2023 Audi e-tron GT
Overview
Electrons, motors, battery packs, and kilowatts have added a host of new words to the automotive lexicon, but when it comes to the Audi e-tron GT EV, the vocabulary is simple: this thing is fun! A platform mate to the impressive Porsche Taycan, the e-tron GT delivers a calm ride and frenetic acceleration. With a motor at each axle, the combined output starts at 522 horsepower and rises to as much as 637 in the most powerful RS e-tron GT model. We managed 240 miles of highway range with the RS e-tron GT during testing, which isn’t brag-worthy in a segment that contains the Tesla Model S. The e-Tron GT does offer some compensation for its merely average range thanks to its 270-kW DC fast charger, which makes it one of the quickest charging EVs sold today. Its standard interior is made from recycled leather-free materials but its low roof and narrow cockpit make getting in and out a challenge for rear-seat riders. Audi’s quickest EV is exciting to drive and great to look at but EVs with more range like the Tesla Model S make a better argument for living with all-electric transportation.
What’s New for 2023?
Audi makes a few visual and quality-of-life improvements for the 2023 Audi e-tron GT. The revised grille is now painted to match the body color. A second charging port is standard, located on the passenger side of the car. Every e-tron GT now comes with anti-theft wheel bolts, an integrated toll module for the rearview mirror, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and 20-inch wheel with all-season tires. The E-tron GT Prestige gets a new optional 21-inch 10-spoke wheel package that replaces the previously available gray finish wheels. The e-tron GT Performance package now includes the previously standard 20-inch wheels wrapped in summer tires. The Executive equipment package now combines the LED interior lighting plus package with heated rear seats. Additionally, the RS e-tron GT gets standard carbon matte inlays on the exterior, and a new Ceramic Brake package with Anthracite brake calipers and 21-inch wheels.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Premium Plus
$106,395
$112,795
RS
$145,395
With up to 637 horsepower and sportier intentions than the regular e-tron GT models, it’s hard not to find the RS variant the most desirable. Unfortunately, it costs nearly $40,000 more than the base model. So, we’d recommend the mid-level e-tron GT Prestige, which looks to offer the best mix of features and value.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Packing a pair of electric motors that create an electrified version of Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the regular e-tron GT generates up to 522 horsepower while the RS version peaks at 637 ponies. This power is converted to exhilarating acceleration with the help of its innovative two-speed transmission, which has a first gear for launches and a second top gear for optimal efficiency. A complex cooling system means its battery pack can handle repeated runs without the typical signs of heat-related degradation. Audi also eschews traditional one-pedal driving on its sporty EV, instead, providing a more natural feel. The e-tron GT is available with all-wheel steering, an adjustable air suspension, and wheel sizes that range from 19 up to 21 inches. We’ve driven the RS version and appreciated its smooth ride, stable handling, and its selectable regenerative-braking settings, which can be adjusted via the paddles on the steering wheel. In our testing, the RS e-tron GT blasted to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.
More on the e-tron GT
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Every e-tron GT features an 83.7-kWh lithium-ion battery. The regular model gets an EPA-estimated 238 miles of range, but the RS model is rated slightly lower at 232 miles. We beat the EPA estimate by eight miles during our real-world highway range test during our drive of the RS e-tron GT. The e-tron GT can also be recharged from 5 to 80 percent of its battery capacity in a claimed 23 minutes using the standard 270-kW DC fast charger.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The 2023 e-tron GT is rated at 82 MPGe combined; the RS version falls one short of that mark. On our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, the RS model delivered 83 MPGe.
For more information about the e-tron GT’s efficiency ratings, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the e-tron GT mixes fanciful and functional elements. The cabin incorporates multiple digital displays on its angular dashboard along with upscale trim. Audi offers a leather interior with different color options as well as a leather-free package that uses recycled materials. Of course, there’s no shortage of available luxury features. The top options include ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, heated-and-cooled front seats with massage functions, and more. Front-seat passengers sit low to the ground, which promotes a sporty driving position. The rear outboard seats provide ample legroom, but its headroom is less generous, and the middle seat is more courteous than comfortable. There’s space for luggage behind the back seats and under the hood in the front trunk (frunk).
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
While the e-tron GT’s infotainment system isn’t as touchscreen-heavy as other Audi models’ such as the A7 sedan and e-tron SUV, it’s still visually exciting and loaded with popular content. The central touchscreen measures 10.1 inches and works with steering-wheel-mounted controls and voice-recognition software. Along with a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, the e-tron GT is available with wireless charging and a powerful 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The all-electric sedan has myriad driver-assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control as well as remote self-parking assist, which allows the driver to park the car via a smartphone app.
For more information about the 2023 e-tron GT’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Audi has a competitive limited warranty that aligns with most luxury rivals. The company also covers the components of its electrical vehicles for eight years or 100,000 miles.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers eight years or 100,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Audi RS e-tron GT
Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $143,445/$164,390
Options: Year One package (carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon-fiber exterior inlays, RS interior design package, red seat belts, RS steering wheel, Dynamic steering, LED headlights, Audi laser light and animation, dinamica headliner, carbon-fiber mirror housings, summer tires, Full Leather Interior Package, Wheels: 21-inch wheels and summer tires, rear-axle steering, heated and ventilated RS Sport Seats Plus, 18-way power adjustable front seats with massage function, $20,350; Kemora Gray paint, $595
POWERTRAIN
2 permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Combined Power: 637 hp
Combined Torque: 612 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 85.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive, 2-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 16.5-in vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc/16.1-in vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 5
F: 265/35ZR-21 101Y NF0
R: 285/30ZR-21 104Y NF0
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 114.2 in
Length: 196.4 in
Width: 77.3 in
Height: 54.9 in
Passenger Volume: 92 ft3
Trunk Volume: 12 ft3
Curb Weight: 5171 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 2.9 sec
100 mph: 6.9 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.0 sec @ 127 mph
130 mph: 11.5 sec
150 mph: 16.5 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 3.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.3 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 1.7 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 156 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 157 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 311 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.93 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 71 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving: 83 MPGe
Highway Range: 240 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 81/79/82 MPGe
Range: 232 mi
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs
