Audi’s e-tron GT is an £80k electric supercar fit for a superhero

Eat your heart out Iron Man.

You don’t have to be a superhero to drive Audi’s awesome new sporty all-electric e-tron GT grand tourer.

However, with prices ranging from £79,900 to nearly double that for the hottest RS version at £133,105, a super bank balance may help.

Nevertheless, for that money you will imbued with certain automotive super-powers, including the ability to accelerate from a standing start to 62mph in a supercar performance time of just 3.3 seconds and enjoy a range of up to 296 miles.

And with zero-emissions, you’re arguably already doing your bit to help save the planet.

Audi’s superhero electric car: This is the new Audi e-tron GT, a luxurious grant tourer that was previewed in the 2019 film, Avengers Endgame

Even vegetarians and vegans can enjoy its leather-free interior option.

Super-cool Hollywood actor Robert Downey Jnr drove an early prototype of the new battery-powered GT on screen in the Marvel movie Avengers Endgame where he plays billionaire industrialist Tony Stark, secretly the fully armoured flying Iron Man super-hero. The star even drove himself to the movie’s premiere in one, posing alongside it for photographs.

But now the light disguise has finally come off Audi’s new lightning-fast electric flagship that is set to hit showrooms in Spring as the German car-giant launches not one but two key versions to the world, along with detailed specification, pricing and technology for the cruiser with supercar pedigree and acceleration.

With the UK highlighted as one of the key markets, the standard Audi e-tron GT quattro starts from £79,900, rising to £106,000 for the ‘ultra-high’ specced Vorsprung trim.

From there, however, it’s only a relatively short hop to the racing-inspired Audi RS e-tron GT priced from £110,950 but rising to £125,340 for the Carbon Black trim and a whopping £133,105 for the Carbon Vorsprung.

In the USA, the e-tron GT quattro is priced from $99,900 for the Premium Plus, the e-tron GT quattro Prestige costs from $107,100 and the RS e-tron GT from $139,900.

Robert Downey Jnr attending Audi Arrives At The World Premiere Of 'Avengers: Endgame' on April 22, 2019 in Hollywood, California

Robert Downey Jnr attending Audi Arrives At The World Premiere Of ‘Avengers: Endgame’ on April 22, 2019 in Hollywood, California

Production of the new model has already begun at Audi Böllinger Höfe, Neckarsulm, South West Germany

Production of the new model has already begun at Audi Böllinger Höfe, Neckarsulm, South West Germany

Audi’s motto has long been ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’, broadly translated as a leap forward through technology, and the new GT certainly has a host of new technology worthy of a Marvel Avenger as well as a few superpowers of its own – including night vision and laser lights.

Audi design chiefs said the new GT takes its inspiration from the grand tourers and muscle cars of the 1950s, 60s and 1970s, as exemplified by the low profile and aerodynamic shape mixed muscular rear haunches and fearsome all-electric pulling power that combine elegance with potency.

They say it ‘brings Vorsprung durch Technik to the road while being ‘powerful, sporty, confident, and emotional.’

The standard Audi e-tron GT quattro starts from £79,900, rising to £106,000 for the 'ultra-high' specced Vorsprung trim

The standard Audi e-tron GT quattro starts from £79,900, rising to £106,000 for the ‘ultra-high’ specced Vorsprung trim

A racing-inspired Audi RS e-tron GT is priced from £110,950, rising to £125,340 for the Carbon Black trim and a whopping £133,105 for the Carbon Vorsprung

A racing-inspired Audi RS e-tron GT is priced from £110,950, rising to £125,340 for the Carbon Black trim and a whopping £133,105 for the Carbon Vorsprung

In the UK, the GT quattro will ride as standard on 20 inch wheels, the RS on larger 21 inch wheels to give it added presence

In the UK, the GT quattro will ride as standard on 20 inch wheels, the RS on larger 21 inch wheels to give it added presence

Standing 4.99m long, 1.96m wide and just 1.41m high stretched over a 2.90m wheelbase, Audi says its proportions share ‘the dimensions of a classic grand tourer.’

