Audi e-tron GT charges into China, starting at $140,000

Audi e-tron GT just made its grand entrance into China - a market that is as competitive as it is lucrative. This luxury electric coupe being an outright statement of style, power, and design, should have no problem finding buyers in the busiest EV market in the world.

Audi, the high-end badge of Volkswagen, launched the e-tron GT with a price tag of $140,000, sure to grab the attention of affluent car enthusiasts across the Middle Kingdom. Admittedly, the price isn't exactly what you'd call budget-friendly, but it doesn't take much more than a glance to realize that this car isn't just about getting you from point A to point B.

The e-tron GT, with its dimensions of 196.4 inches length, 77.3 inches width, and 55.7 inches height, is a full-scale lux machine. In the GT version, it is powered by two electric motors boasting a combined peak power of 390 kW and peak torque of 472 lb-ft. And if that doesn't get your pulse racing, consider this - it can zip from 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 4.1 seconds. In addition, the e-tron GT houses a 93 kWh battery pack, offering a WLTP combined range of 488 km.

The e-tron GT won't make you wait around either when it comes to charging times. Built on an 800 V platform, this luxury EV can boost the battery from 5 percent to 80 percent in a mere 22.5 minutes in DC fast-charging mode. So, if you were worried about coffee breaks turning into hours-long waits at the charging station, you can put those fears to rest.

Earlier this month, Audi had a sneak peek for true enthusiasts with a pre-sale of the Audi e-tron GT Launch Edition in China. Priced slightly higher at RMB 1,099,800 ($154,000, this version was limited to just 20 units for the whole year. The company did not share any info if the 20 units were sold at all, which suggests they may have been a flop - or Audi wants to keep their customer's privacy intact.

Audi launched the high-performance RS e-tron GT last year in China. This powerhouse, which shares the same EV platform as the Porsche Taycan, could clock 0 to 62 mph in a hair-raising 3.3 seconds. Interestingly, it shares its powertrain with Porsche Taycan Turbo, which manages to squeeze out 25 kW more and extra 15 lb-ft for quicker sprint and higher top-end speed.

The launch of the e-tron GT comes as part of a bigger strategic plan. Recently, SAIC Motor, the Chinese automotive giant, announced a partnership with Audi. Together, they aim to develop new electric models catering to the Chinese appetite for premium EVs. That's a lot of Audi and VW activity in the Chinese market for one week.

Via