2023 Audi e-tron GT review

When carmakers such as Audi point to a halo model, they’re holding it up as their most desirable and exciting vehicle that’s sure to get chins wagging and send foot traffic through dealerships.

The new tech in these sporty and/or luxurious cars will then slowly trickle down the range. This is where the Audi e-tron GT comes in and sets the benchmark for the carmaker’s electric vehicles going forward.

First slated for arrival in late 2021, supply chain issues kiboshed that and several more delivery deadlines, giving a significant market lead time to its rival and sister vehicle, the Porsche Taycan.

Audi’s offering is built on the same J1 platform as the Taycan and has two specifications – the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT – priced at $180,200 and $248,200.

Powering the e-tron GT are dual electric motors putting out a combined 350kW and 630Nm. In the RS, these figures climb to an incredible 440kW and 830Nm, capable of slingshotting it to 100km/h in just 3.3 seconds.

Charging ports are conveniently given on either side of the car and support up to 270kW DC fast-charging for a five to 80 per cent charge time of just over 22 minutes.

Audi’s claimed ranges for the 93.4kWh battery of 540km and 504km (RS) probably should be taken with a grain of salt, as they’re calculated using NEDC methodology, which tends to overestimate real-world results by 25 per cent, though we weren’t able to test this at the Audi launch.

What’s not questionable is just how stunning this car is to look at, with a wide and low stance, sloping fastback rear and prominent shoulders above the wheel arches.

A closed grille hints at its electric status, as does the blade-like side features above the sills that are common to all Audi’s EVs. Secreted away is a rear spoiler that extends at speeds above 90km/h and then into a second position at 170km/h (something reserved for track days).

Also hidden from the eye is a flush underbody, with dimples similar to a golf ball, to maximise aerodynamics.

Step inside and the faultless design continues amongst elegant surrounds. Foremost nice-to-haves new drivers will notice are plush electric sport seats and steering column adjustment, a wireless phone charger in the console bin, a nifty electronic shifter, and a head-up display.

Rear passengers get plenty of leg room and a battery ‘foot garage’ ensures knees are in their normal position. However, the fastback roofline means there’s scant rear head room for anyone six foot and over.

On-road, the e-tron GT is a high-performance juggernaut that’s dominating and planted through corners, where you can scarcely believe it weighs 2.3 tonnes.

Aiding endeavours are three-chamber adaptive air suspension and all-wheel-steering – standard in the RS and an option in the e-tron GT. Paddles adjust regenerative braking levels but it’s hardly noticeable.

A unique engine sound can be switched on and projected inside and out, and there’s a soft whir below 60km/h to warn pedestrians.

Given that ticking options (such as the $12,500 ceramic brake package) sent our RS test car’s price to $274,650, it can be tempting to instead go for a cheaper EV like the Kia EV6 GT.

But if money is no object, we sure know which one we’d choose.

2023 Audi e-tron GT at a glance

Pros: So very quick; faultless handling; head-turning looks

Cons: Steep price; rear-seat head room