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Audi E-Tron GT Revealed As Cadillac Celestiq Rival

Audi has unveiled the 2022 Audi e-tron GT, the German brand’s new electrically powered grand tourer set to rival the upcoming Cadillac Celestiq.

Outside, the 2022 Audi e-tron GT features low, long, and wide proportions, with a Singleframe grille design in front, plus a honeycomb insert. The shape and sloping roofline grant the new e-tron GT a low 0.24 drag coefficient. U.S. markets get 20-inch wheels with gray accents as standard, with the optional performance package adding 20-inch wheels with black accents. Go-faster RS models get standard 20-inch AERO wheels, and are available with available 21-inch wheels.

The RS model also features a five-layer carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic (CFRP) roof as standard. Optional equipment includes HD Matrix-design headlights with Audi laser lighting elements.

The cabin space of the 2022 Audi e-tron GT features Dinamica and Alcantara as standard, plus optional Nappa leather. A 12.3-inch Audi Virtual cockpit provides the readouts, while a 10.1-inch MMI touch response display provides infotainment. A flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara is standard, while a  leather steering wheel is optional.

As for the performance specs, the 2022 Audi e-tron GT comes with launch control and overboost features, producing up to 522 horsepower in the e-tron GT, and 637 horsepower in the RS e-tron GT. Sixty mph arrives in 3.9 seconds in the GT and 3.1 seconds in the RS.

Making it all possible is a 93.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and 800-volt electrical architecture, with charging from 5 percent to 80 percent in just over 22 minutes using a 270-kW DC quick charge system. A full charge yields 238 miles for the GT, and 232 miles for the RS.

Further features include a two-speed transmission, three-chamber air suspension, and all-wheel steering.

Pricing starts at $99,900 for the GT Quattro Premium Plus, $107,100 GT Quattro Prestige, and $139,900 for the RS e-tron GT. Audi says that the e-tron GT is expected to qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax incentives. Look for it to hit the U.S. market this summer.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. This is not nearly as grand and personally customizable as the upcoming Celestiq. Leather optional in a $100k sedan? Maybe if they make a Bentley version it’ll be competition. But, they also need significant improvements in the range for it to be more competitive.

    No wonder Audi is trying to mock the “No Way, Norway” ad. They realize Cadillac is going to far exceed their upcoming BEV’s.

    Reply
    1. With a $100 k price difference between the two they shouldn’t really be competitors. Also, many people within that customer base are looking for different interior options besides leather. More sustainable alternative options. Much like the rear seats of the Escala that are silk. Even the Wagoneer concepts interior was not genuine leather.

      One thing I especially do like is the reintroduction of buttons in an Audi. Audi has had fantastic controls. A real pleasant tactile experience. Much better than the screen only options in the top ranging vehicles they have.

      I do agree that a Bentley version will be the competition to the Celestiq.

      Reply
    2. Cadillac we have a problem, with a expected $200,000 price range Audi got your number

      Reply
    3. Cadillac lacks the brand cachet and street cred to be playing in Benley’s sandbox! No one would cross shop the two.
      The Audi E-Tron is beautiful even though it remains me of Fisker’s Karma with the green house. It is also beautifully low slung as opposed to a wannabe CUV wagon.

      Reply
  2. Nice car but not one that has much presents.

    It kind of looks like an Accord from the front.

    I think this is a class below the Celestiq.

    Reply
    1. “…presence…”
      😉

      Reply
  3. LOL at the range

    Reply
  4. I like the exterior a lot. The interior utilizes amazing materials and looks to be of very High quality.
    Having said all that, the interior is kind of boring to me. Not Modern looking enough.
    I do not think Tesla has anything to worry about. Audi is insane to think this should start at 100K
    Also, this WILL NOT be a competitor to the upcoming Cadillac Celestiq at all if Rumors are to be believed.

    Reply
  5. Really, Celestiq competition?. Since it’s awd it’s also an Escalade competitor , right?. It’s a sport E/V sedan, it’s square aim is the Taycan and Model S.

    Reply
    1. When has Cadillac bested anyone in sales over the past two decades Escalade excluded? A failing brand with an overpriced EV just like ELR.
      Newsflash: Coastal EV consumers HATE Cadillac & aren’t fond of domestic brands aside from Jeep. Most of my friends have more regard for Honda than Buick. Tesla will outsell everyone until charging stations are a regular site at which point the German brands will continue to lead.
      Mark Ruess said that electric is Cadillac’s last chance. Do any of you really think the brand will be revived in North America?

      Reply
      1. Steve Colmar
        Yet here we are with Audi responding to a GM ad.

        Reply
    2. Is the Porsche Taycan being sold in USA?

      Reply
  6. That Audi badge is like the Apple tax. $100Grand + for 230 mile range?

    Reply
  7. Difference is that Audi actually has the customer base for this vehicle, where the Cadillac doesn’t have customers that can or will spend the kind of money the Celestiq demands.

    Reply
    1. Cadillac Matt:

      I must admit you do have a point there. However, Cadillac does sell Escalades at about $100k. And there were a handful of buyers for CT6-V around $90k. Plus other, previous V- Series have come close to that.

