Audi continues its march toward an electrified future with the introduction of the 2022 Audi e-tron GT. The third all-electric vehicle in Audi's lineup, the new 2022 e-tron GT combines stunning acceleration with head-turning good looks and a (near) six-figure price tag. You can choose between standard specification and the even more athletic RS e-tron GT.
If you find the e-tron GT's silhouette intensely evocative of the Audi A7, your eyes do not deceive you. Both have a fastback 4-door coupe appearance, and the e-tron GT is about the same size as the A7. However, it shares its platform with its corporate cousin, the Porsche Taycan.
A technical appearance graces the e-tron GT, which boasts a coefficient of drag of 0.24. Bulging fenders draw a line to the car's Quattro heritage and hint at its performance potential while housing the standard 20-inch wheels. Choose the RS e-tron GT if you want 21-inch wheels a five-layer carbon-fiber roof.
You might associate luxury cars with buttery leather upholstery, but Audi doesn't when it comes to the e-tron GT.
Instead, in standard specification, it uses sustainable and recycled materials throughout. Dinamica and Alcantara simulated suede upholstery and trim come standard, while Nappa premium leather is an available upgrade.
The flat-bottom steering wheel conveys the right level of sportiness and offers capacitive hands-on detection capability, suggesting the car will offer a Level 2+ or Level 3 advanced driving assistance system (ADAS).
Dual synchronous electric motors contain permanently excited magnets. With one each mounted at the front and rear axles, the motors create an electric Quattro all-wheel-drive system with a rear differential lock. A two-speed transmission offers launch and cruise driving modes.
Together, the combined output of both motors measures 469 hp. Activate launch control, and an overboost function temporarily bumps output to 522 hp for up to 2.5 seconds. Audi quotes acceleration to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 152 mph.
Meanwhile, the RS e-tron GT features a more muscular rear motor, increasing the car's combined power rating to 590 hp. Engage launch control and overboost, and you've got 637 hp with which to play briefly. The RS-spec car shaves acceleration time down to 3.1 seconds.
A 93.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack juices the e-tron GT, and Audi fits it with a special integrated cooling unit to maximize efficiency and safety. Use a DC fast charger, and the battery accepts recharging at up to 270 kW. This capability means it can go from a nearly empty 5% charge to 80% in about 22.5 minutes. Although the EPA has yet to release official driving range numbers, Audi says the e-tron GT should provide about 238 miles of range while the RS e-tron GT ought to cover 232 miles on a charge.
All-wheel steering gives the e-tron GT greater maneuverability at speeds under 30 mph, with the rear wheels pointing up to 2.8 degrees in opposite directions to tighten the car's arc. At speeds above 30 mph, all four wheels track in the same direction for improved stability.
Additionally, the e-tron GT has a three-chamber air suspension providing a wide variation in spring rates, allowing for firmness or compliance when the situation warrants.
Audi had released no details about the e-tron GT's safety systems, but it is safe to assume that the car will have the latest ADAS in the automaker's arsenal.
As far as in-car technology is concerned, Audi confirms the e-tron GT will have its 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation, paired with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system display. Curiously, the climate control panel includes a collection of physical controls with a thin display.
Aside from the Porsche Taycan to which it is related, the 2022 Audi e-tron GT will compete with high-end EVs such as the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S. Prices start at $99,900 (not including destination) for Premium Plus trim, and you can upgrade with Prestige trim ($7,200). Choose the RS e-tron GT, and the car costs $139,900.
Audi will manufacture the GT in its Böllinger Höfe plant in Germany, where it currently makes the Audi R8. The facility uses 100% eco-electricity and, by using carbon credits, achieves net emissions neutrality during the manufacturing process. Audi promises to electrify 30% of its vehicles by 2025 and aims to be fully carbon neutral by 2050.
Audi is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of February 9, 2021, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
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