Following the etron (SUV), the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT sports sedans officially launched in the Vietnamese market mark the next step for the Audi brand in its journey into the green car game in the S-shaped land strip along with the Porsche Taycan, Mercedes-Benz EQS and BMW i7.
Sleek and impressive design
Although sharing the VW J1 electric vehicle platform inherited from the mother corporation, the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT duo still exudes a completely different character compared to the distant “relatives” Porsche Taycan. The Audi e-tron GT clearly showcases its sophistication through each line and cut on the body, making a strong impression as a sports car from the first glance.
It is hard to mistake the Audi e-tron GT for a pure electric vehicle, as the exterior of the car possesses many “distinctive” features such as the uniquely designed grille and wheels; the two charging ports arranged under the two A pillars instead of the fuel cap on the rear side of the car. The car’s roof is also designed in a steep coupe style, creating a sense of unity.
Thanks to the optimized design, the e-tron GT has a drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd – the best figure that the German four-ring brand has achieved on a commercial model so far. This will directly affect the improvement of performance, specifically increasing both the acceleration time and the distance traveled in a single full charge of the car (up to nearly 500km).
In other words, the Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT have been optimized in design to offer the best possible performance, while still retaining extremely impressive sporty lines that make people on the street easily associate them with the R8 – a famous name of the brand.
In terms of overall perception, both the Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT provide a friendly feeling when rolling on the street. Instead of desperately trying to be a completely different car that everyone has to nod at as an electric car; the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT are not much different from the brand’s petrol models.
The difference must come from the feeling of use from the inside, rather than show off with the exterior – this is what I really like about the design of the car. However, this does not mean that the Audi e-tron GT or RS e-tron GT is not outstanding. The bold and sporty design of the car will definitely make you WOW and look back when you suddenly see it rolling on the street: a truly beautiful, modern and attractive design!
Modern technology-filled interior
Entering the Audi e-tron GT’s passenger compartment, users will feel even more the strong sports spirit emphasized by German engineers on this pure electric sedan model. The premium leather sports seats are very meticulously designed from shape to honeycomb pattern material; not only highlighting the youthful appearance but also providing a very stable sitting feeling.
In front of the driver, the Audi e-tron GT is equipped with a D-cut sports steering wheel with paddle shifters (although the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT only have a total of two gears, with the low gear supporting the best acceleration). On the steering column is a heads-up display (HUD) along with a digital instrument cluster; and an infotainment screen in the center position of the dashboard.
This design approach does not follow the trend of cramming 4-5 screens into a car like many other names in the electric car segment today. This is to minimize the distraction of the driver – which is forbidden for sports cars – with the focus on the driving experience; instead of showing off unnecessary technology.
However, if sitting in the second-row seats, the aerodynamic design with the coupe-like rear roof will make passengers feel cramped. The only highlight at this time will be the panoramic sunroof with an extremely large illuminated area, creating a sense of panoramic vision and somewhat filling the cramped space behind.
At the same time, the coupe roof also makes the middle rearview mirror almost decorative. The two side mirrors are not too large, affecting the visibility, so the driver will have to adjust accordingly. However, compensating for this inconvenience is the very clear 360-degree camera, to some extent offsetting this inconvenience. Considering the reference on a sports car prioritizing the driving experience, this is understandable.
The sports sedan duo still maintain the characteristics of an Audi model very well: a compact yet premium, modern and user-friendly interior (easy to get used to, not confusing). Sitting inside the car, the passengers are not “overwhelmed” by countless large-sized screens like some other electric sedan models. Instead, there is a feeling of gliding in a genuine sports car: fast but very smooth.
Sporty operation
Unlike the Porsche Taycan, Audi Vietnam distributes the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT thanks to the 800V platform with two powerful electric motors arranged on both axles, for all-wheel drive capability, delivering maximum power of 350 kW – 630 Nm, can be boosted to 390 kW – 640 Nm and 440 kW – 830 Nm, can be boosted up to 475 kW – 830 Nm.
