When the Porsche Taycan was first unveiled, it signaled a radical shift in Porsche’s plans and unlocked a new frontier of performance. for the broader Volkswagen empire. The Taycan may have had the spotlight briefly to itself, but all that ends with the unveiling of its cousin, the 2022 Audi E-Tron GT, which brings some of its magic into a unique and slightly less expensive package.
Most Exciting Zero Emissions Audi Yet
While the E-Tron GT may not be Audi’s first time taking a dip in the zero-emissions swimming pool, it’s perhaps the most exciting dive that Audi has taken into the segment yet. The exterior styling has plenty of Audi cues, with the front fascia being very reminiscent of some of the luxury brand’s current models. The front fascia features a grille like design, which is meshed with optional Matrix-LED Headlights. Some of Audi’s press photos of the E-Tron GT were taken in a somewhat psychedelic backdrop, which keeps viewers from seeing the finer details.
But take the E-Tron to a place with more reliable lighting, and the side profile actually emerges as the lone flaw here. The Taycan had a very distinctive silhouette, and it appears that Audi designers chose to copy and paste that model’s appearance into the Audi. This might offend some Audi fans that wanted a canvas that was 100 percent Audi cues with no obvious hints that it’s a Taycan originated creation. The E-Tron GT’s rear styling picks up some of the slack, though, with designers giving it jagged taillights and a bolder rear bumper that contrasts with the Taycan’s smoother dimensions.
The E-Tron GT will come with standard 20-inch wheels, but buyers that opt for the RS model (more on that later will be able to up-size to 21-inch alloy wheels. These touches allow the E-Tron to hold its own against rivals like the Tesla Model S and recent entries like the Lucid Air.
E-Tron GT Interior Flips The Script, Diverges From Taycan
Audi’s interior designs have always managed to wow the masses, especially in regards to providing a balanced mixture of functionality and technology. In recent years the firm has adopted a twin-screen layout and has even added an all-digital instrument cluster. The E-Tron GT flips the script a bit and positions the 12.3-inch touchscreen closer to the driver, and swaps out the smaller 8.6-inch screen for a smaller one that comes with analog controls for the climate control system. This is yet another way the E-Tron differentiates itself from the Taycan, with the Porsche going all-in on screens.
Audi chose not to release images of the standard E-Tron’s interior in its release, but if the RS model is any indication, buyers will be in for quite a shock when they slip behind the wheel. Like other RS models, the cabin is adorned with high-quality materials, including aggressively bolstered sport seats, a flat bottomed Alcantara-covered steering wheel, red contrast stitching for the black leather accents, and enough carbon fiber to outshine even the classiest exotic car. A leather-free interior is standard across the entire E-Tron GT lineup, but buyers will be able to replace the sci-fi material with real animal hide if they so choose.
Ergonomics also played a big part in designing the basic control layout, with Audi engineers relocating many basic controls within easy reach of the driver. The shifter and the engine start-stop button sit on the center console while many other buttons and switchgear are lifted from other Audi offerings. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, and the borrowed pieces should help project a very premium atmosphere.
E-Tron GT Offers Scenery Blurring Performance
Performance hardware for the 2022 Audi E-Tron GT is shared with the Porsche Taycan, which means the bulk of it will sound very familiar to those that have had the chance to spend time with that model. Base E-Tron GT models will be powered by EV hardware that produces 469 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. The standard model can make the sprint to 60 mph in 3.9 miles seconds before topping out at 152 mph.
Meanwhile, the spicier RS model lives up to its reputation and makes 590 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. Those models can do the dash to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and slightly increase the top speed to 155 mph. Both models also come with an embedded overboost feature that allows both configurations to make 522 and 637 horsepower, respectively, when it’s activated. While the 0 to 60 figures are slightly slower than some versions of the Taycan, this subtle divide makes sense since the E-Tron is slated to be less expensive versus its cousin.
The E-Tron GT doesn’t;t skimp on handling either, with all models featuring a four-corner air suspension system. Audi claims that the setup here has 60 percent more capacity than what’s seen in both the E-Tron Crossover and Sportback. Look for that to translate to sharper handling on the track, especially when the car has a chance to be placed into Sport mode with the four-wheel steering system standard.
This Electrified Audi Is Stealthy Value Play
Pricing for the 2022 Audi E-Tron GT is reflective of the high priced EV segment that it competes in with base Premium Plus models starting at $99,000. Mid-level Prestige models wield a $107,100 price tag, while the Tesla hunting RS model carries a $139,900 base sticker. These figures do not include the $7,500 federal tax credit that can still be placed on Audi E-Tron models.
While the prices here seem lofty, there is actually some value found here when the E-Tron GT is compared to its Porsche counterpart. For instance, Audi models have always relied on a much smaller options list than some of their competitors (and Porsche), with the company preferring to lump everything it can into fixed trim levels. On the other hand, Porsche treats options like an all-out blitz at Golden Corral, with the lengthy and ala carte style options list playing a role in rapidly raising the price.
For example, a Taycan 4S starts at $103,800, but that model comes with a leather interior, smaller 19-inch wheels, and a smaller battery pack. Buyers can bring this flavor of Taycan onto a more even playing field with the E-Tron Prestige via selected options. Still, they will pay dearly for that maneuver, with the Porsche being $10,000 higher than the E-Tron Prestige ($117,000 for those that are curious.)
When Can I Buy a 2022 Audi E-Tron GT?
If you read all the above information and are eager to add one to your fleet? Audi revealed that both the E-Tron GT and its spicier RS counterpart would begin arriving in Audi showrooms this summer. We still have a few questions surrounding some of the finer details surrounding the 2022 Audi E-Tron GT, but look for the German luxury brand to reveal those details over the next few weeks.
The 2022 Audi E-Tron GT promises to be a very compelling entry in the EV vehicle segment, and it appears to have the proper tools for success. Only time will tell if it can pull off all of its promises, but we look forward to perhaps experiencing it for ourselves in a future review.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.