      Reply
      1. I get your point. The article says e-tron is competition for Celestiq. Not at 200k plus. Audi might come up with a buyer for a 200k car, but not Cadillac.

        Reply
        1. The Celestiq isn’t even remotely taking aim at the traditional Cadillac buyer. Do people actually believe this in real life??

          Let’s be perfectly clear here: the Celestiq is shooting WAY beyond your CT5 or XT6 driver, and we’ll beyond your average Escalade driver. They’re gunning for Bentley/Maybach.

          Those drivers will buy any brand if they think it’s a terrific luxury car with no compromises, and it’s considered the cutting edge of the industry. The Celestiq promises that.

          Whether they deliver or not is definitely up for debate, but not who they’re shooting for. An all-electric super luxury flagship would be the only one on the market, making them the leader of that newborn segment…and the segment buyers won’t be previous XTS owners.

          Comanies DO try to expand their market, you know.

          Reply
          1. G8burnout
            Maybach closed up shop after 10 years only selling 3,000 cars worldwide. Now only a S class trim level.
            Bentley was just given a Make money or die ultimatum by VW.
            Rolls Royce is owned by a small company that makes minis & BMWs. If the company is going to survive Electrification, they will need to focus all their efforts on BMW.
            Together Maybach, Bentley & Rolls Royce make up Gods waiting room. Vehicles for rich old men trying to figure out how to take their money with them when they die.
            The Cadillac Celestiq is targets the New millionaires. Made up of Silicon Valley’s technocrats, Entertainers and Sports Personalities. They are very tech savvy and live on social media. Cadillac will probably have some trouble keeping its technology fresh.

            Reply
            1. Peter G.,

              With all due respect, you’re viewing this the wrong way.

              First of all, Cadillac is not exclusively a super-luxury manufacturer. That means that their “mainstream” models, such as the XT5, Escalade and CT sedans (and Lyriq in the near future), provide the HUGE portion of total global revenue and bottom line, absolutely immense. In fact, right now it’s 100%. Rolls Royce, Bentley, Maybach, etc. rely EXCLUSIVELY on extremely high-end vehicles, a low volume segment. so their bottom line is far more limited. Celestiq production is financed by the volume Cadillac vehicles…Cullinan production is financed by Cullinan sales, Huge difference.

              Second, comparing the fortunes of Rolls Royce to the potential fotrunes of the Celestiq also helps my case, not yours. Have you actually looked at sales numbers for RR in the last decade? They’ve gone up steadily the entire time, with ebbs and flows yes, but all trending up. In just ten years, 2009-2019, RR went from 1,000 vehicle sales to 5,100. Since 2005, they’ve lost money only 4 years out of 15. And that money largely has to do with no volume sellers to spread costs, like Cadillac does. Additionally, Rolls was recovering rapidly until COVID hit and tanked it’s aircraft engine sales. Bentley also posted it’s best sales year ever in 2020, despite COVID.

              These companies are having no issues SELLING, they are having issues doing so PROFITABLY.

              Cadillac won’t have that problem with the Celestiq. Volume Caddy sales will finance it’s engineering and production. It’ll ride on a shared platform (though modified) that will ALSO be financed by volume-sellers who share the platform (BEV3). And it will sell in very limited numbers, around 500+/- a year as GM has deemed will not only be doable, but will make them profit. This is GM…besides the Corvette, they do nothing if they aren’t convinced it will make them profits. The Celestiq will. Buyers will include anyone who buys the big dogs Rolls, Bentley and Maybach, especially since the wealthy love to be on the cutting edge and “enviro-conscious.” New, brash, bold, clean, tech-laden and full of luxury, it’s a terrific business case. If Rolls/Bentley do fail, I wouldn’t be surprised if the big daddy Caddy steals much of their sales prior to the fall. Cheers.

              Reply
              1. G8Burnout:

                “Additionally, Rolls was recovering rapidly until COVID hit and tanked it’s aircraft engine sales.”

                The Rolls Royce company that builds the Aero engines you refer to (Rolls Royce Holdings PLC) has nothing whatever to do with the BMW owned Rolls Royce branded automobiles. They were separated in 1971. The Auto building company sold to BMW in 1999, I believe. They’re completely separate entities in different countries.

                Reply
                1. Whoops, an embarrassing mistake! My bad. But the substance of the point still stands undeterred.

                  Reply
                2. Mostly correct, Megeebee, except that you place the “Rolls Royce Holdings” and the “Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd” in different countries — actually both companies have their seat in the UK, the former in London, the latter in Westhampnett, Chichester, West Sussex, while the headquarter is in Goodwood, West Sussex, England, United Kingdom.

                  But there is there is a third company named after Rolls Royce, and that has its seat in Germany:
                  »
                  Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG is a German company owned by Rolls-Royce Holdings with holdings in engine manufacturing brands and facilities. The company previously traded, from 2006 to 2014, as Tognum AG. Prior to 2006, the core company – MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH – was a constituent of DaimlerChrysler Powersystems Off-Highway
                  « from en.wikipedia dot org

                  Reply
            2. Rolls Royce is owned by BMW.

