Audi's new sporty flagship, the e-tron GT quattro large coupe, has gone on sale in Ireland at a starting price of €102,397, writes Brian Byrne. A more powerful RS version will cost €140,367.
The all-electric cars are the latest in a growing range of battery-electric vehicles from Audi, which began with the e-tron 50 SUV in early 2019, and will be augmented by the upcoming Q4 e-tron expected to be on sale in RHD markets by the end of this year.
The 'standard' e-tron GT has a power output of 476hp, offering a sprint to 100km/h in 4.1s. The RS has 598hp and a 3.3s sprint capability. There is just one battery available, offering ranges of 479km/472km in the respective cars. At an appropriate charging station, a recharge from 5pc-80pc is possible in 22.5mins.
There are two electric motors, one on each axle, with AWD and variable torque vectoring up to 100pc between front and rear axles as driving conditions require. A two-gear rear axle provides for very fast acceleration from standstill. A super-streamlined silhouette provides a very aerodynamic Cd value of 0.24, and the active air suspension automatically lowers the car at higher speeds. The e-tron GT comes with a bespoke sound system that provides a sporty note to warn other road users and gives the occupants a sense of being in a high-powered sports car.
There are three choices of sport seats in the standard GT, and a special RS-styled interior set for the more powerful version. The interior design reflects the latest Audi styling, with high quality materials and the 'virtual cockpit' digital instrumentation and connectivity-navigation screen.
The e-tron GT is targeting the top end of premium electric cars, including Volvo's Polestar, Porsche's Taycan, and the Tesla Model S. Audi Ireland's marketing director, Richard Molloy, says there has been a very strong interest in the car, with a number of customers already having put down deposits. Delivery of the first cars will be in July, and Molloy says supply will be 'tight', and Audi Ireland are already negotiating for additional vehicles beyond their initial allocation.
An early first drive experience with the car this week was impressive, with performance and overall feel being very much in line with the promise. A more comprehensive drive impression will follow later.
