2023 Audi e-tron GT

The age of German performance EVs is well and truly upon us, and the Audi e-tron GT is a prime example. This high-performance electric car shares its platform with the equally entertaining Porsche Taycan and combines oodles of futuristic style with a ton of luxury and a dash of eco-friendliness. The e-tron GT forms part of Audi's plan to go full electric in the next decade and takes the fight directly to the popular Tesla Model S. The slinky exterior receives a few updates for the 2023 model year, and the interior features a host of recycled and eco-friendly materials that match the overall green image Audi is eagerly chasing. Under the hood, the e-tron GT features a potent electric powertrain producing 469 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, or up to 522 hp and 472 lb-ft with Boost Mode engaged. We have a few issues with the car, such as its below-average range, but it makes up for this in other ways - not the least of which are its blistering take-offs and gorgeous looks.

The price of the Audi e-tron GT starts at $104,900 for the Premium Plus, rising to a $111,300 MSRP for the Prestige. These prices include tax, licensing, and a destination charge of $1,495. By comparison, the Tesla Model S starts at $104,990. The base Porsche Taycan starts at $86,700 and goes up to $106,500 for the Taycan 4S.

The e-tron GT is based on the brilliant Porsche Taycan, which means you get a very low center of gravity thanks to the placement of the batteries and the electric motors mounted to the axles. This gives the e-tron GT a planted feel that inspires confidence and masks the car's curb weight well. The optional rear-wheel steering that comes as part of the Performance Package allows it to be even sharper at speed.

We found that the e-tron GT's three-chamber air suspension system works a treat and allows each spring to be activated individually. The result is a smooth and comfortable ride that irons out road imperfections like a true luxury car. The automaker has also managed to nail the steering, which is responsive to input and inspires confidence - and with acceleration that will thrill, the e-tron GT proves itself to be a driver's car. If this kind of performance isn't enough, there is also the Audi RS e-tron GT, which we review separately.

Audi's early foray into the world of electric cars has thus far been a success, especially when you look at this spaceship of a car. The Audi e-tron GT is one of the best-looking EV sports cars out there and offers enough power to stir the soul and embarrass the average sports car. We love how it catapults off the line in serene silence, and the well-built cabin is a stunning display of what Audi is capable of and what the future holds for EV customers. We were left unimpressed by the e-tron GT's range, which lags far behind the likes of Tesla and the Mercedes-Benz EQS, but its fast charging capabilities partly make up for this. The high starting price also puts a damper on things, but with the RS e-tron starting at over $40k more and Porsche's Taycan Turbo sitting at over $150,000, you'll have to make some tough financial decisions. This car is fun, good to look at, and oh so luxurious, and despite its limited range, it certainly delivers the goods.

We'll start by saying that the base e-tron GT should be fast enough for 90% of drivers, which is why we wouldn't spring for the RS model which we review separately. We do like the adaptive cruise, lane assist, head-up display and top-view camera standard on the Prestige trim, and at only $6,400 more, that's the trim we'd take. The only color that's free is Ibis White, but there are a few better ones in the various blues, reds, and Tactical Green, which looks more like a gold hue. Any of those for $595 would be better.

As usual, we'll keep the smaller, 20-inch wheels to help out the ride. We'll also keep the stock interior, even though it's boring, so we can add the $5,900 Performance Package. That comes with summer tires, Audi laser light headlights, rear-wheel steering, and e-torque vectoring.

All of that leads us to a price of $119,290, which isn't cheap, but is par for the course for large-ish EV sedans with this kind of range. And if you have a fast charger near your house or have a level 2 charger in your garage, you'll be good to go on anything but the longest road trips.