Two years after Audi launched its first electric-powered vehicles, it has unveiled the flagship of the e-tron family in the form of the 2022 e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT. Audi says the cars will be available in the US market this summer.
The company adds that while the new flagship models join the e-tron and e-tron Sportback in the electrified lineup, a fifth EV, the Q4 e-tron, will further expand the model range “in the coming year.”
Pricing has been set at $99,900 for the e-tron GT quattro Premium Plus, at $107,100 for the e-tron GT quattro Prestige, and at $139,900 for the RS e-tron GT, the first EV offered in the US from Audi Sport. Audi adds that “it is anticipated” that the cars qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax incentives in the US.
So what do buyers get for those prices?
“In the process of creating the latest flagship in the e-tron family, no detail was too small, from design and manufacturing to responsible materials used and even the unique acceleration sound that audio engineers created specifically for the electric performance vehicle,” Audi notes.
“Looking every bit a concept car brought to reality, the 2022 Audi e-tron GT is a dynamic work of art. Long, low, wide and exhilarating, it is a grand turismo that further expands Audi’s prominent role in electric mobility,” Audi says.
“Its classically beautiful design proportions are accentuated by large wheels, a wide track and long wheelbase – lower and wider than the Audi A7 while maintaining approximately the same length.
“Aesthetics arise from efficiency; an inverted Singleframe grille reinterprets honeycomb design elements, distinctive quattro blisters above each wheel, and a flat greenhouse with sloping roofline define e-tron GT design. Coupled with radiator and brake duct air inlets that can close when not needed to optimize aerodynamics, drag coefficient is a low 0.24, helping the e-tron GT move with efficiency in complement with its velocity.
“Other design highlights:
- U.S. models will come to market with standard 20-inch 5-double-spoke alloy wheels with gray accents; vehicles equipped with the performance package have 20-inch 5-double-spoke alloy wheels with black accents; the RS e-tron GT comes with standard 20-inch 5-spoke AERO wheels or available 21-inch wheels,
- Standard for RS e-tron GT models is a lightweight, high-strength, five-layer carbon fiber reinforced plastic roof – a first for an Audi vehicle and a segment-exclusive feature.
- Available HD Matrix-design headlights with Audi laser light for greater high-beam visibility.
- Strongly chiseled lower doorsill lines that emphasizes the battery pack as the car’s powerhouse and foundation.
- Inside, standard is a leather-free interior featuring recycled materials; Dinamica and Alcantara come standard; Nappa leather is available.
- The “monoposto” cockpit angles the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit and 10.1-inch MMI touch response displays toward the driver.
- Standard is a full-circumference, flat-bottom steering wheel, wrapped in Alcantara; a perforated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and capacitive hands-on detection are available.
The e-tron GT powers the front wheels with a 235 horsepower electric motor and the rear wheels with a 429 motor. Audi says the “net combined output” is 469 horsepower, or up to 522 “with overboost for 2.5 seconds with launch control” propelling the car to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
The RS e-tron GT has the same front motor, but a 450 horsepower rear motor. The net is 590 and up to 637 with overboost providing 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.1 seconds.
“That places the acceleration of RS e-tron GT on par with the V10-powered Audi R8 supercar – all while generating zero direct emissions,” Audi adds. The new GT and RS are built at the same Böllinger Höfe assembly plant as the R8, and Audi notes that the plant draws its power from a power plant fueled by biogas.
The RS e-tron GT also comes with air suspension, all-wheel steering, and two-speed transmission.
Audi expects a range of 238 miles for the e-tron GT and 232 miles for the RS, and with standard fast-chargers that take the batteries from 5 percent to 80 percent in less than 23 minutes.
For more information, visit the AudiUSA website.
