Electric Avenue
Besides the automotive trend to more and more SUVs and trucks, there is a more understated shift. In the luxury world, it is a combination of electric motor power in a four-door coupe like sedan. The brand-new Audi e-tron GT fits into this category. The roofline and body style are both very low and sweeping down towards the front end and tailgate areas. And as with most electric- powered vehicles, there is no large open grille, since a radiator is no longer needed. As part of the high-tech aspect, the headlights are narrow and long. Twenty-inch alloy wheels with double spokes adds to the performance spin. The end result is a very handsome design, which resulted in a number of favorable comments from Honolulu residents.
As with many high-end electric, power-driven cars, the horsepower is staggering. Depending on sub model choices, the ratings range from 522 to 637 ponies. But unlike most electric vehicles, there is a two-speed automatic transmission, as opposed to the typical single speed. All-wheel drive keeps the car grounded. The gas mileage equivalent rating is more than reasonable at 82 mpg. The mileage range before recharging is between 232 and 238 miles, depending on the model choice. On the safety front, the Audi has multiple warning systems covering lane departure, forward collision warning and avoidance, and blind-spot warning.
In an interesting twist, Audi made a decision in favor of a non-leather interior. The cloth-lined seats with reasonably high side bolsters handle the front occupants. The steering wheel has a very comfortable felt lining. And as with the rest of the luxury world, large video screens are found in the center of the dash and in the dash pod. Perhaps more entertaining, at least for the driver, is the dash pod with a video satellite picture of the area where the car is traveling. The three-area air conditioning system handles cooling needs. In the roof, a large panoramic tinted plastic window runs from front to back.
Even with the low roofline, the entry into the rear seats is easy and welcoming for at least two passengers, albeit a little tight for a middle third occupant. The usual armrest/cupholder is easily dropped for additional comfort. Cooling is handled with controls behind the center console, and the air vents in the door posts. Instead of a trunk lid, a large power liftgate lets you into a medium-sized rear area. And, of course, the split rear seat backs can be dropped for carrying large items. Under the hood is another storage area, since there is a smaller electric motor instead of a much bigger gas-powered engine.
On the purely fun side, this super electrically motivated car has instant acceleration. This Audi goes from zero to 60 in 3.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 155 mph. The ride, the cornering and driving mode are controlled with four suspension settings … efficient, comfortable, dynamic and individual. The interior is very quiet because of the lack of a normal engine. Harsh road surfaces, even with its big wheel/tire combo, are easily handled and absorbed. Steering is direct and light to the touch, and cornering is smooth, without any unusual tilting.
So, with this Audi, the environment is protected from the typical automotive exhaust fumes, but acceleration, in any circumstance, is super swift. Added to that twist are the good looks of this coupe-like, four-door sedan.
2022 AUDI E-TRON GT QUATTRO
MODEL: 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
POWERTRAIN: electric motors 522 to 637 horsepower, two-speed transmission, all-wheel drive
FUEL MILEAGE: 82 mpg average; city 81 mpg, 83 highway equivalents
CHARGED BATTERY RANGE: 232 to 238 miles
PERFORMANCE: 0-60 3.9 seconds, top speed 155 mph
PRICE: $102,400 base, as tested $110,610