Built at an environmentally-friendly boutique factory at Böllinger Höfe, near Neckarsulm in South West Germany, UK versions of the GT quattro will be equipped with LED headlamps featuring striking 3-D look daytime running lights and dynamic front and rear indicator lights as standard. Super-intense lighting is available from Audi’s laser-light which activates from 43.5 mph and doubles the range of the high beam.

In the UK, the GT quattro will ride as standard on 20 inch wheels, the RS on larger 21 inch wheels to give it added presence.

Propulsion for the all-wheel drive or ‘quattro’ GT is from two electric motors – one on the front axle and a second more powerful one on the rear axle. In normal mode that will give the RS a total combined 598 horse-power (440kW) and the GT Quattro 476 horse-power (350kW)

However, if you apply the launch control which gives an additional 2.5 second burst of energy from standstill, that increases the total available power for the RS to a mighty 646 horse-power (475kW) and the GT quattro to 530 horse-power (390kW).

Standing 4.99m long, 1.96m wide and just 1.41m high stretched over a 2.90m wheelbase, Audi says its proportions share 'the dimensions of a classic grand tourer'

Standing 4.99m long, 1.96m wide and just 1.41m high stretched over a 2.90m wheelbase, Audi says its proportions share ‘the dimensions of a classic grand tourer’

Propulsion for the all-wheel drive or 'quattro' GT is from two electric motors – one on the front axle and a second more powerful one on the rear axle. In normal mode that will give the RS a total combined 598 horse-power (440kW) and the GT Quattro 476 horse-power (350kW)

Propulsion for the all-wheel drive or ‘quattro’ GT is from two electric motors – one on the front axle and a second more powerful one on the rear axle. In normal mode that will give the RS a total combined 598 horse-power (440kW) and the GT Quattro 476 horse-power (350kW)

With charging ports behind both front wheels, the GT can charge overnight on a 11kW AC charger as standard. A more powerful optional 22kW is to follow shortly after launch

With charging ports behind both front wheels, the GT can charge overnight on a 11kW AC charger as standard. A more powerful optional 22kW is to follow shortly after launch

On a fast-charging DC terminal, charging up to 80 per cent is achievable in under 23 minutes, says Audi. A five minute charge will get you 62 miles

On a fast-charging DC terminal, charging up to 80 per cent is achievable in under 23 minutes, says Audi. A five minute charge will get you 62 miles

That added boost enables the RS to accelerate from rest to 62mph in just 3.3 seconds up to a top speed restricted to 155mph. The GT quattro will manage the same in just 4.1 seconds up to a top speed of 152mph. This is aided by the short-ratio first gear in the GT’s two-speed automatic transmission which allows for the stunning acceleration. In normal mode, the car will start off for greater efficiency in second gear.

Electric all-wheel drive is the default setting for all driving modes, except for ‘efficiency’, when front-wheel drive is prioritised. But Audi notes: ‘On slippery road surfaces or when high power requirements or fast cornering demand it, the electric motor for rear wheel drive is also activated in this mode around five times faster than with a mechanical Quattro drivetrain.’

Other modes where all-wheel drive is the standard setting include leisurely ‘comfort’ and feisty ‘dynamic.’ The vehicle will also ‘sail’ or cruise when the driver takes his or her foot off the peddle. But energy released from braking can also be recuperated and re-used to power the battery and car.

Powering the new GT is a 85kW lithium ion battery configuration comprising 396 pouch cells arranged in 33 modules.

With charging ports behind both front wheels, the GT can charge overnight on a 11kW AC charger as standard. A more powerful optional 22kW is to follow shortly after launch. On a fast-charging DC terminal, charging up to 80 per cent is achievable in under 23 minutes, says Audi. A five minute charge will get you 62 miles, it adds.

