Disclaimer: Do not press the seatbelt release switch as you glance through the details of this car. Failure to comply may result in whiplash deformities. Based on this, which car do you think I am referring to. For those having profound inclination for automobiles, would know that one of the better days just fleeted by for Audi as they seized the opportunity to launch not just any other car, not just the most powerful Grand Tourer, but a revolution looking at it from a holistic perspective. The car makes it Middle East debut in swanky colours with a striking look. It’s the E-Tron GT and its more polished sibling, the RS E-Tron GT which takes frisson, lunacy and engagement to a whole new level.
But does it look the part?
The future is electric which means that the E-Tron GT brethren had to be as striking and brawny as possible. Thankfully, it is. Receiving strong inspiration from the pizzazz of its ICE siblings, it receives glossy black finish on the grille to speak of its purpose of being a sporty sedan. The 4 rings emblem proudly sits on the grille. To add substance and flavour to its panache, there is a huge indentation on the hood which spews aggression. Audi’s hallmark Matrix-LED tail lamps with its clever laser-light technology are standard on the RS version. The air vents on the façade finished in gloss-black serve dual functions of style and purpose remarkably.
Overt of coupes, this 4-door GT exhibits a hunkered-down stance with the silhouette tapering at the front and sleekly progressing towards the rear. The side profile harangues 21-inch wheels as an option which can be further complemented with rear-wheel steering. Muscular haunches do their bit of being a style add-on. Three chamber adaptive air suspension is standard across the range.
However, it is the rear which looks the most dramatic with elements such as boomerang-shaped LED DRLs and a light sliver that spans the width. An omnipresent feature these days but it looks great here. Performance enthusiasts are likely to take notice of the bulky diffuser kit slammed under the hood which perfectly touts the car’s sporty credentials.
How’s the cockpit like to get spoilt in there?
It’s not just any other model but the brand’s halo model. Hence, you will be treated with an expensive set of materials surrounding the car. The steering wheel and doors feature slabs of alcantara while the dashboard is wrapped in textured carbon-fibre trim. There’s gloss-black finish around the centre console with some keys so that it doesn’t take you to a too distant future.
Audi says its “monoposto character” has been lifted straight out of the iconic R8 supercar. There are two digital screens. Firstly, a 10.1” infotainment system is located on the centre which is followed by a 12.3” interface for the instrument binnacle. The impeccable finish and aluminium lining on the AC vents add a tad bit more to the car’s flamboyance.
Its unique features include camera screens for the wing mirrors, artificial sound which alters its cacophony to your throttle inputs and active driver-assistance tech among others.
The most important question-How much juice does it offer?
Coupled with launch control, the E-Tron GT and the RS E-Tron GT deliver 530 hp and 646 hp, respectively. Where the former can take you 488 km, the latter can gobble up 472 km on a single charge (claimed). This has been made possible via an 83.7 kWh battery which darts it with incessant force like a javelin throw. High-power charging will juice up the car from 5% to 80% in just 22.5-minutes. What works in its favour is that it can munch 100 km on just 5 min of charging, says Audi which would be ideal to get your city commutes to the office or grocery sorted.
Carsten Bender, Managing Director, Audi Middle East commented: “The introduction of the Audi E-Tron GT quattro and RS E-Tron GT marks an exciting time for the brand in the Middle East, which is one of the first global markets to make this model available for our customers. With these models, we have introduced an Audi unlike any other – it is a stand-alone Gran Turismo, reinterpreted for the future. Its powerful electric motors provide dynamic driving performance and confident electric all-wheel drive. Its beautiful lines, expressive design and impeccable curves define a model that is dynamic, but also luxurious. We have a four-door coupé whose design is as exhilarating as its futuristic technology.”
Should you buy it given that it is electric?
The infrastructure in most middle-east markets for concomitant EVs is still in its infancy. While incentives are being offered to the early adopters, dearth of charging stations and the expense of installing one compound the car’s desirability quotient. However, to repel that, Audi is working on avenues for the development of high performance charging infrastructure so that this car’s buyers can do away with range anxiety.
It has been made available in regions of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar for viewing, test drive and purchasing and its foray into other middle-eastern markets will follow. While the future looks bright for what has been quoted as ‘The most powerful Audi,’ it will first have to contend with the typical bottlenecks every EV faces before its sales shoot like the car’s 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.3 seconds!
