Audi E-Tron GT review: a luxury EV for those who’d spurn an SUV

At low speeds, there’s a moment’s pause when you floor the throttle, while the two-speed gearbox changes down, and then off you fly; even at high speeds, where electric cars usually feel as though they’re tailing off, that gearbox means the e-tron GT is still going strong. Indeed, you get a sense it’s only just getting into its stride as you approach the national speed limit.

The Telegraph verdict

So does the entry-level e-tron GT justify its price tag? Well, yes, up to a point. Certainly, if you’re going to have an e-tron GT, you should have this one, given it’s more comfortable than the RS, vastly more affordable whether you’re buying it or taxing it as a company car, and still ballistically quick.

And while it’s true that it won’t involve you quite as much as the Porsche, you’ll probably only notice on the one day a month you try to drive it with a bit of vim, and even then only if you’re close to the limit (which, on a public road, you probably won’t be). It’s better value, too.

It isn’t perfect, mind you; compared with the Tesla Model S, for example, the interior is nowhere near as roomy, and while the range is decent enough, it isn’t as good as it could be. The same goes for the ride quality.

For all that, though, the e-tron GT is a convincing all-rounder – and an ideal option if you want to go electric without plumping for an SUV.

The facts

On test: Audi e-tron GT
Body style: Four-door saloon
On sale: now
How much? £86,850 on the road (range from £86,850)
How fast? 152mph, 0-62mph in 4.1sec
How economical? 3.1mpkWh (WLTP Combined)
Engine & gearbox: N/A
Electric powertrain: 2x AC synchronous motors with 83.7kWh battery, 270kW DC charger, Type 2/CCS charging socket
Electric range: 296 miles
Maximum power/torque: 523bhp/472lb ft
CO2 emissions: 0g/km (tailpipe), 35g/km (well-to-wheel)
VED: £0
Warranty: 3 years / 60,000 miles
Spare wheel as standard: No (not available)

The rivals

Porsche Taycan 4S

523bhp, 230 miles, £90,700 on the road