The 2023 Audi e-tron GT looks genuinely futuristic. Upfront, it gets Audi’s signature single-frame grille with honeycomb-patterned graphics, a pair of Matrix LED headlamps and a large air dam that channels air to cool the floor-mounted battery.
The ‘Sportback’ rear and the sloping roofline are prominent elements from the side profile. At the rear, there’s a thick LED light bar connecting the LED taillamps and a blacked-out diffuser.
For 2023, the ‘Hekla grille’ from the 2022 model year is now replaced by a body-colored grille, which was previously a USD 350 add-on. Additional changes to the exterior include a second charging port above the passenger side fender and anti-theft wheel bolts.
20-inch all-season tires are now standard on the 2023 Audi e-tron GT, while the Prestige trim can be specced with a 21-inch 10-spoke trapezoidal wheel design option, replacing the previous platinum gray finish wheels that were available for USD 2,000 extra.
EV MOTOR AND IMPLEMENTATION
Packing a pair of electric motors that create an electrified version of Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the regular e-tron GT generates up to 522 horsepower while the RS version peaks at 637 ponies.
This power is converted to exhilarating acceleration with the help of its innovative two-speed transmission, which has a first gear for launches and a second top gear for optimal efficiency. A complex cooling system means its battery pack can handle repeated runs without the typical signs of heat-related degradation.
Audi also eschews traditional one-pedal driving on its sporty EV, instead, providing a more natural feel. The 2023 Audi e-tron GT is available with all-wheel steering, an adjustable air suspension, and wheel sizes that range from 19 up to 21 inches.
We’ve driven the RS version and appreciated its smooth ride, stable handling, and its selectable regenerative-braking settings, which can be adjusted via the paddles on the steering wheel. In our testing, the RS e-tron GT blasted to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.
Every e-tron GT features an 83.7-kWh lithium-ion battery. The regular model gets an EPA-estimated 238 miles of range, but the RS model is rated slightly lower at 232 miles.
We beat the EPA estimate by eight miles during our real-world highway range test during our drive of the RS e-tron GT. The e-tron GT can also be recharged from 5 to 80 percent of its battery capacity in a claimed 23 minutes using the standard 270-kW DC fast charger.
ENERGY AND REAL-WORLD MPG
The 2023 Audi e-tron GT is rated at 82 MPGe combined; the RS version falls one short of that mark. On our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, the RS model delivered 83 MPGe. For more information about the e-tron GT’s efficiency ratings, visit the EPA’s website.
INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH
Inside, the 2023 Audi e-tron GT mixes fanciful and functional elements. The cabin incorporates multiple digital displays on its angular dashboard along with upscale trim. Audi offers a leather interior with different color options as well as a leather-free package that uses recycled materials.
Of course, there’s no shortage of available luxury features. The top options include the ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, heated-and-cooled front seats with massage functions, and more. Front-seat passengers sit low to the ground, which promotes a sporty driving position.
The rear outboard seats provide ample legroom, but its headroom is less generous, and the middle seat is more courteous than comfortable. There’s space for luggage behind the back seats and under the hood in the front trunk (frunk).
IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS
While the 2023 Audi e-tron GT‘s infotainment system isn’t as touchscreen-heavy as other Audi models such as the A7 sedan and e-tron SUV, it’s still visually exciting and loaded with popular content.
The central touchscreen measures 10.1 inches and works with steering-wheel-mounted controls and voice-recognition software. Along with a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, the e-tron GT is available with wireless charging and a powerful 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS
The all-electric sedan has myriad driver-assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control as well as remote self-parking assist, which allows the driver to park the car via a smartphone app.
For more information about the 2023 Audi e-tron GT’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
PHOTOS
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
2022 Audi RS e-tron GT
Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $143,445/$164,390
Options: Year One package (carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon-fiber exterior inlays, RS interior design package, red seat belts, RS steering wheel, Dynamic steering, LED headlights, Audi laser light and animation, dinamica headliner, carbon-fiber mirror housings, summer tires, Full Leather Interior Package, Wheels: 21-inch wheels and summer tires, rear-axle steering, heated and ventilated RS Sport Seats Plus, 18-way power adjustable front seats with massage function, $20,350; Kemora Gray paint, $595
POWERTRAIN
2 permanent-magnet synchronous AC Combined Power: 637 hp
Combined Torque: 612 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 85.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive, 2-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 16.5-in vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc/16.1-in vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 5
F: 265/35ZR-21 101Y NF0
R: 285/30ZR-21 104Y NF0
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 114.2 in
Length: 196.4 in
Width: 77.3 in
Height: 54.9 in
Passenger Volume: 92 ft3
Trunk Volume: 12 ft3
Curb Weight: 5171 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 2.9 sec
100 mph: 6.9 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.0 sec @ 127 mph
130 mph: 11.5 sec
150 mph: 16.5 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 3.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.3 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 1.7 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 156 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 157 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 311 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.93 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 71 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving: 83 MPGe
Highway Range: 240 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 81/79/82 MPGe
Range: 232 mi
