Considering the massive churn of new Audi EV models over the last few years, perhaps it isn’t too surprising to find that the E-Tron GT is now one of the oldest electric cars to be offered by the German premium brand, having been launched back in 2021.
Now, after four-years on sale, it’s time for the E-Tron GT to get its mid-life facelift, which mirrors the changes made to its sister car the Porsche Taycan, with which it shares the MEB J1 platform. This mainly centres on efficiency improvements, and a bigger 102kWh battery – equalling improved range, best seen in our mid-spec S test car.
Design and interior
We’ve always thought the E-Tron GT was the best-looking of the two cars, with its aggressive front air dam, colour-coded faux grille, and large air ducts at each corner to cool the brakes. With more air ducts and heavily blistered arches to cover the rear wheels, this sums up the side design of this Audi. While, at the back, there’s an angular set of rear lights that stretch across the GT’s rear – with its own distinctive light signature when turned on and off. If all that isn’t sporty enough, there’s also a neat pop-up rear spoiler that comes up at speed – and a distinctive rear diffuser.
Thankfully, facelift changes are limited to revised front headlights, more colour-coding for the bodywork, and a new design for the standard 20in alloy wheels.
Inside, the S E-Tron GT’s interior gets a new Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel with haptic controls, plus changes for the infotainment. It is a shame Audi didn’t go further, as having lived with a pre-facelift car, the interior still doesn’t feel as special as the exterior – in fact we’d go as far as saying it feels a bit dated! What we did like was the leather-free interior of our test car, as the cloth trim, combined with the also optional anthracite Birch wood trim inlays (£795), adds to the overall feeling of quality in this Audi’s interior. It is disappointing however, that removing the leather adds £615 to the price!
Our car also benefitted from the S Technology Pack Pro, which includes the switchable transparency panoramic roof that is also fitted to the Audi A6 E-Tron Avant and gives welcome shade on hot days – even if the operation via the infotainment system is a bit fiddly.
Space in the rear of the E-Tron remains perfectly acceptable for two children and average-sized adults – but the tallest will find their heads brushing the edge of the glass roof. There is even a 405-litre boot that can be extended by folding the rear seats. Although, it has an awkward opening thanks to the E-Tron GT’s sporty styling.
Performance and drive
There are now only four E-Tron GT versions available; the E-Tron GT Quattro, the S E-Tron GT we had, the RS E-Tron GT, and the RS E-tron GT performance range-topper. Choose the RS E-Tron GT, and it has an eye-watering 912hp as standard, but our mid-range S E-Tron GT still gives a more than adequate 671hp with launch control enabled, via two electric motors. This equals incredible 0-62mph acceleration in just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 152mph. Yet despite all this performance, it is still capable of up to 372 miles on a charge – although more realistically if you use the performance, the GT’s range is closer to the 290 miles we saw.
Talking about charging, like the Taycan, the E-Tron GT benefits from fast charging, meaning this Audi isn’t very well suited to home charging as it can take upwards of 12 hours. Still, if you can find a 320kW charger, you can get an 80% charge in around 18 minutes.
Electric cars are heavy, yet this Audi hides its bulk impressively. The steering could do with a touch more feel, but it’s precise and this car is able to slice through corners with impressive speed. The handling itself feels pleasingly sharp, grippy and corners flatter, with the well-balanced, and newly standard air suspension.
As the name suggests, the E-Tron GT is happiest in Comfort mode for everyday use. Dynamic gives this car a harder edge when you get to the twisties but is a bit much around town where vibrations from the big wheels are seemingly amplified into this Audi’s cabin.
The S is the mid-range model, but after spending a week with this car, we reckon this is the sweet spot in the Audi E-Tron GT range. It is more than fast enough, the range is decent, and it still looks fantastic. Just make sure you can live with the dated and dull interior.
Positive: Attractive exterior design, keen drive, quality, impressive performance, decent range
Negative: Expensive, interior design feels dated, likely heavy depreciation.
Standard equipment: 20in alloy wheels, LED headlights and rear lights,12.3in touchscreen display, Audi virtual cockpit, dual-zone climate control, rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, blind spot detection.
Engines: Electric: 576hp, 671hp, 845hp, 912hp
Equipment grades: E-Tron GT Quattro, S E-Tron GT, RS E-Tron GT, RS E-Tron GT Performance.
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Audi S E-Tron GT 102kWh |
| P11D | £107,760 |
| Residual value | 46.7% |
| Depreciation | £57,496 |
| Fuel | £4,005 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £4,383 |
| Cost per mile | 109p |
| Range | 372 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £54/£108 |
| Luggage capacity | 405 litres |
| Battery size/power | 102kWh/671hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
