The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Super stylish
- Physical switches for climate control
- Lightning-quick RS version
- Superb ride quality
Dislikes
- Numb steering at speed
- RS is wicked expensive
- Tight rear headroom
- Scant cargo space
Buying tip
features & specs
The 2023 Audi E-Tron GT is a sublime cruiser, accumulating miles between charges in class and comfort.
What kind of vehicle is the 2023 Audi E-Tron GT? What does it compare to?
The 2023 Audi E-Tron GT is a beautiful EV that does double- and triple-duty as a performance car and as a grand tourer. It faces off against a range of luxury EVs such as the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, and BMW i4.
Is the 2023 Audi E-Tron GT a good car?
Yes. The 2023 E-Tron GT earns a TCC Rating of 8.0 out of 10 based on its competitive all-electric range, sleek looks, potent acceleration, and great interior quality and design. If you want to drive 200 miles in style and comfort there are few cars better for the job. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2023 Audi E-Tron GT?
In its second year, the E-Tron GT gets minor exterior updates and a reshuffle of its standard features and options packages. Otherwise, the two versions, E-Tron GT and performance-oriented RS E-Tron GT, carry over mostly unchanged. The E-Tron line is based on the same platform as its VW Group cousin, the Porsche Taycan.
The E-Tron’s styling is close to the concept version that Audi introduced in 2018. It’s beautiful, with elegant proportions and dazzling details. This year, the grille changes from dark gray to body color, but still draws the eye up over the long hood and toward the graceful greenhouse, while wide fenders at the rear give a racy look. The roof flows into a fastback-like rear end, though it’s actually a conventional trunk that reveals the cargo area.
The cabin’s styling is more along the lines of Audi tradition, with an understated yet upscale look, familiar switches and screens, and quality materials.
A pair of displays mount the dash, measuring 12.3 inches for the information gauges and 10.1 inches for the infotainment touchscreen. Materials, fit, and finish are all fantastic. While the E-Tron GT gets a panoramic glass sunroof, the RS gets a carbon-fiber roof that can be swapped out for the glass at no charge. Despite the E-Tron GT’s size, backseat space is tight because of the raked rear roofline.
Both versions get a dual-motor powertrain with all-wheel drive, juiced by a 93.4-kwh battery pack. A 2-speed gearbox drives the rear motor, generally smooth except there’s a moment of transition under heavy load. The E-Tron GT is rated for 496 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque, bumped up to 590 hp and 612 lb-ft in the RS E-Tron GT. Those numbers enable the E-Tron GT to scoot to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds; the RS shaves that time to 3.1 seconds.
The EPA’s range for the E-Tron GT is an impressive 238 miles, and the RS model comes in slightly behind at a still-competitive 232 miles.
Audi includes automatic forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, and front and rear parking sensors. For options, consider adding adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system.
How much does the 2023 Audi E-Tron GT cost?
The 2023 E-Tron GT starts at $105,995 (including a $1,095 destination charge), and the performance-oriented RS version starts significantly higher at $144,995.
Where is the 2023 Audi E-Tron GT made?
It’s made in Germany.
2023 Audi E-Tron GT Styling
The Audi E-Tron GT is a head turner.
Is the Audi E-Tron GT a good-looking car?
Good is an understatement. With its sultry and sleek shape, the E-Tron GT earns attention from all angles. The beautiful exterior scores a couple points and though the interior takes fewer risks, it’s attractive in Audi’s typical way and earns a point as well. That’s an 8 here.
It’s hard to pinpoint a single element of the E-Tron’s aesthetic success, as the profile makes the vehicle’s smaller details blend together. This year, the front grille is changed to body color, which lends a more futuristic look to the front end.
The cabin feels like it could have been poached straight from the Audi A6, though that’s not entirely a bad thing, and we do like that it has only one center console screen, which makes room for old-school switches to operate the E-Tron GT’s climate controls.
2023 Audi E-Tron GT Performance
Even the non-RS versions are plenty quick, scooting from 0-60 mph in under four seconds.
The Audi E-Tron GT earns two points for its explosive pair of powertrains, while its smooth ride grab another. That’s an 8 here.
Is the Audi E-Tron GT 4WD?
Yes. Both models have a dual-motor powertrain, one on each axle, yielding standard all-wheel drive.
How fast is the Audi E-Tron GT?
Both E-Tron GT models feature the same basic powertrain, with the same 93.4-kwh battery pack, but the RS produces much more power thanks to its software. The E-Tron GT’s two base trims are good for 496 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque, with a boost feature that can temporarily increase output to 522 hp and 472 lb-ft. The RS makes 590 hp and 612 lb-ft, and its boost is good for 637 hp.