Thanks to that, the Audi e-tron GT can accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds and the RS e-tron GT in 3.3 seconds – meaning they are no less than any supercar. In other words, the Audi e-tron GT and especially the RS e-tron GT provide a sense of acceleration like the supercars using internal combustion engines but at a price that is only about half of the general level of models with equivalent powertrains.
The feeling of aggressive acceleration on the e-tron GT, especially the RS e-tron GT, is interesting in that the car shoots off very quickly; the acceleration is significant but it provides a smooth feeling, without jerking. Although the acceleration process actually does not emit any sound, the duo sports sedans are equipped with a sound synthesis system to mimic the engine sound, played through speakers to ensure users’ experience is not too “out of phase” during each acceleration.
Similarly, when the e-tron GT approaches, the car also emits a very attractive and mystical sound, quite similar to the sound of spaceships gliding through space in Hollywood sci-fi movies (like Star Wars for example). This is also quite similar to on the Hyundai Ioniq5 – which is no different from a “greeting” scene to make a first impression.
Accompanying the impressive acceleration capability, the e-tron GT also possesses a very firm steering wheel – a characteristic feature of a car from Germany. The car’s suspension system is designed to provide accurate feedback on what is happening as the wheels slide on the road.
Therefore, instead of sitting in the driver’s seat and experiencing the emotions that a pure electric sports sedan brings, the Audi e-tron GT can make passengers feel very bumpy due to its specially stiff suspension system – especially when sitting in the rear seats.
In combination with that, the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT also have a rather loud noise resonating from the wheel arches; due to the use of super-thin tires accompanied by extremely large rims with a size of up to 265/35R21 to be able to transmit a maximum of 830 Nm of traction force from all four wheels to the road surface and make the car take off at a speed of 100 km/h in just over three seconds.
Increased utility for customers
The Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT duo are equipped with a high-capacity battery system, ensuring a corresponding travel range of up to 334 and 488 km per full charge. This range is completely reasonable for a pure electric sedan, enough for passengers to comfortably go sightseeing outside the city on weekends and not worry if they only move for work in the city.
Currently, with each car sold, in addition to the portable charger that comes with the car; Audi Vietnam is applying a policy of giving away a free 11 kW ABB charger when buying the brand’s electric cars, including the etron SUV, etron GT and RS e-tron GT, for easy charging at home with civilian electricity sources.
Another noteworthy point is that the Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT are equipped with two charging ports – arranged on both sides of the A pillar, making the charging process very convenient. This is something that no other electric car in Vietnam has.
In addition, recently, Audi Vietnam has expanded the brand’s fast charging station system with the capability of fully charging the battery in 30 minutes – and completely free. Along with that is the opening of the first premium charging lounge, providing luxurious amenities for customers using the brand’s electric cars in the Ho Chi Minh City area.
Currently, a warranty policy of 3 years without mileage limit is applied, specifically for the battery system, it is warranted up to 8 years or 160,000 km, for all Audi etron electric models in the Vietnamese market.
Quick summary, with prices of VND 4.76 billion and VND 5.9 billion respectively; the Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT duo are worthy competitors of the Porsche Taycan and Taycan Turbo in the segment of pure electric sports sedans; promising to bring complete driving experiences and completely different emotions.
The advantage of the Porsche Taycan is that it has successfully started to establish the image of an electric car, thanks to its agility in stepping into the first Vietnamese market among luxury car brands; as well as the diverse range of versions, which can serve a variety of customers with different price levels.
Meanwhile, the Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT possess more powerful configurations, clear sports experiences, and modern operation technology. On the other hand, Audi Vietnam also clearly shows the development trend of its electrification product range with the launch of three names: etron (SUV), etron GT, and RS etron GT. In the next roadmap, with an announcement of launching new electric vehicles worldwide from 2026; Audi will bring many other pure electric models, which in the near future will be SUV models to diversify its product range to lead the market.
Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)