              Reply
            3. Rolls Royce is owned by a small company LOL. Are you stupid?

              Reply
              1. Jack
                Why, Yes I am stupid.
                Why BMW sells 2.5 million vehicles a year worldwide. That’s like half as many as Honda, and almost as many as Kia. And it’s not like Honda and Kia need partners for future technology.
                (Sarcasm)

                Reply
    2. Cadillac Matt
      Audi sells A4s and Q5s. Cadillac sells Escalades. Audi’s customer base is $30k to $50k.

      GM’s highend customers are buying: Corvettes; Hummer EVs, Escalades, Sierra Denali HDs

      Reply
      1. Audi customer base is 30k ??? what.

        Reply
        1. Cadillac Matt

          Go price a few Audi A3s and Q3s

          Reply
          1. You said a4 and q5? now its a3 and q3. Just went online and a 2021 Q3 progressive is 50k where i live, and thats not even looking at the more expensive Q5 that you originally mentioned.

            Q5 jumps into the 60 and 70 range. Try again.

            Reply
            1. Cadillac Matt

              Most people lease a modestly equipped models, with a few thousand in cash on the hood.

              The gold plated jewel incrusted model your looking at will be sitting there for most of the year.

              Reply
              1. So what happened to 30k ??? No answer to your wrong comment on 30k Audi? So you just come back with a deflection about leasing. Did you price some a4 or q3s and realize you we were wrong. Thanks for coming.

                Reply
                1. Cadillac Matt

                  No one is paying full price for a luxury car. You put a few grand on the hood, and the on the low end of Audi’s lineup are coming in at about $30k. Over $50K is less than 10% of Audi’s sales.

                  About a decade ago there where some real funny commercials of Dodge slamming the VW Passat. You should watch them. They will quickly burst any fantasies you’ve built up about German Car supremacy.

                  Reply
  8. 238 miles lol it’s less than a Chevy Bolt.
    Smash it, Cadillac!

    Reply
  9. Range is an embarrassment.

    Reply
  10. Hey! Just you wait…in 3 or 5 or 6 more years Cadillac is finally going to get something competitive! The 2028 Cadillac Justifiq will go nose to nose with this 2022 E-Tron GT! Just wait!

    Reply
    1. some commenters are talking as if cadillac has been beating audi at the luxury game. hilarious.

      with the exception of the escalade, cadillac has been doing nothing but chasing the germans without success for the last 20 years.

      so now the celestiq is going to change that? i’ll believe it when i see it.

      Reply
      1. Steve
        True, Cadillac isn’t Audi.
        Cadillac has a long history of building some of the most luxurious luxury cars the world.
        Audi has no history. They had nothing worth mentioning before going broke and being bought by VW. And for most of the 54 years since they’ve been selling higher trimed VWs. In Europe Audi is a mass market brand. In China, Audi competes with Buick. In the U.S. if the brand disappeared I don’t think anyone would notice.

        Reply
  11. I am glad that I will not be among the extremely stupid and moronic citizens that buys an Audi instead of a domestic brand. I know someone who had an Audi, and servicing was so expendive, he had to take out a loan to pay it. He downgraded to a Chevrolet and never went back.

    Reply
    1. Raymond Ramirez
      Actually, I’m hoping Buick brings in a Verano Performance 2 wagon. To compete with Audi’s Golf GTI

      Reply
  12. It’s comical to read the comments on a vehicle like this. The E-Tron GT is an Audi version of the already on sale Porsche Taycan. It’s primary market is in Europe, where EV’s have taken off (over 500,000 sold last year), not here. Let me repeat that, The E-Tron GT has not been designed and developed primarily for the US/NA market.

    GM basically has zero business in Europe at this point? Maybe one day they will sell some Cadillac EV’s there, but not in the next several years as GM continues to focus on EV’s in China.

    Reply
  13. I own an Audi RS. It is all the company claims it to be, but falls short in terms of pure performance. I think the Germans don’t fully understand what Americans deem to be great performance. Mine needs a stiffer suspension as set to maximum is where a Corvette would start. Mine needs another 100 horsepower too as you need to be able to do 0-60 in under 3 seconds today. But it is very well designed and thought out with perfect paint and panel alignment and nothing has gone wrong. The RS Enron is a great first step, but it needs more range. People are not going to want to stop on a trip to recharge unless they can do it in a few minutes. And I don’t see 800 volt charging systems being in wide use.

    As for me, my Audi will be replaced by a C8 Corvette. The Audi is great, but not in the same league as the mid-engine Corvette.

    Reply
    1. RS 5? My Uncle picked up one. Nice ride.

      Reply
  14. Yo where’s the comments slaying VAG for badge engineering a Taycan into an Audi, as there would be if this was a GM reveal? You know, the tired old bait words like “changed a few body panels…”, and “same silhouette…” and “stymied by the bean counters…”.

    Reply
  15. eTaycan looks easily as covetable as Celestiq esp if it’s coming in $100K less. Half the range but half the money with more cachet (not that that should matter) = competitive.

    Reply

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