Audi e-tron GT Review: The Electric Gran Turismo That Makes Gas Cars Feel Old
02.01.2026 - 11:41:16
The quiet crisis of the car enthusiast
You know that feeling: you still love driving, but the world around you has moved on. The V8 soundtrack that once thrilled you now feels a little irresponsible at the charger-less gas station, and city centers are filling with electric crossovers that look like kitchen appliances on wheels. You want instant torque, but you dont want to sit higher than a dining chair. You want to feel something.
Most EVs promise efficiency. Few promise emotion. And almost none deliver that long-hood, low-slung, gran turismo drama that makes you glance back at the car every time you park it.
Thats the itch Audi is trying to scratch.
The solution: Audi e-tron GT
The Audi e-tron GT steps in as your answer if youve been waiting for an electric car that looks like a concept car, drives like a grand tourer, and still works in the real world. Closely related to the Porsche Taycan under the skin, the e-tron GT takes that performance-focused EV platform and wraps it in Audi design language thats sharper, more dramatic, and just a bit more understated.
On paper, its an all-electric four-door coupe with up to around 469 hp (and more in boost mode, or even more in the RS version), dual-motor all-wheel drive, and high-voltage fast charging. In practice, its an antidote to dull driving and EV range anxiety, especially if your life is a blend of daily commuting and long weekend escapes.
Why this specific model?
Plenty of EVs are quick, quiet, and packed with screens. The question is: why the Audi e-tron GT and not yet another anonymous crossover or a tech-heavy Tesla? After diving into Audis official specs, recent professional reviews, and owner experiences on forums and Reddit, a few themes stand out.
1. Its not just an EV; its a gran turismo.
The e-tron GT is low, long, and wide. That matters. The driving position is closer to a classic sports car than to a family EV. You sit low, legs stretched out, looking over that sculpted hood and muscular fenders. Owners repeatedly mention that just getting in feels special in a way most EVs dont.
With adaptive air suspension (on many trims) and Audis focus on grand-touring comfort, you get a ride tuned to soak up highway miles, not punish you. Multiple journalists have called it one of the most comfortable "fast" EVs on the market, striking a rare balance between sporty and serene.
2. Performance that feels naturally intense, not gimmicky.
Dual motors, all-wheel drive, and a powerful battery pack translate into serious thrust. Most tests report 00 km/h (062 mph) in the low-4-second range for the standard e-tron GT, and significantly quicker in the RS variant. But what owners rave about isnt just the numbersits the repeatability and the feel.
Thanks to a sophisticated 800-volt electrical architecture (shared with the Taycan), the Audi e-tron GT delivers power consistently without excessive heat fade in normal spirited driving. Owners note that acceleration feels strong and linear without the slightly abrupt, on/off surge you get in some EVs. Its drama, but controlled drama.
3. Charging you can actually live with.
Range and charging are where EVs either earn your trust or destroy your patience. The e-tron GTs official WLTP range (exact figure depends on configuration, wheels, and market) is competitive for a performance-focused EV, but the real magic is its fast-charging capability.
With up to around 270 kW DC fast charging on suitable chargers (per Audis own specs), owners and reviewers consistently highlight how quickly the battery can go from a low state of charge up to a comfortable 80%. This is where the 800-volt system shines: shorter, more predictable charging stops on long trips. Reddit threads often mention this as a key reason they chose the e-tron GT over slower-charging competitors.
4. Interior: Audi, not spaceship.
If youre tired of hyper-minimal dashboards and steering wheels with more functions than a gaming PC, the e-tron GTs cabin is a relief. Its unapologetically Audi: physical buttons for climate control, a driver-focused cockpit, and materials that feel expensive where your hands actually rest.
Owners repeatedly praise the build quality and refinement: tight panel gaps, soft-touch materials, and an overall sense of solidity. Road and wind noise are impressively well managed, turning the lack of engine sound into an asset. This is a car where you can genuinely talk to your passengers at highway speeds without raising your voice.
5. Styling that feels like a concept car, but livable.
Whether you choose it in a darker, stealth spec or a bolder color, the e-tron GT looks like it drove off an auto show stand. The wide stance, sculpted sides, and dramatic rear light bar give it presence without the shoutiness of some supercars.
Many owners on forums say the car looks even better in person than in press photos, and several reviewers have called it one of the best-looking EVs on sale today. Its the kind of car that draws questions at charging stations from people who are "EV curious" but not yet convinced.
