Audi e-tron GT - Practicality, comfort and boot space
Passengers in the Audi e-tron GT are cosseted, but this isn’t the most practical of large saloon cars
In spite of its low-profile sporty looks, the e-tron GT is a comfortable and spacious cruiser. The interior layout is focused around the driver, who is separated from the passenger by a wide central console, while the central touchscreen is angled toward the driver, too.
A pair of large drink holders are between the seats, and the wireless phone charging pad lives in a recess on the console. The doorbins on either side are a little shallow, and have limited access due to the armrests above, making it difficult to store a large bottle of water. The glovebox is complemented by an additional lidded compartment under the centre armrest for stashing things out of sight. It’ll be fine for some, but the BMW i5 has greater storage.
The high quality of fixtures and fittings add to a generally welcoming ambience throughout the cabin, while the lack of engine noise helps to create a relaxed travelling environment for all onboard.
Twin charging flaps – one on each side behind the front wheels – make access easy. Two charging cables are supplied as standard; a Type 2 cable for public AC chargers, and a three-pin plug adaptor for home charging without a dedicated wallbox.
Size
The e-tron GT isn’t unusually big for a luxury executive model, but it is unusually low. Its 4,990mm length and 1,960mm width compares closely to the 4,946mm long and 1,961mm wide Mercedes EQE. The e-tron GT is just 1,410mm tall against the 1,510mm EQE and 1,515mm i5.
Leg room, head room & passenger space
The Audi e-tron GT cabin is very roomy up front in spite of its low-slung appearance. While you might expect to find headroom restricted, especially in the back, the battery pack has been designed with a footwell recess built into it, adding to the available space for rear passengers’ feet under the front seats.
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The design requirement for a large battery also necessitated a long wheelbase, which means there’s no shortage of legroom either. There’s loads of shoulder room upfront, but the heavily sculpted outer rear seats – which feel like individual armchairs – mean the raised central position isn’t as welcoming for three adults to sit comfortably in the back compared with the i5.
The rear doors open wide to give good access too, but the car’s low cabin means you need to be relatively supple to spring in and out gracefully, and it could make putting a child in a car seat a bit difficult. The e-tron GT has two ISOFIX child seat mounting points on the outer rear seat positions.
A panoramic sunroof gives the e-tron GT a light and airy feel in a cabin that might otherwise feel a little claustrophobic. With that in mind, we’d suggest you think carefully about the carbon roof option on an RS model.
Boot
The e-tron GT doesn’t have a huge boot, although it’s respectable at 405 litres, especially next to the 430 litres provided by the EQE and 490 litres in the i5. The e-tron GT does at least have a further 85 litres available under the bonnet, where owners can conveniently keep grimy charging cables well away from their clean luggage.
The car’s practicality is compromised a little by the shape of the narrow boot opening, but if you want a luxurious electric load-lugger, Audi will happily direct you to its Q8 e-tron SUV.
