2022 Audi e-tron GT First Look Review: An EV With Attitude

Audi revealed the e-tron GT Concept over two years ago at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. The German automaker made it clear at the time the production-spec version wouldn't look dramatically different. Audi was true to its word. Introducing the all-new 2022 Audi e-tron GT, a sleek four-door all-electric sedan with coupe-like styling that's roughly about the size of the A7.

Audi has been designated the point brand of the Volkswagen Group to lead the way towards full-scale electrification and develop and implement new technologies. The ultimate goal, of course, is to surpass Tesla in both realms. The e-tron GT is only the latest salvo, alongside the more powerful and pricier RS e-tron GT.

The e-tron GT also joins the e-tron SUV in the current lineup. But if there's one main thing Audi wants existing and future customers to know, it's this: Audi's battery electric vehicles are the best in the world.

There's a reason why the 2022 e-tron GT bears a slight resemblance to the A7 and its variants. The four-door coupe styling has proven to be far more popular than that of a conventional sedan. It's also far sexier. The e-tron GT's handsome and bold exterior design is augmented by standard 20-inch 5-double-spoke alloy wheels, a new Singleframe front grille, and a flat greenhouse with a slick sloping roofline.

Buyers can opt for the excellent HD Matrix headlights that also feature the Audi laser light technology for greatly improved visibility. Also up front you'll notice that the radiator and brake duct air inlets will close when they're not required to help improve aerodynamics. Audi claims a drag coefficient of just 0.24.

If the e-tron GT's general shape looks familiar to you then you're absolutely right because it rides on the same platform as the Porsche Taycan. Audi's design chief Marc Lichte's latest styling language has been applied to emphasize a strong presence even at a standstill. This is somewhat in contrast to the Taycan's smoother overall lines; the e-tron GT has a more commanding presence.

That's right. The e-tron GT's interior is completely leather-free. This animal product-free approach is a part of Audi's quest to go carbon neutral. However, Nappa leather is still optional. Dinamica microfiber and Alcantara trim are standard. The rest of the interior is made from recycled materials such as used plastic bottles and textiles.

A 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit is joined by a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen. Navigation, a WiFi hot spot, and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system are optional. A flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara (a Nappa-wrapped wheel is available) and power-adjustable seats are also standard. The sporty dashboard design is very modern and despite the slanted rear roof, designers aimed to create a sensation of space.

The e-tron GT produces a combined 469 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque (522 hp and 472 lb-ft with overboost). The quattro all-wheel-drive system is standard. A two-speed transmission is connected to the rear motor with a short-ratio first gear for the best possible acceleration. This electric AWD system distributes power to all four wheels, though in efficiency mode, FWD is activated. This system is also capable of making instant decisions based on road conditions, such as slippery surfaces and fast cornering. Audi says the system makes these changes about five times faster than the mechanical quattro system. A three-chamber air system is also standard.

Expect a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 152 mph. When Launch Control is activated, up to 522 hp is available.

The lithium-ion 93.4-kWh battery is located between the front/rear axles, making for near-perfect weight distribution. The battery utilizes an 800-volt system for better charging times. When using the included 11 kW AC charger, owners can fully recharge their vehicles overnight. A DC fast charger can provide 62 miles of range in just five minutes. Total weight comes to 5,060 pounds and Audi estimates a 238-mile range.

Pricing for the 2022 Audi e-tron GT Premium Plus will begin at $99,900, while the Prestige trim costs $107,100. The e-tron GT is eligible for up to $7,500 in federal tax incentives. Sales are scheduled to begin this summer.

The e-tron GT's most direct rival, aside from its Porsche Taycan corporate cousin, is the Tesla Model S, which itself was recently refreshed. In the coming months, the Mercedes-Benz EQS will arrive, and further into the future BMW is expected to launch the i7, a battery-electric version of the 7 Series flagship sedan.

Audi customers who like the e-tron GT but demand even more power and performance already have the solution: the RS e-tron GT.