New Audi e-tron GT Quattro redefines the “entry-level” model

There are EVs, and there are EVs that have been driven by Tony Stark. OK, not literally, and we won’t mention the engine noise that accompanied that particular slice of movie magic, but the point still stands. With the rapid development of EV technology and manufacturers driving towards fully electric model ranges, the market for electric cars has grown dramatically over the last few years. One of the leaders in that drive has now introduced a new entry-level model to broaden its appeal. Although in the case of the brand-new Audi e-tron GT Quattro, entry-level is obviously a relative term.

Audi continues to strengthen its electrified portfolio with new variants that broaden its appeal from top to bottom. The latest version of the e-tron GT intends to do just that, offering an attractive new entry point to an albeit high-end range.

Now, just to get this bit out of the way early, we want to be clear that entry-level in this instance doesn’t mean everyone will be rushing to lease themselves one. This new Audi e-tron GT may sit at the bottom of the range but even the ‘most attainable’ of the two trim-levels on offer carries a basic OTR price tag that sits perilously close to £90k.

Clearly, it’s not a car for everyone, but for those who are in the position to lease such a thing, the benefits are certainly befitting of a car that carries that premium price tag.

Large 20-inch alloy wheels, a sleek roofline, and an extended wheelbase contribute to the e-tron GT’s impressive proportions. At the front, a black mask accentuates the lack of traditional grille to create an imposing view from any rear-view mirror. An elegantly designed rear diffuser with vertical fins creates an equally powerful view as you overtake and disappear off into the sunset.

The battery pack is hidden beneath the floor and features strategically placed recesses to serve as footwells and provide generous seating comfort for all passengers. The driver and front passenger travel in luxury on eight-way adjustable sport seats with integrated headrests, and the split rear seat can also be partially or completely folded down to increase the size and practicality of the load space.

And as befits a grand tourer, that 105kWh battery pack Audi has chosen for the e-tron GT Quattro provides the electrons to generate some seriously impressive numbers.

The GT quattro is super fast

It has a system output of around 500bhp (increasing to around 580bhp with Launch Control) that’s good for a sprint to 62mph in only 4 seconds. The adaptive air suspension works alongside the intelligent quattro system to rapidly split that power between the front and rear axles to ensure optimum traction in a wide range of driving conditions.

The battery also offers a range of up to 380 miles on a single charge, and thanks to an impressive 320kW charging rate you can add more than 170 miles to the range in just 10 minutes. And not that it’s too big an issue in the UK, but the high-voltage battery’s full charging power is also available across an expanded thermal range with the e-tron's route planner automatically preconditioning the battery to ensure the best possible charging performance.

Available in two variants in the UK – standard quattro specification or quattro Vorsprung – the standard equipment ensures very little is missing from what is supposedly an ‘entry-level’ model.

We’ve already mentioned the quattro all-wheel drive, air suspension, and 20-inch wheels, but you can also add matrix LED lights, panoramic roof, 8-way electrically adjustable heated seats, navigation, Audi virtual cockpit, and a whole host of safety and assistance features including adaptive cruise control, reversing camera, and keyless operation with a motion-activated boot lid.

Move up the range to the Vorsprung specification and the list expands to include all-wheel steering, a head-up display, and Fine Nappa Leather upholstery for the now 18-way adjustable seats with added ventilation and massage function.

In terms of technology, you will also get the benefit of a head-up display, night vision assistance, an upgraded assistance pack that includes remote parking, switchable transparency for the panoramic roof, and an upgraded Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System.

Entry-level it may be, but as we said earlier, that’s a relative term because there’s nothing entry level about the new e-tron GT Quattro at all.

The new Audi e-tron GT quattro is available to order in the UK from June 24 if you do fancy leasing one. Let us know asap though, if you want to be amongst the first to receive your new car when deliveries begin in August.