In Europe, politicians are pushing European carmakers to keep new electric offerings coming, and the Germans are sick and tired of being told that Tesla has outclassed them with their high-performance sedans. In this environment, Audi has come out swinging with the fully electric E-Tron GT, based on a platform that’s shared with the upcoming Porsche Taycan.
The design of the E-Tron GT concept is nothing less than stunning; really, this is what an RS7 should look like (but doesn’t). It’s 195.3 inches long, 77.1 inches wide and just 54.3 inches tall – its proportions are extreme, and so are the details. The head- and taillights boast the latest LED and laser technology, there is an “inverted” closed grille, a full panoramic glass roof, and it sits on 22-inch alloys shod with 285/30 rubber. Instead of fake exhausts, there is a brutally styled rear diffusor.
The good news is that almost all of it will carry over to the production model. When it comes to market, the hood, which serves as an aero element on the concept, will be closed, and the 22-inch wheels will be replaced with 21-inch rims. You will be able to replace the glass roof with a carbon-fiber roof. Beyond that, the concept is reality. And to us, it looks more exciting than the soft-edged Porsce Taycan, its closely related sister model.
The power is transmitted to all four wheels through a one-speed transmission, and torque vectoring functions optimize traction and corner turn-in. With its 800-volt system, Audi promises at least 250 miles of range, probably more. Push it hard, and that figure could shrink to below 200 miles. That’s still a tough pill to swallow, but the E-Tron GT will have access to a fast-charging network that is shared with the Porsche Taycan – and will leave Tesla’s superchargers in the dust.
Escorted by two motorcycle cops and a Q7, we finish our exhilarating 45-minute drive wondering what role a car like this will play in the future of individual mobility. In our rapidly electrifying present, the upcoming Audi E-Tron GT has a good chance of taking a top spot among the competition – and of giving the Porsche Taycan a good run for the money.