The 2022 Audi e-tron GT emerges as a stunning embodiment of electric mobility, seamlessly merging breathtaking design with exhilarating performance and cutting-edge technology. This all-electric gran turismo not only amplifies Audi’s commitment to the electric future but also sets a new benchmark in the EV landscape. With its striking aesthetics and dynamic capabilities, the e-tron GT is more than just a car; it’s a statement.
Looking every inch the concept car brought to life, the 2022 Audi e-tron GT captivates with its long, low, and wide stance, exuding dynamism from every angle. Its proportions are a masterclass in automotive design, underscored by large wheels, a broad track, and an extended wheelbase. Lower and wider than the Audi A7, yet maintaining a comparable length, the e-tron GT achieves a visual harmony that is both athletic and elegant. The inverted Singleframe grille, a reinterpretation of the classic honeycomb design, along with the pronounced quattro blisters above each wheel arches, and the sleek, sloping roofline, are signature e-tron GT design cues. Aerodynamic efficiency is not just an afterthought but integral to its design, highlighted by radiator and brake duct air inlets that intelligently close when cooling is not required, contributing to an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.24. This attention to detail allows the 2022 Audi e-tron GT to move with exceptional efficiency, complementing its inherent velocity.
Further elevating its visual appeal, the U.S. models of the 2022 Audi e-tron GT come standard with 20-inch 5-double-spoke alloy wheels featuring gray accents. For those opting for enhanced performance, the performance package includes 20-inch 5-double-spoke alloy wheels with black accents. The RS e-tron GT, at the pinnacle of the range, boasts standard 20-inch 5-spoke AERO wheels, with optional 21-inch wheels for an even more commanding presence. A segment-first and exclusive to the RS e-tron GT is its lightweight, high-strength, five-layer carbon fiber reinforced plastic roof, a testament to Audi’s innovation. The available HD Matrix-design headlights with Audi laser light technology significantly enhance high-beam visibility, ensuring safety and style. The strongly sculpted lower doorsill lines not only add to the aesthetic but also emphasize the battery pack as the car’s core power source.
Stepping inside the 2022 Audi e-tron GT reveals a cabin that is both luxurious and sustainably conscious. A leather-free interior, featuring recycled materials, comes standard, showcasing Dinamica® and Alcantara. For those desiring traditional luxury, Nappa leather upholstery remains an option. The “monoposto” cockpit design focuses on the driver, angling the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 10.1-inch MMI touch response displays for intuitive control. A flat-bottom, full-circumference steering wheel, wrapped in Alcantara, is standard, with a perforated, leather-wrapped steering wheel featuring capacitive hands-on detection available for enhanced driver interaction.
The 2022 Audi e-tron GT is engineered to deliver intelligent performance, a harmonious blend of exhilarating dynamism and effortless cruising capability. This duality is even more pronounced in the Audi RS e-tron GT, the first electric vehicle from Audi Sport in the U.S., pushing the boundaries of electric performance. The electric propulsion system, coupled with the sophisticated three-chamber air suspension, all-wheel steering, and a responsive two-speed transmission, are pivotal to this versatile character.
At the heart of the 2022 Audi e-tron GT’s thrilling performance lies its electric powertrain, featuring permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM) on both front and rear axles. These motors are celebrated for their instant torque delivery from a standstill, akin to the initial surge of a high-speed roller coaster. In the e-tron GT, the front motor produces 235 horsepower, while the rear motor generates 429 horsepower, resulting in a combined output of 469 horsepower. With overboost engaged and launch control activated, this figure can surge to 522 horsepower for 2.5 seconds, accompanied by 464 lb-ft of torque (or 472 lb-ft with overboost). This power translates to blistering acceleration, propelling the e-tron GT from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, with a top track speed of 152 mph.
The RS e-tron GT shares its front motor with the standard e-tron GT but boasts a more potent rear motor, delivering 450 horsepower. Together, the RS e-tron GT’s motors unleash a net 590 horsepower, which can peak at 637 horsepower with overboost. The total system torque is an impressive 612 lb-ft. This elevates the RS e-tron GT’s performance to supercar levels, achieving 0-60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds, matching the acceleration of the V10-powered Audi R8, all while producing zero direct emissions. Its top track speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
A distinguishing feature of the 2022 Audi e-tron GT, setting it apart from many competitors, is its two-speed transmission. This innovative system provides rapid acceleration in first gear and efficient cruising at higher speeds in second gear, optimizing both performance and range.
The 2022 Audi e-tron GT comes equipped with a standard three-chamber air suspension system, significantly enhanced from those in the e-tron and e-tron Sportback models with a 60% greater capacity. This advanced suspension allows for a wider spectrum of spring rates, ensuring a comfortable ride for daily commutes and sharp, responsive handling for spirited driving, even on demanding tracks like the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The air suspension can adjust the vehicle’s ride height by 22 millimeters (0.9 inches) downwards and 20 millimeters (0.8 inches) upwards. The individual chambers within each spring can be activated or deactivated to adapt to various driving conditions, working in concert with the standard controlled dampers, all managed by the central electronic chassis platform (ECP).
Available across the 2022 e-tron GT range is the all-wheel steering system. At speeds up to approximately 30 mph, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction by a maximum of 2.8 degrees, enhancing low-speed maneuverability. Above 30 mph, they steer in the same direction, promoting stability at higher speeds. A standard rear differential lock with fixed locking values improves traction and stability during acceleration and deceleration, complemented by subtle brake and steering interventions. For enhanced control, a controlled rear-axle differential lock is optional on the e-tron GT and standard on the RS e-tron GT, utilizing a multi-plate clutch for variable locking from zero to 100%, optimizing traction and stability in diverse driving scenarios.
Powering the 2022 Audi e-tron GT models in the U.S. is a 93.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, featuring an integrated cooling structure beneath it. This system efficiently dissipates heat, maintaining optimal battery temperature, and is housed within a robust aluminum frame for structural integrity and occupant protection. Benefitting from an 800-volt electrical architecture, the e-tron GT supports DC fast-charging at speeds up to 270 kW. Preliminary manufacturer estimates, based on approximations of EPA test cycles, suggest a range of 238 miles for the e-tron GT and 232 miles for the RS e-tron GT on a full charge, although official EPA estimates were pending at the time of release.
The 2022 Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT are produced with uncompromising quality at the Böllinger Höfe plant, alongside the Audi R8 supercar. Manufacturing of the e-tron GT is carbon-neutral, utilizing 100% eco-electricity and biogas for heat generation. Unavoidable emissions are offset through certified carbon credits, reflecting Audi’s commitment to sustainability. From design and manufacturing processes to material selection and even a unique acceleration sound crafted by audio engineers, every detail of the 2022 Audi e-tron GT underscores Audi’s dedication to electric vehicle excellence.
The 2022 Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT represent a significant step in Audi’s electrification strategy, contributing to the brand’s goal of a 30% electrified model portfolio by 2025. Joining the e-tron and e-tron Sportback, and with the anticipated arrival of the Audi Q4 e-tron, Audi is rapidly expanding its EV offerings. Audi’s commitment extends beyond its product line, as the company actively supports the Paris Climate Agreement and aims for net CO2 neutrality across its vehicle lifecycle by 2050.
The 2022 Audi e-tron GT quattro Premium Plus starts at $99,900, the e-tron GT quattro Prestige at $107,100, and the RS e-tron GT at $139,900. These models were expected to arrive in the U.S. in the summer of 2021, marking a new era for electric grand tourers. The 2022 Audi e-tron GT is not just an electric car; it’s a statement of Audi’s vision for the future of driving – a future that is electric, exhilarating, and exquisitely designed.
