Plastered all over the billboards across the city, Audi is pushing hard with their new e-tron range. There's something different about the GT but what makes the e-tron 55 any different from their Q range? They seem rather normal on outward inspection and if you've grabbed a peek at the interior, you'll know that they're very much like the Q3 or Q5 that you will find on showroom floors.
Related: Audi launches 6 new EV models including the 440 kW RS e-tron GT
The Audi e-tron range is, in fact, all-electric. It's their latest onslaught into the world of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Audi South Africa is doing all it can to promote this new range of premium, energy-efficient vehicles.
The Audi e-tron range
The e-tron range is comprised of both SUV and GT sedan models, each offering outstanding performance, impressive all-electric range, and trimmings befitting the purchase price. These premium vehicles leave nothing on the table and are equipped with the latest technology, connectivity, and driver assistance systems. Even Audi's high-performance division, RS, has had its hand in the GT model, creating a supercar-slaying grand tourer.
Audi e-tron 55
The Audi e-tron 55 is available in three different trims with minor differences in their trim levels. All three are powered by the same drivetrain and are SUVs in design. The range comprises of the Audi e-tron 55 quattro, the e-tron 55 quattro Advanced, and the 55 quattro S Line.
These three models have a 95 kWh lithium-ion (86.5 kWh usable) battery and produce 300 kW and 664 Nm from their dual-motor setups. This yields a predicted range of between 369 and 440 km. The e-tron 55 will do the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 5.7-seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/h (electronically limited).
All models offer 660 litres of boot space and are equipped with Matrix LED headlights. 55 quattro and 55 quattro Advanced models get Adaptive Air suspension while the S Line receives Adaptive Sport Air Suspension.
Audi e-tron Sportback
The Sportback variant of the e-tron range is rather similar to that of the e-tron SUV but with added coupe-like styling. These liftback models share many similarities and two different versions are available. The Audi e-tron Sportback 55 quattro S Line uses the same powertrain as the SUVs, offering 300 kW, 664 Nm, and up to 44 km range from its 95 kWh battery supply. This version is fitted with 21-inch wheels, matching that of the S Line SUV.
The Audi e-tron Sportback S is rather different though and this model uses three motors instead of two but still drives all four wheels. The power output is bumped up to 370 kW with a colossal 973 Nm torque on hand for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 4.5-seconds and a limited top speed of 210 km/h. The range of this model is slightly compromised with this increased power and you can expect up to 378 km of range from a single charge.
Audi e-tron GT and RS GT
Taking a break from the large SUV structures, the e-tron GT range offers a choice of two Grand Touring sedans with 4 doors and a low-slung profile. These sporty-looking offerings are not shy on performance thanks to a system of two motors and a 93.4 kWh (84 kWh usable) liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery. The e-tron GT produces 350 kW and 630 Nm torque for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 4.5-seconds and a top speed of 245 km/h. Expect to see up to 488 km of range from this GT cruiser.
The RS e-tron GT is the most powerful series production car from Audi, ever. This model produces an astonishing 440 kW of power and 830 Nm torque. This sees its sprint time drop to a shocking 3.3-seconds while on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h. RS-tuned Adaptive Sport Air suspension combined with the quattro all-wheel drive means that the RS GT corners like it's on rails and the ceramic brakes ensure that its stops just as well. This is the supercar for the thinking man.