Fully charged the GT quattro will have a range of 296 miles – enough to get you from North London to Newcastle – with the more powerful RS managing 283 miles. However, given the temptation to drive these cars somewhat more enthusiastically rather than economically and frugally, I suspect the figures that owners will achieve will be somewhat less.

The sporty but minimalist cockpit-like interior has a dashboard – with 12.3 inch screen plus a 10.1 inch infotainment screen

The sporty but minimalist cockpit-like interior has a dashboard – with 12.3 inch screen plus a 10.1 inch infotainment screen

The cockpit is designed to face towards and surround the driver who is separated from the front passenger by a wide centre console housing the gear selector switch

The cockpit is designed to face towards and surround the driver who is separated from the front passenger by a wide centre console housing the gear selector switch

Adaptive 'three chamber' air suspension lowers body by up to 22mm and raises up to 20mm. It is standard on all but the entry level GT for which it is an option as part of a package

Adaptive ‘three chamber’ air suspension lowers body by up to 22mm and raises up to 20mm. It is standard on all but the entry level GT for which it is an option as part of a package

The sporty but minimalist cockpit-like interior has a dashboard – with 12.3 inch screen plus a 10.1 inch infotainment screen – designed to face towards and surround the driver who is separated from the front passenger by a wide centre console housing the gear selector switch.

As well as traditional leather, buyers also have the option of two ‘vegan’ leather free-interiors with 119 recycled plastic bottles and textiles, creating the artificial Dinamica fabric in every sporty low-slung and cosseting seat. Depending on the model bought there are three versions of seats – 8, 14, and 18 way electrically adjustable -with the latter also having ventilation and massage capability.

To help create extra legroom and comfort in the rear, passengers have the benefit of a sunken ‘foot garage’ which dips into a space in the battery cells beneath the floor.

As the electric car would in ordinary circumstances be almost silent, Audi has created a package of synthesised sounds for it to help enhance the driving experience. Sound engineers have used everything from electric drills and guitars to flying model helicopter drones and elongated tubes to create the GT’s soundtrack. Two control units and amplifiers in the luggage compartment generate interior and exterior sounds which go out via two loudspeakers. The intensity of the sound changes according to the driving mode and dynamic profile selected. In ‘Sport’ mode the sound is ‘sporty and voluminous’.

As well as traditional leather, buyers also have the option of two 'vegan' leather free-interiors with 119 recycled plastic bottles and textiles, creating the artificial Dinamica fabric in every sporty low-slung and cosseting seat

As well as traditional leather, buyers also have the option of two ‘vegan’ leather free-interiors with 119 recycled plastic bottles and textiles, creating the artificial Dinamica fabric in every sporty low-slung and cosseting seat

Depending on the model bought there are three versions of seats – 8, 14, and 18 way electrically adjustable -with the latter also having ventilation and massage capability

Depending on the model bought there are three versions of seats – 8, 14, and 18 way electrically adjustable -with the latter also having ventilation and massage capability

To help create extra legroom and comfort in the rear, passengers have the benefit of a sunken 'foot garage' which dips into a space in the battery cells beneath the floor

To help create extra legroom and comfort in the rear, passengers have the benefit of a sunken ‘foot garage’ which dips into a space in the battery cells beneath the floor

As well as a foot garage, Audi says adults will be comfortable in the second row with plenty of head-room available

As well as a foot garage, Audi says adults will be comfortable in the second row with plenty of head-room available

A series hi-tech engineering aids and driver assistance systems help keep the new GT rooted to the ground across a range of driving conditions. High performance brakes, including carbon fibre ceramic brakes, help bring the car and its awesome power safely to a stop. There are three enhanced safety packages bundled as : Tour, City Assist, and Parking Assistance.

Adaptive ‘three chamber’ air suspension lowers body by up to 22mm and raises up to 20mm. It is standard on all but the entry level GT for which it is an option as part of a package.

There are nine exterior colours including new Tactical Green with plenty of opportunities to bling it up with gloss black and carbon fibre trim.

