Review: Audi e-tron GT quattro – Did Audi Make A Better Taycan?

Don't let its handsome looks fool you, this is effectively a Porsche Taycan underneath!

Twins? But They Look Nothing Alike!

Haven’t you heard of fraternal twins? Effectively, that’s what said Porsche and this supposed ‘cousin’ from the other side of Germany – Ingolstadt – are underneath. In fact, both share the same Porsche-developed ‘J1’  800-volt EV architecture and 93.4 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack.

Despite the same electro-mechanical DNA, differing brand ethos thankfully resulted in two very different cars altogether. Some of the differences aren’t too obvious, whilst others speak volumes, especially in the aesthetics and appearance department.

As to which is better, this greatly depends on what you’re after. Allow us to digress…  

This is certainly a long and wide car at 4,989 MM long (2,800 MM wheelbase) and 1,964 MM respectively.

This Certainly Is More Handsome Looking…

Agreed. Compared side by side, it’s easy to see how the e-tron GT quattro stands as a much beefier and – dare we say it – more masculine-looking car over its Stuttgart-made ‘twin’. In fact, it ALMOST makes the latter appear slightly more feminine in a sense.

Though a subjective matter to gauge, you can’t deny how the wider, sleeker, and slightly tech-driven stance sees this Audi hold a stronger appeal. Key to this is its 21-inch dual-tone aero wheels, carbon fibre roof, not forgetting the sublimely suave shade of Kemora Gray metallic paint our tester wore.

For those asking, our tester was dressed in Kemora Gray metallic paint, and it's certainly looks sensational in the flesh.

Matrix LED laserlight headlights and LED taillights truly sets this Audi apart from others, more so given their neat start-up and shut-down animations plus sequential turn signals.

Snazzy 21-inch dual-tone aero wheels plus frameless windows further adds to this saloon's sporty stance.

The real party trick with the exterior stems from the distinct and trick all-LED lights primed. These boast stellar start-up and shut-down animation sequence plus sequential turn signals. Adding to which is the fact that the headlights shoot laser beams too, which also makes night-driving easier.

Even at a standstill, this is certainly one electrifying thing to look at, which also explains why it attracts a lot of attention just about anywhere it goes. We just wished the cabin boasted similar theatrics, though we reckon this may not be a bad thing altogether.

At a glance, the e-tron GT quattro's cabin mirrors what we already see in other contemporary Audi models as it's very minimalist and monochromatic.

Okay, What’s Wrong With The Cabin?

Unlike the exterior, the e-tron GT quattro’s innards is far from theatrical. It’s actually a mirror image of any other contemporary Audi model here, appearing very minimalist and monochrome for the most parts. No doubt, its sportier Stuttgart-made cousin has more ‘zing’ in this department.

Nevertheless, this Audi rendition does hold some of its own merits. For starters, it doesn’t look nor feel cheap. Certainly, Audi covered the basics well through the plush Nappa leather and high-end microfibre combination upholstery primed in the seats, dash, and door cards.

The combination of Nappa leather and high-end microfibre fabrics covering the seats, dash, and doors felt respectably plush.

Digital displays plus HUD are neat indeed, but this Audi's cabin presentation certainly lacks some 'zing' as what its Porsche twin boasts.

Noteworthy here is the presence of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus built-in navigation function and display, the latter neatly through the massive digital dash.

There’s also a barrage of tech present. Key contemporary traits like the digital instrument panel, heads-up display (HUD) and central infotainment touchscreen are present, as are power-adjustable and ventilated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and subtle yet novel ambient lighting.

Overall, despite lacking theatrics, there’s very little to loathe with this sleek GT’s innards given how plush and tech-rich it is, even in its base form. However, should you shell out the extra Ringgits for the Dynamic Package variant as tested, there are more goodies to bask in. 

Carbon fibre roof plus red-painted brake calipers with carbide tungsten-coated brake rotors denotes the presence of Dynamic Package option.

More Goodies You Say?

With the Dynamic Package primed as tested, stylish additions like the carbon roof and trick LED plus laser matrix headlights mentioned earlier are included, as are red-painted brake calipers that comes on top of special carbide tungsten-coated steel brake rotors too – more on them in a bit.

Besides the HUD mentioned plus added navigation function, the Dynamic Package also furnishes the cabin with a thumpy Bang & Olufsen 3D audio suite. Indeed, this is a sweet follow-up to the standard-equipped wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity present.