At a Glance: The Facts
| Feature | User Benefit |
|---|---|
| Dual-motor all-wheel drive | Confident traction in all weather and instant, drama-free acceleration when you need to merge, overtake, or enjoy a twisty road. |
| Approx. 800-volt architecture with high DC fast-charging capability (up to around 270 kW) | Shorter, more predictable charging stops on long trips; less time parked at a charger, more time actually driving. |
| Adaptive air suspension (availability depends on trim) | Comfortable ride for commuting and road trips, with the ability to firm up for spirited driving or soften for rougher roads. |
| Gran turismo body style (low, wide four-door coupe) | Sporty driving position and head-turning design while still offering usable rear seats and a practical four-door layout. |
| High-quality Audi interior with physical controls for key functions | Intuitive, distraction-reduced operation and a premium feel that still works when youre wearing gloves or not in the mood to tap through menus. |
| Advanced driver assistance systems (availability depends on market and options) | Extra layer of safety and reduced fatigue on longer drives, from adaptive cruise to lane assistance where equipped. |
| Available RS variant with higher performance | For enthusiasts who want supercar-like acceleration and sharper dynamics without giving up the grand-touring comfort and practicality. |
What users are saying
Scroll through recent Reddit discussions and owner forums and a pattern emerges around the Audi e-tron GT: this isnt just an appliance you plug in, its something people bond with.
Common praise:
- Design and presence: Owners regularly call it "stunning", "best-looking EV on the road", and say it draws compliments wherever it goes.
- Ride and refinement: Many compare the comfort favorably to traditional luxury sedans, noting that even on larger wheels, the air suspension keeps things composed.
- Build quality: Tight, solid, and "typical Audi" are common descriptors. Fewer squeaks and rattles are mentioned compared with some high-volume EV brands.
- Performance: Plenty quick for everyday driving and genuinely thrilling in RS form; drivers talk about its ability to cover long distances very quickly and calmly.
- Charging performance: On suitable networks, users report fast, consistent charging speeds and relatively efficient long-distance travel for a performance EV.
Recurring complaints:
- Trunk and storage space: The sleek shape eats into cargo room. Its usable, but some wish it were closer to a hatchback in practicality.
- Rear headroom: Tall passengers may feel the pinch under the sloping roofline. This is a style-first design, and it shows in the back seat.
- Price: Many Reddit commenters are upfront: they love it, but its expensive. Especially in higher trims, it competes with serious performance and luxury cars.
- Range vs. efficiency EVs: While range is decent for a sporty EV, efficiency-focused models from other brands will generally go farther on a charge.
- Infotainment complexity: Some users find Audis systems slightly more traditional and less "techy" than a Tesla, while others count that as a positive.
Overall sentiment leans strongly positive among those who buy or seriously cross-shop the e-tron GT. Many note they chose it instead of a Porsche Taycan or a Tesla Model S because it hit a sweet spot of design, driving feel, and quality.
As context, Audi is part of Volkswagen AG (ISIN: DE0007664039), one of the worlds largest automotive groups, which means the e-tron GT benefits from shared EV platforms, charging knowledge, and component development across multiple premium brands.
Alternatives vs. Audi e-tron GT
The Audi e-tron GT doesnt exist in a vacuum. If youre shopping in this space, youre probably also looking at a few key rivals:
- Porsche Taycan: The closest sibling, sharing the same basic platform and 800-volt system. The Taycan leans more hardcore and driver-focused, with slightly sharper handling and a broader range of variants. However, many find the e-tron GT more comfortable and visually striking, and prefer its more traditional, less button-heavy interior layout.
- Tesla Model S: Offers strong straight-line performance and generally more range per dollar, along with the advantage of Teslas Supercharger network (where available and accessible). On the flip side, build quality and interior materials are a common criticism, and the minimalist interior wont appeal to everyone. If you prioritize tech bells and whistles and maximum range, Model S wins; if you lean toward craftsmanship and driving feel, the Audi e-tron GT has the edge.
- Mercedes-Benz EQE / EQS (sedan and SUV variants): These prioritize comfort, tech-heavy interiors (Hyperscreen, ambient lighting), and smoothness. Theyre excellent luxury EVs but dont deliver the same low-slung, coupe-like driving experience or emotional styling as the e-tron GT.
- BMW i5 / i7 and i4: BMWs EV sedans bring strong dynamics and familiar BMW ergonomics, but are generally more conventional in shape. If you want a car that blends in more on the street yet drives well, theyre strong options. For pure drama in design and a dedicated GT feel, the Audi stands out.
The pattern is clear: very few alternatives combine this specific recipe of dramatic design, GT comfort, and ultra-fast 800-volt charging. Some are faster, some go farther, some are cheaper; but the e-tron GT occupies a niche thats less about spreadsheets and more about how the car makes you feel.
Final Verdict
Owning an EV doesnt have to mean trading away soul for silence. The Audi e-tron GT proves that electric doesnt just replace gasolineit can reinvent what a grand tourer feels like.
If your priorities are maximum cargo volume, absolute lowest running costs, or a bargain purchase price, this is probably not your car. There are more rational choices out there.
But if youre the kind of driver who still takes the long way home, who plans weekend trips around great roads, and who values how a car sits in your driveway as much as how it sips electrons, the e-tron GT lands in a very sweet spot. Its fast without being juvenile, luxurious without being gaudy, and futuristic without asking you to relearn how to operate every basic function.
In a market flooded with safe, sensible EVs, the Audi e-tron GT feels like a bold, emotional statement: you can go electric and still absolutely love driving. And if thats the problem youve been quietly wrestling with, this might just be the solution youve been waiting for.
