Audi e-tron GT (US) review

Let’s forget all about launch control for a moment. As soon as the Audi rises to greet you (we’ll get to that in a second), it’s ready to be driven as hard or as gentle as you like it. Those who enjoy taking full advantage of an EV platform’s energy recovery can dial up the recuperation quite high, and the sensation is quite strong, too. Strong enough for it to be factored into your sporty driving if you prefer to have it engage right from pedal-lift as opposed to a generous coast. Of course those who prefer a more traditional ride can reduce the recuperation drag to where it can barely be felt.

Different driving modes can adjust the suspension behavior, ESC intervention, torque vectoring and other factors depending on how efficient or sporty you wish the car to behave. Custom settings can also be dialed in and accessed quickly via the steering wheel-mounted ‘RS’ button. This binds two custom profiles to the button, and accessing them is a matter of one or two clicks. Three clicks, and you summon the e-tron’s full fury like an all-wheel drive Beetlejuice.

'Rises to greet you”? What’s that about?

Oh yeah. There’s a lot going on with the active suspension, either in dynamic mode or comfort. The new two valve, two chamber setup has opened up a wealth of options for the e-tron’s behavior, and it’s so quick it eliminates the need for an anti-roll bar.

Along with increased control, it can maximize cabin comfort in dynamic or regular driving by leaning to compensate for the forces in play. Like a motorcycle, the suspension will lean into a turn and when it comes to hard acceleration or braking, the e-tron can lift the nose or rear in relation to what’s happening. All this control allows for fun things like having the car rise up from its low-slung stance when a driver or passenger approaches either side for easier entry.

Any improvements to the battery?

Oh for sure. In general, it’s the same size but made lighter and more efficient. The battery now delivers 105kWh of juice versus the 93.4 it used to offer. The battery is quicker at the port, too, going from 10 percent to 80 per cent of charge in 18 minutes when connected to a DC charger. In terms of range, the S e-tron GT is estimated to provide 300 miles while the more demanding RS e-tron GT offers 278 miles.