their Tesla Model S should take comfort in the fact Audi has put a significant focus on the adaptive cruise control system with remote park assist and a slew of safety features fitted as standard.

Official pricing and details will be confirmed closer to the launch date later this year.

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