Such prodigious power enables the E-Tron GT to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, and the RS turns in a supercar-like run of just 3.1 seconds. Both models feature a user-friendly launch control feature. Just switch to Dynamic drive mode, stand on the brake, and floor the throttle. A blip of the digital speedometer lets you know it’s on, and when you ease off the brake, the E-Tron GT snaps forward. Make sure passengers know what’s coming.
The E-Tron GT can feel at times like it tapers off a bit over 70 mph, but the RS feels more robust off the line and pushes through highway speeds with ease.
Both the E-Tron GT and RS boast a three-chamber adaptive air suspension system. The available Performance package also adds a power steering boost at low speeds and a rear torque vectoring system (both of which are standard on the RS) as well as rear-wheel steering. This combination of features controls rebound and increases comfort on long trips.
Steering feel is a notable drawback, however; it lacks the feedback we want while in control of a 5,000-pound vehicle and feels particularly light through curvy roads. The Porsche Taycan, by comparison, does a much better job building steering resistance and communicating with the driver.
The RS comes with carbide brakes with bigger rotors front and rear, and a ceramic brake package is optional.
2023 Audi E-Tron GT Comfort & Quality
Though its shape looks great, it is bad for backseat headroom and cuts down on cargo room as well.
Audi meets expectations in terms of materials quality and front seat comfort. However, the surprisingly small cargo area nearly sacrifices a point, and it’s saved by the additional capacity of the frunk under the hood. That’s all good for a 7 here.
From the front seats, it’s hard to see why the E-Tron GT doesn’t rate higher. The standard, well-bolstered thrones come with heating and 14-way power adjustments, and the cabin materials are appropriate for a luxury vehicle with a six-figure base price.
The cabin’s functionality is emphasized by the simplicity of the physical switches for climate controls.
The backseat, though, is a disappointment, offering up just 32.2 inches of rear legroom despite the vehicle’s overall length of 196.4 inches. For comparison, the A6 midsize sedan offers 5.2 more inches in the back row although its overall length is 2.0 inches shorter. The stylish rear roofline also sacrifices headroom space.
Cargo space suffers the same fate, with just 9.2 cubic feet in the trunk and 1.8 cubic feet under the hood.
2023 Audi E-Tron GT Safety
The E-Tron GT has yet to be crash tested.
How safe is the Audi E-Tron GT?
Hard to say, since the E-Tron GT hasn’t been crash tested by the NHTSA or the IIHS. Audi does furnish a strong list of standard and optional safety features, though. Every E-Tron GT gets automatic forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, front and rear parking sensors, and traffic sign recognition. Options include a surround-view camera system, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control.
2023 Audi E-Tron GT Features
There is plenty to like in all of the E-Tron GT’s trim levels.
A strong set of standard features, a large infotainment display, and a compelling list of options each earn a point to give the E-Tron GT an 8 here.
Which Audi E-Tron GT should I buy?
The E-Tron GT is the best fit for most shoppers, since there’s a significant increase in price from there to the performance-oriented RS. The E-Tron GT comes in two trims: Premium Plus ($105,995) and Prestige ($114,395).
The list of standard fare includes synthetic leather upholstery, 14-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, a 12.3-inch instrument display, a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, an integrated toll module, LED headlights, and 20-inch wheels. A 10.1-inch display handles infotainment duties, and its slight cant towards the driver offers easier access and subtly emphasizes the E-Tron’s focus on driving enjoyment. Higher trims add heated rear seats, a head-up display, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control.
Both E-Tron GT trims are available with a Performance package that adds a unique 20-inch wheel design, rear-wheel steering, an upgraded locking rear differential, black exterior trim, and carbon-fiber interior trim. For about $6,000, it’s a swell compromise to add sportiness to the look and feel without the full commitment of the RS. An optional leather package upgrades upholstery and seat comfort features.
How much is a fully loaded Audi E-Tron GT?
The RS E-Tron GT starts at about $145,000. Check the boxes for the Carbon performance, ceramic brakes, and full leather packages and you’re looking at about $165,000.
2023 Audi E-Tron GT Fuel Economy
The E-Tron GT tops out at 238 miles of estimated range.
What is the range of the Audi E-Tron GT electric car?
The EPA’s range estimates for both models are quite close, despite the power difference. The E-Tron GT is estimated for 238 miles, and the RS, 232 miles. At 2.4 miles of EPA-rated range per mile traveled, it's good for a 9 here.
That said, these two E-Tron models can’t challenge the segment’s leaders in this area. The E-Tron GT is rated for 82 MPGe combined and the RS drops to 81 MPGe combined. That’s compared to the Lucid Air Grand Touring at 131 MPGe and the Tesla Model S at 120 MPGe, both of which have large battery packs.
The E-Tron GT is offered with an 800-volt architecture, so an 800-volt DC fast charger operating at max speed can hit 80% battery capacity in just 22 minutes. Buyers also get three years of complimentary DC fast-charging through the Electrify America network.