 Of course, these are just some of the added bonuses granted by the Dynamic Package, and there’s more to it. Certainly, it only serves to enrichen the thrills delivered by this sleek EV’s drive which, unsurprisingly, also felt very different from its Porsche-badged twin…

Though not as sharp nor nimble as its Porsche twin, the Audi e-tron GT quattro's overall drive dynamics proved sufficiently rapid and comfortable to say the least.

Go On Then, How Does It Drive?

Against an equalling Taycan 4S (with Performance Battery option), both are more or less similarly quick, and that’s despite the Audi’s slightly lesser torque – 640 NM vs 650 NM. However, the real difference lies in the ride and handling.

Obviously, the absence of air suspension in the Audi might seem like a bummer at first, but it proved not to be a deal-breaker given how adept the adaptive dampers primed felt for general daily use. These offer a good enough balance for which, and that’s good enough for most prospects.

Clearly, the Porsche is a sharper, more nimble and versatile car to drive, and it’s also slightly quicker too. However, we’ll argue that the latter deficit in speed is no deal-breaker – the Audi is just 0.1 seconds slower in the 0-100 KM/H dash over said Porsche.

Floor the throttle and this Audi obliges in delivering adrenaline rushes on-demand thanks to its ability to despatch 0-100 KM/H in just 4.1 seconds under Boost Mode.

And despite missing out on the coveted carbon brakes as found in its higher-end RS form, the specially-coated steel brakes mentioned are nothing short of spectacular at halting this two-tonne-plus EV missile on a dime – and without protest either!

Evidently, our only gripe with the e-tron GT quattro’s drive lies in how unnerving it felt managing its 1,960 MM width, especially when navigating some of the surprisingly tight basement parking bays found at some of the swankiest shopping havens in KL’s golden triangle.

Interestingly, the e-tron GT boasts two charging ports in each front quarter panel, likely to boost accessibility and ease.

Crucially, dynamic package adds faster 22 kW AC charging ability, and this sees full re-charges (0-100%) attained in just 4 hours as opposed to 9 hours via regular 11 kW AC charging.

What About Range And Charging?

Things are respectably good on this front too, with Audi claiming each full charge enabling up to 502 KM (WLTP). More noteworthy here is the Dynamic Package’s inclusion of a faster 22 kW AC on board charger (OBC) instead of the usual 11 kW, thus allowing quicker full recharges in just 4 hours.

Need a quicker charge? Then prospects will relish in the e-tron GT quattro’s ability to draw up to 270 kW via DC fast-charging. Find a station that dispenses that high and the 93.4 kWh (84 kWh nett) battery mentioned is rapidly topped up from 5-80% in just about 22.5 minutes.

What’s nifty here is the fact that Audi primed two charging ports – combined AC and DC port in the left-side quarter panel and an AC-only port in the right-side quarter panel. This is indeed convenient, though we reckon this stemmed from necessity given just how wide the e-tron GT quattro is.

Besides arguably better looks, one could argue that this Audi feels like a better comfort cruiser over its Porsche twin.

Any Other Quirks To Note?

Some are pretty obvious, like the apparent lack of headroom for passengers seated in the rear, and perhaps the near-unusable wireless charging pad primed in the centre stack’s storage bin – especially if you use a plus-sized smartphone.

Those last two gripes were more of a nit-pick if we’re honest. Otherwise, there’s little else to complain about, other than price that is and, naturally, this Audi rendition of the Taycan commands equally serious money as said Porsche.

As tested, the e-tron GT quattro with Dynamic Package commands a hefty RM677,990. Said figure raises up to RM690,990 should you opt in for the optional Audi Assurance Package, which you really should.

Would you mind this slightly lesser badge from Ingolstadt over its more coveted Stuttgart cousin's crest?

This Over A Taycan? Really?

Honestly, it all depends on what you’re really after in an EV performance car. In the case of the Audi, this is definitely one for those who find the Taycan overrated and too obvious of a choice, or those that don’t need the trackday magic that usually comes from said Stuttgart marque’s emblem.

For daily use, this Audi suffices indeed, and we reckon the combination of its handsome looks and the typical Audi tech-driven approach to luxury will sway enough folks into its corner. We’re certainly sold on said aspects of this Audi, and we reckon many others will be too…

SPECIFICATIONS

Audi e-tron GT quattro With Dynamic Package

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