The regular ‘non RS’ Audi E-Tron GT represents some of the best electric motoring has to offer for Singapore (and beyond), for slightly less expense

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Photos by Lionel Kong, Derryn Wong

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SINGAPORE

While it’s the headlining RS version that grabs most of the attention, the ‘regular’ Audi E-Tron GT is still a truly exciting EV, offering much of the same experience for a smaller pricetag. 

The E-Tron GT is Audi’s flagship electric car, a four-door, fully-electric sedan to complement its existing E-Tron range, otherwise made up entirely of SUVs for now.

As usual, CarBuyer has all the details – check out our launch story where Audi debuted its flagship four-door GT electric car in Singapore last year, or hit up our marketplace to see the latest pricing on Audi’s range here. If you read that story, you’ll notice the price has increased a bit – that’s because of tax increases.

Our review of the RS E-Tron GT established it as a truly thrilling electric car that’s both exciting to drive and to look at, and easy to live with too. 

The ‘look’ part is fortuitous for the E-Tron GT. Unlike most RS vs non-RS faceoffs (see the normal A7 and RS 7 Sportback for instance) the standard GT and RS GT both look nearly identical. The RS doesn’t have a different body kit, nor the bulging fenders or obvious wings that give other RS cars their usual exciting flavour. In fact, aside from the RS badges, there’s next to no difference outside and in. 

Which is to say, the GT is a handsome-looking car, and still very much a head-turner, which is something you can’t really say for many other EVs. A Tesla Model 3 is different and new, but it’s definitely not sexy in the way the GT is. 

With close links to Porsche’s much feted Taycan, it’d be a surprise if the GT turned out as anything less than excellent. No surprises here – because it is.

The ‘non-RS’ has the same dual-motor setup as the faster model, but it sheds 122hp and 190Nm of torque, which sounds considerable on paper. The GT also lacks the rear differential and air suspension of the RS. 

Dynamically, this is most noticeable at extremes, naturally, but in mundane driving there’s really not that much difference between the two. The GT’s acceleration is still blazingly quick and more than fast enough to squeeze some air out of your lungs.

The well-sorted chassis and low centre of gravity also means you’ll run out of road long before you run out of grip. There’s also a lovely balance to the tuning that gives the driver plenty of feedback and some involvement.

The low slung driver focused cockpit sets up expectations perfectly, and the seamless, considerable thrust from the electric drivetrain – accompanied by the E-Tron’s futuristic ‘engine noise’ – makes choosing your pace and regulating power far simpler than with a fire eater. 

As it often is with fast Audis, the GT’s real strength lies in its excellent balance of sportiness and comfort. If you switch the engine noise off, there’s only a faint hint of wind noise and tyre roar in an otherwise silent cabin. Note that the car comes standard with 20-inch wheels, while this test car rode on 21-inchers (S$7,127) – so the standard model could ride more comfortably.

We covered almost 160km in the car and it delivered 20kwh/100km, which is impressive performance for a fast, powerful EV, and means it should do the quoted 400+ kilometres on one charge without worry. To bolster that, it also has 800v tech onboard and is capable of really quick 270kw DC fast charging – 20-odd minutes to go from 10 percent to 80 percent. Singapore’s chargers aren’t quite as quick though, but GT owners will be glad of the future-proofing.  

While it’s far more sexy looking, the E-Tron GT isn’t as practical as an electric SUV. It’s not quite as roomy as the roughly ICE equivalent A7 sportback, but four adults will ride comfortably and overall space (boot, passenger, front and rear) isn’t tremendous, but sufficient. There is room for a fifth person, but it’s meant for short jaunts and not particularly comfy.

The downside is that it’s not as outright involving or thrilling as say, the Audi R8 Spyder, but we can level that criticism at all EVs alike. The GT at least delivers a mighty punch and an enjoyable handling and ride experience to back up its image.

Sure, the E-Tron GT costs more than half-a-million bucks, but sad to say that’s not exactly uncommon these days. And yet it’s a considerable stretch to S$690,940 with COE for the RS E-Tron GT – and it won’t be worth it for most drivers. To bring the regular car nearer to the RS, chassis wise, you could opt for air suspension (S$7,373) or that and a rear differential lock (S$14,746).

As for the competition, there’s a direct rival in the more expensive and less powerful Porsche Taycan, while in the conventional car world there’s the Audi A7 or even RS 7, the Mercedes-Benz CLS, and the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe.  

The E-Tron GT’s blend of looks, tech, and driving prowess is unique, and compelling enough that it hits  its own sweet spot of voltage in the current car landscape. 

Audi E-Tron GT 

Drivetrain type	Full electric
Electric Motor / layout	Dual / Front – Rear
Motor power / torque	470hp / 630Nm 523hp / 640Nm overboost
Battery type /net capacity	Lithium ion / 83.7kWh
Normal Charge Type / Time	11kW AC / 9.5 hours
Max Fast Charge Type / Time	270kW DC / 22 mins 10 to 80 percent
Electric Range*	427km
0-100km/h	4.1 seconds
Top Speed	245km/h
Efficiency*	19.6 kWh/100km
VES Band	A1/ -S$25,000
Agent	Premium Motors
Price	S$534,000 with COE and VES
Availability	Now
Verdict	Electrifying looks, lots of punch, great dynamics – most won’t need the excess of the RS when it comes to the E-Tron GT

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