The refreshed Audi E-Tron GT has finally been released in the European market, and it comes with several noteworthy upgrades. These upgrades closely mirror those seen in the refreshed Porsche Taycan, as both vehicles are built on the same J1 platform. One of the most significant changes is the increase in battery capacity, from 84 kWh to 97 kWh (105 kWh gross). Thanks to improved chemistry and mechanical enhancements, this larger capacity takes up less space and weighs about 20 pounds less than the previous pack.
Although the exact changes to EPA-rated range have yet to be announced, Audi has stated that the maximum range is now up to 375 miles on the WLTP cycle. Additionally, Audi has also improved the DC fast-charging rate from 270 kW to 320 kW. The battery can now achieve its maximum charging rate in a wider temperature range, down to 59 degrees. This means that the battery can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes, and a quick 10-minute charge can restore 174 miles of range.
In terms of suspension, the standard steel suspension has been refined with new two-chamber, dual-valve dampers that provide a wider operational range between comfort and control. Customers also have the option to choose the fully active anti-roll suspension that was showcased in the Porsche Taycan’s bouncy video. Furthermore, an optional four-wheel steering system is available, featuring an even more direct rack for the front axle.
The Audi E-Tron GT is now available in three trims: S, RS E-Tron GT, and RS E-Tron GT Performance. All trims come with new anthracite birch inlays as standard, along with reshaped 14-way sport seats adorned with orange stitching and illuminated logos. The Virtual Cockpit has been enhanced to display battery information such as pack temperature and maximum charging rate. Another notable optional feature is the panoramic glass roof, which can transition from transparent to opaque in four preset steps at the touch of a button.
The S trim boasts an impressive 671 horsepower, a significant increase from the current entry-level E-Tron GT’s 523 hp. This boost in power allows the S trim to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds, making it half a second quicker than before. Additionally, the max regenerative braking energy capture has been raised from 290 kW to 400 kW. The S trim can be distinguished by its L-shaped indentations in the solid grille, a silver four rings logo, and silver triangular inserts in the front fascia’s side intakes. It comes with 20-inch wheels as standard and features a slightly less aggressive diffuser at the rear.
On the other hand, the RS trims offer even more power, with 845 hp and a standard boost function that injects an additional 94 horses in increments of ten seconds. This allows the RS trims to reach 62 mph in a blistering 2.8 seconds. The RS models sport a simpler and more aggressive front fascia, with a black four-ring logo, hexagon pattern in the grille face, and body-colored L-shaped trim piece in the side intakes (unless specified in black). These trims come with 21-inch wheels as standard and are equipped with new steering wheels that are flat on the top and bottom, featuring two buttons on the spokes for selecting drive modes and custom setup settings. Unlike the S trim, the RS trims have rotors coated with tungsten carbide for improved cooling. Buyers also have the option to choose carbon ceramic brakes with 10-piston front calipers for any trim. Additionally, Audi offers a set of new forged wheels that pay homage to the Avus rims from the 1991 Avus Quattro Study, as well as Nimbus Gray paint for both the S and the upper RS variant.
Finally, the Performance trim sits at the top of the range, boasting a staggering 912 hp on boost, making it the most powerful road car ever produced by Audi. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in an astonishing 2.5 seconds. The Performance trim offers exclusive options such as chopped carbon accents for the grille, side skirts, rear diffuser, and interior. This chopped carbon is a mixture of carbon shards in resin that was first introduced on the Lamborghini Huracan. Furthermore, the Performance trim comes with an exclusive paint option called Bedford Green, which can be paired with Serpentine Green stitching on the inside. Customization options for the Virtual Cockpit include a white power display and white speedometer. Lastly, a dedicated drive setting is available, specifically designed for optimal performance on challenging circuits.
While pricing for the European market has been announced, information regarding pricing for other markets will be released closer to the vehicle’s launch date. With its impressive upgrades and various trim options, the refreshed Audi E-Tron GT is poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle market.