Audi isn’t new to producing electric models, after all its first – the E-Tron SUV – has been on-sale for three-years. This E-Tron GT is its second model, which along with the smaller Q4 E-Tron debuted last year. 

The Q4 might share its MEB platform with sister models from Cupra, Skoda and Volkswagen. However, for the E-Tron GT, Audi has gone further afield in the group for its underpinnings – in the form of Porsche’s impressive Taycan. As you’d expect, both cars look very different, with the big giveaways being the charging points on both front wings, similar dimensions and glass area following the Porsche. Plus, even with its GT name, the Audi is a different package to the Porsche, which more of a four-seater electric sports car. Although, we’ve not been lucky enough to drive the Taycan, so we cannot be sure.

Porsche floorpan or not, the E-Tron GT certainly has its own look, and in our opinion has to be the best-looking Audi this side of the R8 supercar, which ironically is built in the same factory at Neckarsulm. At the front, there’s the unusual pixel LED headlights, aggressive front air dam with its black highlights, colour-coded faux grille, and large air ducts at each corner to cool the brakes. More air ducts and heavily blistered arches to cover the 21ins wheels sum up the side of this Audi. While, at the back, there’s an angular set of rear lights that stretch across the GT’s rear – with its own distinctive light signature when turned on and off. If all that isn’t sporty enough, there’s also a neat pop-up rear spoiler, that comes up at speed – and a distinctive rear diffuser. Better looking than the Porsche? In our opinion it could be. 

Inside, the E-Tron GT perhaps doesn’t feel as special as the exterior – especially in our test car’s very grey finish. This is perhaps because the switchgear, steering wheel and navigation are all shared with lesser models. There’s still the feeling of quality that’s expected of a high-end Audi model though, with the unpolished carbon-fibre trim and low, but multi-adjustable driving position adding to the sporty, special feel. There are some issues with the switchgear however; is there any need for separate buttons to either heat or cool the front seats? 

Space in the rear of the E-Tron is perfectly acceptable for two children and averagely-sized adults – but the tallest will find their heads brushing the edge of the glass roof. There is even a 405-litre boot that can be extended with the folding rear seats. Although, it has an awkward opening thanks to the E-Tron GT’s sporty styling.

We had the E-Tron GT Vorsprung, which is the range-topping grade. There’s an even more potent 637hp RS, but this GT’s 93.4kWh battery still gives 528hp, via two electric motors. This means eye-watering 62mph acceleration in 4.1secs and a licence-losing top speed of 165mph. Yet despite all this performance, it is still capable of 298 miles on a charge – although more realistically if you use the performance, the GT’s range is closer to 220-miles we saw. 

Talking about charging, like the Taycan, the E-Tron GT benefits from fast charging, meaning this Audi isn’t very well suited to home charging as it can take upwards of 12 hours. Still, if you can find a 150kW charger, you can get an 80% charge in around 30 minutes. 

Electric cars are heavy, yet this Audi hides its bulk impressively. The steering could do with a touch more feel, but it’s precise and this car is able to slice through corners with impressive speed. The handling itself feels pleasingly sharp, grippy and well-balanced with the adaptive dampers. The only Audi we can liken it to, in terms of the way it drives is the aforementioned R8 supercar – quite an achievement in our opinion and like that car, the E-Tron GT is as easy to drive as the more mundane Q4 E-Tron.

As the name suggests, the E-Tron GT is happiest in Comfort mode for everyday use. Dynamic gives this car a harder dynamic edge when you get to the twisties but is a bit much around town where vibrations from the big wheels are seemingly amplified into this Audi’s cabin. 

The E-Tron GT might be based on a Porsche, but after spending a week with this car, it certainly feels like a fast Audi to drive – so their engineers have done an excellent job giving this car its own character. The E-Tron GT is a special car and gives howpe for the future of performance EVs – it’s just a shame that the public charging structure needs to catch up, to make the most of cars like this.  

Audi E-Tron GT Vorsprung 

P11D: £108,910

Residual value: 51.38%

Depreciation: £52,950

Fuel: £1,666

Service, maintenance and repair: £6,164

Cost per mile: 101.3p

Range:298mls  

CO2 (BIK %): 0g/km (2%) 

BIK 20/40% a month: £36/£73

Luggage capacity: 405 litres

Battery size/power: 93.4kWh/528hp