Audi e-tron GT review

It’s the updated and lightly facelifted Audi e-tron GT. This is the sister car to the Porsche Taycan – based on the same VW Group J1 platform and containing much of the same technology – albeit wrapped in an extremely sharp suit.

When it first arrived back in 2020, it wasn’t the first pure-electric Audi (a title which went to its original e-tron SUV), but it was definitely the most exciting. And it’ll probably remain that way until we get an all-electric R8.

You said it had been facelifted?

It's not that easy to tell, but the Taycan was facelifted at the very start of 2024 and Audi followed by revealing its updated e-tron GT a few months later.

The exterior changes are best described as subtle. There are more colours, new wheels and different badging. The front grille is slightly cleaner, the rear diffuser has been redesigned with a vertical reflector on RS models (a new Audi Sport signature, apparently) and you can now have a carbon roof and Mansory-spec marbled carbon bits on the RS Performance. Check those out in the gallery above. Not for us, thanks.

Wait, there’s something above an RS version?

Ah yes, the RS e-tron GT Performance is a new addition to the range. Whereas previously your choice was between the ‘entry-level’ e-tron GT quattro and the full-fat RS e-tron GT, you can now choose between the base e-tron GT quattro, S e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT Performance. Got that?

And there’s a reason why we keep referring to the 2024 rework as an update rather than just a facelift. The old quattro managed a maximum of 523bhp (with its launch control engaged) and could do 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds. Clearly that was far too sluggish for Audi customers, because the entry-level e-tron GT quattro now makes 576bhp fully lit, though it's no quicker from a standstill.

Doesn't matter - it's still an almighty thing off the line, and quick enough that you'd see no need for the next-rung-up S e-tron GT (with 670bhp and a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds) without the context of rivals.

The RS previously topped the range with 637bhp, but now you get (hope you’re sitting down) 844bhp in the ‘standard’ RS and a whopping 912bhp in the RS Performance. That’s a 275bhp increase to make it the most powerful production road car Audi has ever built, with 0-62mph in as little as 2.5 seconds as a result. Yikes.

Obviously, all of those power figures are achieved with a motor at either end (said motors are apparently now lighter and more efficient) for four-wheel drive, and there’s the same two-speed gearbox as the Taycan on the rear axle to maximise acceleration off the line, but also elevate efficiency at higher speeds.

How big is the battery?

Bigger than before. Previously Audi offered a 93kWh battery in the e-tron, but it’s now grown to a 105kWh unit which still manages to be 9kg lighter. Nice.

Given the name, you’d expect this to be a decent grand tourer, and Audi reckons on 386 miles of range for the base quattro, 374 miles in the S, 365 miles for the RS and 364 miles for the RS Performance. Just one mile for an extra 68bhp? Sounds good to us.

Charging speeds are up from the pre-facelift car too, with the 800-volt architecture allowing for 320kW DC rapid charging. If you can find a charger with enough power, that should mean a 10 to 80 per cent top up in just 18 minutes. Adaptive air suspension is now standard on all e-tron GTs for maximum comfort.

How much will it cost me?

The freshly launched, base e-tron GT quattro kicks things off at £89,505 - a few hundred quid more than a base Porsche Taycan, but seven grand cheaper than an equivalently powered dual-motor version.

Then it's a jump to £108,775 for the S e-tron GT, £127,375 for the RS or a humongous £143,875 for the RS e-tron GT Performance before any options. Want more detail? Head on over to the Buying tab of this review.

The e-tron GT’s real strength is that it’s not trying too hard to be a car from the future. It’s simply a handsome four-door GT that plays to Audi’s strengths – namely a high-quality interior, comfort and usability and a belting turn of pace that’s more than worthy of the RS badge. An electric powertrain fits the brand’s aspirations as a tech-leader, too, particularly now that the motors have been updated to provide barnstorming power.

In every department, this is a hugely gratifying car: comfy enough to be a daily driver, but with face-melting acceleration in its locker at all trim levels. A practical four-door car, but with chiselled good looks that aren't overly shouty. It's probably the best car Audi currently makes.

Better than a Taycan? It offers a fraction more comfort and space and a smidge less speed (the ballistic Taycan Turbo GT has over 1,000bhp), but amid the more sensible models, any differences are weeny. And subjective. It’ll come down to which brand you prefer and which body you’re drawn to; on that basis, the e-tron GT will continue to ruffle feathers in Stuttgart. Just watch for depreciation.