As a sustainability publisher, often SME is presented with novel opportunities, and one came recently when luxury car giant Audi reached out to us to test-drive the new e-Tron GT Halo electric vehicle (EV) to review if it fulfills its promise to blend luxury, speed and sustainability.
Given SME Founder and CEO Sam Khan also has a long background in transport as well as sustainability, he was the perfect candidate to offer his insights into the vehicle.
His primary comments after test-driving the car were as follows: “Think class, sophistication, elegance, sleek, comfort, and speed. Then mix that with sustainable, electric and family-friendly – you wouldn’t think these words could all be used to describe a car would you?
“Well try the Audi 2023 e-tron GT Halo EV and your mind will be blown by this amazing creation.”
The Audi e-tron GT models itself as the performance car for the new electric era, built alongside the legendary R8 at the specialist Audi Sport facility at Bollinger Höfe in Germany, the e-tron GT quattro has Audi Sport in its DNA.
It’s tagline from Audi reads that it’s “pure electric exhilaration, in a gran tourismo guise.”
Mr Khan added: “The car is very stylish and quick, yet you also have plenty of space, with the capability to get 3 people in the back, and with more leg room than the exit wing seats in an Emirates 787.”
· Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.3 to 4.1 seconds
· Battery charge time: 9.5h at 220V
· Battery: 93.4 kWh 800 V lithium-ion
· Body style: Sedan
· Cargo volume: 350 to 405 L
· Dimensions: 4,989 mm L x 1,964 mm W x 1,396-1,413 mm H
The 2023 Audi e-tron GT made its debut during the blockbuster film Avengers: Endgame, and competes with Porsche and Tesla for the crown of the king of electric vehicles.
Sustainability and electrification remain a key element in performance and design, with Khan adding: “The suede on the inside of the car doors gives you an electric feel as you touch it. When you see the car from the outside especially the front and rear lights, look with caution, as it may take you back to the future.”
The e-tron GT uses a huge 93 kWh battery, and is rated to deliver a driving range of 383km – if that sounds low, “we’d bet on Audi being just a bit conservative,” Khan said, adding “It’s reassuring to know that the vehicle supports really fast recharge speeds of up to 270 kW.”
In practical terms, that would recharge the battery from 5 to 80% in just 22 minutes, making it among the fastest-recharging EVs on the market.
SME Chief Khan also stated: “Feature-wise, the e-tron GT feels loaded, coming with heated seats, three-zone climate control, a panoramic roof, ambient lighting, navigation, a Bang and Olufsen sound system and the super cool Audi Virtual Cockpit plus digital gauge cluster.”
A rarity in the zero-emission sector, the Audi e-tron GT sports a two-speed transmission, aiding a smoother drive at higher speeds.
As a special extra, the e-tron GT also features a unique soundtrack that plays to give you a sense of speed and immersion in the driving experience.
Mr Khan concluded: “I for one was blown away with this car, Audi have not left one stone unturned when creating this beauty.
“It could be your bachelor/ bachelorette car for your weekend trips or it could be that 2:4 family car for long trips – one where you don’t have to convince your wife since the car seats have plenty of space and comfort."
Read more: HRH Crown Prince Launches Ceer, the First Saudi Electric Vehicle Brand