Gridly
Overview
The Audi e-tron GT S is a four-door performance gran turismo built on the J1 platform - the same 800V electrical architecture underpinning the Porsche Taycan. The S sits in the middle of the e-tron GT lineup, above the base e-tron GT and below the flagship RS. It is aimed squarely at buyers who want genuine performance EV credentials alongside the visual drama of Audi’s most striking body style: a low, wide, fastback-coupé silhouette that bears no resemblance to the brand’s SUV-dominated range.
The S designation is applied by quattro GmbH and goes beyond badging. Dual-motor quattro AWD with launch control, a wider track than the standard e-tron GT, S-specific adaptive air suspension with three-chamber airbags, and RS-derived brake hardware define a car tuned for driver engagement. Active rear-wheel steering reduces the turning circle at low speed and sharpens corner entry at pace, giving the e-tron GT S a responsiveness that its 2.3-tonne kerb weight would otherwise preclude.
In the Australian premium EV market, the e-tron GT S occupies a specific niche: performance saloon buyers who want European character but do not require the ultimate RS specification. The price of $209,900 (before on-road costs) positions it below the RS e-tron GT ($264,900) and broadly alongside the Porsche Taycan, making it a genuine cross-shop option in the mid-to-high performance EV segment.
Pricing & Variants
| Variant | Price (before ORC) | 0–100 km/h | Range (WLTP) | DC Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-tron GT (base) | ~$179,900 | 4.1s | ~500km | 270kW |
| e-tron GT S | $209,900 | 3.4s | 558km | 320kW |
| RS e-tron GT | $264,900 | 2.8s | 522km | 320kW |
The e-tron GT S offers the most balanced specification in the range - meaningful performance gain over the base car, without the full RS price premium. All variants share the same J1 platform, 97kWh (gross) battery, and Type 2 / CCS charging connector.
Performance
The e-tron GT S produces a combined system output of around 370kW in standard mode, rising to approximately 440kW during launch control overboost. The 3.4-second 0–100 km/h time is achieved with launch control engaged - the drivetrain holds peak torque across both axles from standstill for a controlled, repeatable launch.
The S-specific rear-wheel steering reduces the turning circle at parking speeds and sharpens the car’s response mid-corner. The adaptive air suspension offers Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Lift modes, and at speed in Dynamic mode the e-tron GT S feels flatly planted rather than soft. Top speed is 245 km/h - electronically limited, and comfortably beyond any legal road speed in Australia.
Compared to a Porsche Taycan with equivalent output, the e-tron GT S feels slightly softer in its primary ride but no less composed at speed. It is tuned to be fast and involving, not track-focused.
Range and Charging
WLTP range is 558km from the 97kWh (gross) battery - a strong result for a performance AWD vehicle at this power level. Real-world range in mixed Australian driving conditions will typically be 420–480km depending on speed, climate, and driver inputs. At 110 km/h highway cruise, expect approximately 380–420km of real-world range.
DC fast charging peaks at 320kW on a compatible 800V ultra-rapid charger - among the fastest available on any production EV. The 10–80% charge from approximately 35kWh to 78kWh takes roughly 18–22 minutes at a high-power station. Australia’s Chargefox ultra-rapid network includes 350kW-capable stations where the e-tron GT S can charge at full speed.
AC charging via the onboard 11kW three-phase charger takes approximately 9.5 hours from empty using a three-phase wallbox. Home charging on a single-phase 7.4kW circuit extends this to around 14 hours. No V2L or V2H capability.
Interior and Technology
The e-tron GT S cabin is a clear step above the Q-series EVs in material quality. S-specific sport seats in Nappa leather or Dinamica microfibre, a flat-bottomed RS-style steering wheel, and satin-finish aluminium inlays produce a cockpit that prioritises the driver without sacrificing rear occupant accommodation.
The infotainment system runs on Audi’s MMI platform with a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a separate 8.6-inch climate control display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Audi’s augmented-reality head-up display projects navigation arrows onto the road surface at the correct scale - one of the most practically useful HUD implementations available.
The Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system (optional), 360-degree camera suite, night vision assist, and Audi pre-sense rear collision mitigation round out the technology suite. Over-the-air software updates are supported.