The honeycomb ‘radiator grille’ matches the body colour and is used to hide sensors, as there’s no traditional engine to cool.

The windshield is made of noise-insulating glass as standard, as are side and rear windows in higher spec models.

Audi has created a package of synthesised sounds for it to help enhance the driving experience. Sound engineers have used everything from electric drills and guitars to flying model helicopter drones and elongated tubes to create the GT's soundtrack

Audi has created a package of synthesised sounds for it to help enhance the driving experience. Sound engineers have used everything from electric drills and guitars to flying model helicopter drones and elongated tubes to create the GT’s soundtrack

The honeycomb 'radiator grille' matches the body colour and is used to hide sensors, as there's no traditional engine to cool

The honeycomb ‘radiator grille’ matches the body colour and is used to hide sensors, as there’s no traditional engine to cool

That added boost enables the RS to accelerate from rest to 62mph in just 3.3 seconds up to a top speed restricted to 155mph. The GT quattro will manage the same in just 4.1 seconds up to a top speed of 152mph

That added boost enables the RS to accelerate from rest to 62mph in just 3.3 seconds up to a top speed restricted to 155mph. The GT quattro will manage the same in just 4.1 seconds up to a top speed of 152mph

The e-tron GT Quattro and RS versions are connected to the outside world via 11 hidden antennae which help with navigation, media and smartphone connections. Higher specced cars feature a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.

Night vision assist and surround cameras are optional.

Exterior designer Philipp Römers said having Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jnr on board from the early inception of the GT – as well as in the Avengers movie – was ‘really cool’.

He said: ‘It was a big honour, not only to have the car in the film but to have Robert Downey Jnr reveal the original show car in Los Angeles and to drive it to the premiere of the movie. That was really cool.’

Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle said: ‘The new e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT are products of the same assiduous Vorsprung durch Technik approach to electrified driving, but embody it in a highly emotive and exciting new Grand Tourer format that exploits the technology’s incredible performance potential even more fully. This will be invaluable as a means of hastening its wider acceptance.’

Audi e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT: Will it fit in my superhero garage? 

Price: Audi e-tron GT quattro: £79,900 to £106,000, Audi RS e-tron GT: £110,950 to £133,105

Built: Audi Böllinger Höfe, Neckarsulm, South West Germany

Length: 4.99m (16.4ft)

Width: 1.96m (6.4ft)

Height: 1.41m (4.6ft)

Wheelbase: 2.90m (9.5ft)

Style: Gran Turismo /Grand Tourer GT

Doors: 4

Gears: Two speed transmission (with manual paddles on steering wheel)

Wheels: 19 inch to 21 inch.

0 to 62mph acceleration (in boost mode): RS: 3.3 seconds, GT Quattro: 4.1 seconds

Top speed (restricted): RS: 155mph GT Quattro: 152mph

Propulsion: Two electric motors – front and rear axle

Drive: All wheel-drive

Total power (normal): RS: 598 horse-power (440kW), GT Quattro: 476 horse-power (350kW)

Total power (with launch control 2.5 second burst): RS: 646 horse-power (475kW), GT quattro: 530 horse-power (390kW)

Front electric motor (both models): 238 horse-power (175kW)

Rear motor: RS: 456 horse-power, GT quattro: 435 horse-power

(Both electric motors keep reserves available for extreme driving situations, which is why the sum of their individual outputs considerably exceed the drive’s total output)

Battery: Lithium ion 85kW, 396 pouch cells in 33 modules

Range on a full charge: RS: 283 miles, GT Quattro: 296 miles

Charging times:

Standard 11kW AC charger: full charge overnight (a more powerful optional 22kW is to follow shortly after launch) Fast-charging 270 kW DC terminal: up to 80 per cent in under 23 minutes. Five minute charge will get you 62 miles 

Rear luggage compartment: 405 litres

Front trunk or ‘frunk’: 85 litres

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