Our cars Wash and brush up
Martyn looks back on six-months if Audi E-Tron GT ownership. Martyn Collins
Why we’re running it
After almost two months of muck and grime, the sight of the Kemora Grey metallic paint almost going opaque, was enough to make me think it needed a clean. I’m pleased to say everything aligned, as it wasn’t raining, and I gave the E-Tron GT a well-deserved wash. With the man from Audi close to coming and taking the keys away, I’m pleased to report, that as you would expect, the E-Tron GT almost looks as good after its wash, as the day it was dropped off in late September last year. I say almost, because if you’re picky, I spotted there’s a couple of small stone chips on the front of this Audi. More noticeable oddly, are the chips on the rear alloys, which I can only put down to stones being kicked up by the front tyres. Not bad, but two rear wheel refurbs would make them perfect. But I’m a big fan of the added touches, such as the little ‘RS’ logos next to the valves. Even though this Audi has been on
To see what Audi’s sportiest EV can offer fleet buyers.
sale for three years, the E-Tron GT still attracts attention and I’ve had many positive comments during the six months I’ve been lucky to call it ours. In my opinion, it’s the best-looking current Audi on sale.
Inside, while the design might not be as sharp as the exterior, there’s no denying the quality. Apart from some creasing of the upholstery, there’s no other evidence of the 3000+ miles we’ve added to this Audi. The polished piano black trim continually annoys because of its tendency to attract dust, then there are the interior handles that you can catch your fingers in. But I have no complaints about any of the seats, the driving position or infotainment. My only wish was that it had looked and felt more special inside – if you didn’t know, you could be in a top-spec Audi A5.
“In my opinion, it’s the best-looking current Audi on sale.”
Elsewhere, the rear boot has an adequate 405 litres, but with its compromised fastback opening, it is harder to load. On top of the looks, another of the E-Tron’s key attractions was the way it drove. Make no mistake this is a very fast EV, but the performance is only a part of this car. Even the shortest drives were an event, but long trips were where this Audi shone, earning its ‘GT’ badge.
Despite the 20in wheels, with low- profile tyres, and standard suspension, I was continually surprised at how generally comfortable and composed it was. The only problem I experienced with the drive, was its low stance over speed humps. Despite all being tackled almost at walking speed, it seemed there was nothing I could do to stop this Audi scraping its nose every now and again. Talking to colleagues, I’m not alone, and have been told the sister Porsche does not do the same!
Audi E-Tron GT Quattro
350kW P11D price £86,795 As tested £93,050 Official range 298 miles Our average consumption 2.6 miles/ kWh Mileage 3,550 miles
While this E-Tron’s GT credentials are not in doubt, the less-than-GT-like range is. The 93.4kWh battery is big enough, but the longest range we’ve seen is 255 miles, a bit down on the official range of up to 305 miles. Still, the range was trustworthy, and apart from the coldest point in mid-January where it dropped to 180 miles, this proved to be more than enough for our needs. On the longest trip to Humberside, I marvelled at the sense of having a separate CCS charging port on the offside of the car. More of a problem in this colder weather was charging times on my 7kWh charger! The only other surprise was that despite the Audi badge, the E-Tron GT was the highest depreciator in a recent ‘Best-in Class‘ set (December 23) which included sister car, the Porsche Taycan. So, if I had the chance, would I choose the E-Tron GT – even when compared to the Porsche? I think I would, the Audi is rarer, and its GT credentials make it easier to live with – it will be missed.
Standard equipment: power and heated door mirrors, three-zone climate control, alarm, convenience key, MMI Navigation Plus, leather trim, 20in wheels.
42 | March 2024 |
www.businesscar.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53
