Audi takes the fight to Tesla with all-electric e-tron GT

The Audi e-tron GT, the Volkswagen Group’s latest weapon in its efforts to take on Tesla after the Porsche Taycan, has made its official debut. While the e-tron SUV has been around for a while now, the GT is the first Audi that’s based on the J1 platform shared with the Taycan.

The e-tron GT comes in two variants – the e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT. This also makes it the first electric Audi to wear the RS badge. With launch control and overboost, the e-tron GT produces up to 522 horsepower; the RS e-tron GT sends up to 637 horsepower to all four wheels.

The quattro is capable of hiting 100kph from naught in just 4.1 while the RS does 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds, on a par with the V10-powered Audi R8 supercar’s acceleration figures.

With a wide track and long wheelbase, the e-tron GT is lower and wider than the Audi A7 while being approximately the same length. Sporting an inverted Singleframe grille with honeycomb design elements and a flat greenhouse with sloping roofline, the e-tron GT’s design is unmistakably Audi.

The interior is leather-free and features recycled materials; Dinamica and Alcantara come standard, while Nappa is available as an option.

The “monoposto” cockpit angles the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit and 10.1-inch MMI touch response displays toward the driver, who sits behind a standard flat-bottom steering wheel, wrapped in Alcantara.