Audi e-tron GT Concept

Audi South Africa makes a bold move into the EV space with e-Tron range introduction

The future is now. That is what Audi South Africa is telling us and at their recent Night of Progress event in Cape Town they proved it. The German automaker put its money where its mouth is and introduced its entire range of fully electric models to media, brand ambassadors, dealers and celebrities alike.

While we didn’t get to spend much time behind the wheel, we did get a taste for what the e-Tron range is all about. Audi is pushing for a sustainable future which has less of a negative impact on the environment. It also needs to satisfy customer needs which means that there must be a variety of models on offer. It believes that the e-Tron range is a complete answer to the new needs and desires of its customers.

 

Audi e-tron GT Quattro In-Depth Review 2022 - The BEST Model S Rival? - OSV​

Audi's e-tron GT quattro is a desirable four-door Grand Touring flagship model for the Ingolstadt maker's growing e-tron EV range.

Though most of the core technology here is shared with this car's Porsche Taycan cousin, it's all been delivered with a distinctly Audi feel and character.

And, most importantly, it has that 'want one' factor.

 
Audi E-tron GT dubbed World Car Awards Performance Car of 2022.

The nominee list for the numerous categories for this year’s World Car Awards was dominated by electric vehicles, of which there were many newly launched to the market in the last twelve months.

The World Car of the Year category to World Luxury Car and even the World Car Design of the Year featured number of EVs. One could see it as a sign of the times, but to further drive home the growing potential of electric vehicles in the changing automotive landscape, the Audi E-tron GT Quattro has won the WCA’s Performance Car award.

The electrification drum has most certainly been beaten of late, with constant innovations and new models within the EV market, the practicality and appeal of these silent movers has grown, and one could argue that in many regards, they are now are on equal footing with ICE vehicles. Audi plans to exclusively produce electric vehicles from 2026 onwards. All of the firm’s production plants will also conform to standards and practices that are in line with the desire to adopt carbon neutrality.

Surprisingly, this electrified newcomer has managed to trump industry favourites such as BMW’s titanic M3 and M4 nameplates, as well as the revitalised and the esteemed Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ. While the M siblings sport ridiculous power figures and the reborn GR86 and BRZ counterparts are great handling cars, the E-tron seems to slot in between these contrasting attributes with an electric flair.

 
Audi updates equipment and prices of its lineup for 2023 model year

Not to be outdone by other automakers or the inflation, Audi has announced the new prices for its fleet starting in the second half of the year. Trying to sweeten the blow a bit the company also increased the levels of standard equipment. Audi tries putting a positive spin on the announcement by adding that by the end of 2022 it will be the luxury brand with the most electric vehicles sold - that is a one bold claim, time will tell if it is right. There are a bunch of changes, but our focus is obviously on Audi's e-Tron EVs.

The 2023 e-tron and e-tron Sportback from now on will come with black headliner as standard, 22” wheels are standard now with Prestige trim as well as orange brake calipers, rear side airbags, illuminated seat belt buckles and Matrix headlights. The e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback get carbon inlays and updated LED interior lights. In the US the federal tax credit remains in place and is worth $7,500.

E-tron GT gets plenty of updates as well - starting with the new grille that used to be gray, now it will come in the color of the car, passengers get a second charging port. Audi is also including anti-theft wheel bolts as standard and adds a TOLL module to the mirror for hassle-free cruising through the toll booths on 20” all season tires. Bang and Olufsen audio system is now standard and Prestige trim adds 21” wheels in bi-color black finish and to round it off the rear seats are now heated and the interior gets new LED lights.

 
Audi e-tron GT: 24 Hours With Audi’s Flagship EV

What does the Audi e-tron GT cost in South Africa?

The Audi e-tron GT quattro is priced from R2 715 000. Audi does offer a wide range of optional features for the e-tron GT and the example on test here is priced at roughly R3 054 100.

The range-topping Audi e-tron GT RS is priced from R3 300 000.

The e-tron GT is sold with a 1-year/unlimited km vehicle warranty as well as an 8-year/160 000km battery warranty and a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan.


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REVIEW | Audi's e-tron GT personifies sex on wheels, but it's not the most practical EV

The e-tron GT is the second most-expensive model in Audi's all-electric range.

The sedan is aesthetically pleasing, but has a shortcoming when it comes to practicality.

The e-tron GT sells for R2.7 million in South Africa.

In summary


Audi South Africa is taking one of the biggest risks in its history by going down the electric route. And they're not just taking a stroll, but are running at the forefront of the next phase in mobility. The automaker realises that they may be selling EVs in small numbers - for now - but they have no insecurities about their end goal.

The e-tron GT has its shortcomings. It is not very practical, and spirited driving can be curbed by the immense weight it has to deal with. Yet, it remains an impressive car. It excels as a daily and fits right in on those trips to your favourite wine estate - provided it's within striking distance of a charging station. Sensible buyers are likely to opt for one of Audi's electric SUVs, but it can't be denied that the GT is one of the most sensual-looking cars on our roads today.

And for many, that's reason enough to splurge R2 715 000.

The Audi e-tron GT comes standard with a five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan, an eight-year or 160 000km battery warranty, and a one-year or unlimited km vehicle warranty.

 
WATCH: This lowered Audi RS e-tron GT bodes well for future modification

Aftermarket tuning options for EVs are becoming more commonplace as the alternatively powered models start becoming more mainstream. A latest video of a lowered Audi RS e-tron GT is a good indication of how sleek the silently powered model can look.

Wearing massive 22-inch wheels and a full body kit, the lowered Audi RS e-tron GT has been transcended from its already ominous looking stock aesthetic into this; a showstopper. The YouTube video courtesy of Auditography shows the satin finished sedan in various city and countryside settings although we think the bustling metropolis with cityscape in the background suits the Ingolstadt model more.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/lowered-audi-rs-e-tron-gt/


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