It’s been nearly a year since Audi gave its electric sedan a mid-cycle update. Ingolstadt initially focused on the hotter S and RS variants, but now an entry-level version has joined the lineup. Visually distinguishing the base model is no easy task, as Audi chose to keep the design essentially unchanged. The most noticeable tweaks include more black accents up front and the absence of S/RS badging at the rear.
Despite being the base trim, this E-Tron GT still features Quattro all-wheel drive, with one electric motor on each axle. Audi quotes a combined output of 496 horsepower or 577 hp with launch control. That’s enough EV muscle to propel the car from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a brisk four seconds flat. Compared to the sportier S model, which shares the battery pack, the new base version is about 66.1 pounds (30 kilograms) lighter. Still, it tips the scales at a hefty 5,200 lbs (2,359 kg). In Audi’s defense, the curb weight includes a 165-lb (75-kg) driver.
Photo by: Audi
The 97-kWh battery (net capacity) provides up to 386.5 miles (622 kilometers) of range under the WLTP cycle. Even in its most affordable form, the E-Tron GT supports ultra-fast 320-kW charging. Under ideal conditions, you can add 177 miles (285 kilometers) of range in just 10 minutes. A 10 to 80 percent top-up takes only 18 minutes, assuming you can access a compatible charger.
So, what do you lose by opting for the entry-level model? It’s 0.6 seconds slower in the sprint and sacrifices 93 horsepower compared to the S. On the upside, it gains nearly 12 miles (20 kilometers) of range, thanks to the dialed-down electric motors and slightly lower weight.
The base E-Tron GT in Germany starts at €108,900, undercutting the S by a significant €17,100. Interestingly, Porsche’s Taycan 4 is still slightly cheaper at €107,300, and the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive Taycan begins at an even lower €102,600.
Pricing for the United States hasn’t been announced yet, but with the S model retailing from $126,795 (including destination), the base E-Tron GT is still expected to carry a six-figure sticker price. For reference, a 2026 Taycan 4 with zero options costs $106,450, or you can stick to the standard rear-wheel-drive model and pay Porsche $102,550.
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Source: Audi
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