Practicality
The e-tron GT S is a five-seat gran turismo with GT practicality limitations. Rear headroom is restricted by the roofline - the e-tron GT suits occupants under approximately 185cm in the rear seats. Boot capacity is 405 litres in the rear, supplemented by a 85-litre frunk for charging cables. The frunk is shallow but useful for keeping cables accessible without filling the main boot.
There is no towing capacity - the e-tron GT S is not homologated for trailer use in Australia. No V2L or V2H. Roof load capacity is limited by the coupé body.
Five seats, two luggage areas, and zero towing make this a car for buyers whose priority is performance and design rather than family utility.
Safety
The e-tron GT S carries a 5-star Euro NCAP rating (applicable to Australian deliveries). Standard active safety equipment includes:
- Audi pre-sense front and rear (automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection)
- Adaptive Cruise Assist with lane centring and traffic jam assist
- Side Assist blind-spot monitoring
- Exit Warning (alerts occupants before opening doors into approaching traffic)
- Cross Traffic Assist rear
- Active lane departure warning
Optional Audi Driver Assistance Package Plus adds Night Vision Assist with pedestrian/large animal detection, Park Assist Plus with remote parking, and enhanced intersection assist.
Running Costs and Ownership
At $0.30/kWh - a reasonable average across Australian home tariffs - the e-tron GT S costs approximately $5.22 per 100km in electricity (97kWh ÷ 558km × 100 × $0.30). Charging on a typical off-peak tariff of $0.15–0.18/kWh reduces this to $2.60–3.13 per 100km.
Audi Australia’s warranty is 3 years with no kilometre limit stated as standard. This is below the industry trend set by Korean manufacturers (7 years / 150,000km) and Chinese brands (7–10 years). The battery warranty is separate - Audi provides 8 years / 160,000km battery coverage on e-tron GT models.
Audi’s Australian dealer network is well-established with service centres in all major cities and most regional centres. Scheduled service intervals are annually or 15,000km. The e-tron GT S shares many mechanical components with the Porsche Taycan, meaning technician training and parts availability are strong.
Verdict
The Audi e-tron GT S is the best-balanced car in the e-tron GT range for most buyers. It offers 3.4-second acceleration, 320kW DC charging, and 558km of WLTP range in a body style that remains genuinely distinctive on Australian roads. The shared J1 platform with the Porsche Taycan brings engineering credibility that the earlier e-tron SUVs - built on the less sophisticated MEB architecture - could not claim.
The compromises are real: three-year warranty, no V2L, and a price that places it in genuine competition with a Porsche Taycan. Buyers who cross-shop both cars will find the e-tron GT S slightly softer and more everyday-liveable; the Taycan slightly sharper and more track-ready. For those who find the Audi design more compelling and the price differential meaningful, the e-tron GT S is a fully realised performance EV that needs no excuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Audi e-tron GT S compare to the Porsche Taycan?
Both cars share the J1 800V platform, the same battery chemistry, and the same 320kW DC charging speed. The Taycan is generally considered the sharper, more driver-focused car; the e-tron GT S has a slightly different suspension tune that prioritises comfort without sacrificing composure. The e-tron GT S is typically priced below a comparable Taycan. Design is subjective - both are visually distinctive but in quite different ways.
What charging infrastructure does the e-tron GT S use in Australia?
The e-tron GT S uses a CCS (Combined Charging System) connector, which is compatible with all major Australian public DC fast charging networks: Chargefox, Evie Networks, BP Pulse, Ampol AmpCharge, and Tesla’s open network. AC charging uses a standard Type 2 connector compatible with all public AC chargers and home wallboxes. The 800V architecture means the car can accept its full 320kW DC rate at Chargefox ultra-rapid stations (350kW capable).
Is the Audi e-tron GT S practical for daily use?
For a two- to four-person household without heavy towing or camping requirements, yes. The 558km WLTP range (estimate 420–480km real-world) covers multiple days of typical driving between charges. The boot and frunk provide adequate space for daily errands and weekend luggage. The rear seat headroom restriction is the main everyday limitation - passengers over 185cm will find it tight on longer journeys.
