Will the 2022 Audi E-Tron GT or 2021 Porsche Taycan Spark More Joy for You?
The wait is over: Audi has finally unveiled the 2022 E-Tron GT. But, while it undoubtedly looks cool, it’s not the only luxury EV in town. There’s also the Porsche Taycan, which just received a new 2021 base model. So, which one is better worth your attention?
2022 Audi E-Tron GT vs. 2021 Porsche Taycan: by the numbers
Despite their different looks, the 2022 Audi E-Tron GT and 2021 Porsche Taycan are very similar under the skin. That’s because, as both are owned by Volkswagen, the EVs share a platform, MotorTrend reports. However, they deliver slightly different performances.
In base RWD form, the 2021 Porsche Taycan has a single electric motor with 321 hp and 250 lb-ft via the standard 79.2-kWh battery pack. Equipping the 93.4-kWh ‘Performance Battery Plus’ pack increases that to 375 hp. However, these are the figures in ‘normal’ conditions. With launch control, the base 2021 Taycan makes up to 402 hp or 469 hp, depending on the pack.
In contrast, the 2022 Audi E-Tron GT Quattro has two motors and AWD. Combined, the motors make 469 hp and 464 lb-ft during “regular operation,” Road & Track reports. That’s because it comes standard with the 93.4-kWh pack. And with launch control, the output increases to 523 hp and 472 lb-ft. As such, it’s more in line with the Performance-Battery-equipped Taycan 4S, which makes up to 562 hp and 479 lb-ft, Car and Driver reports.
There’s also the 2022 Audi RS E-Tron GT. It doesn’t have a bigger battery, but it does have more power. Combined, its two motors produce 590 hp and 612 lb-ft, Motor1 reports. And with launch control, it makes 637 hp. That’s right behind the Porsche Taycan Turbo, which makes up to 670 hp with launch control.
However, on paper, it looks like the Audi E-Tron GT has more range. That’s likely due to its pack’s higher usable capacity, Car and Driver reports. Audi claims the E-Tron GT Quattro goes 238 miles on a charge, and the RS goes 232 miles, The Drive reports. In comparison, with the larger pack, the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S has a 227-mile EPA estimate. And in standard form, that drops to 199 miles, Car and Driver reports.
How do the Audi E-Tron GT and Porsche Taycan compare on luxury and features?
Given that the 2022 Audi E-Tron GT won’t hit dealers until summer 2021, it’s difficult to tell how it drives compared to the Taycan. However, we can compare the two EVs’ standard features.
Many of the RS model’s standard features are options on the Quattro, Roadshow reports. For example, while the Audi E-Tron GT Quattro has adaptive suspension, the RS has air suspension. The latter also comes with a locking rear differential and carbon-ceramic brakes. Both models, though, offer optional all-wheel steering.
On the performance-features front, the base 2021 Porsche Taycan compares favorably with the E-Tron GT Quattro. As with the Audi, the RWD Taycan comes standard with adaptive suspension, while air suspension and carbon-ceramic brakes are optional, MT reports. Ditto the rear-wheel steering, Car and Driver reports. And if you want the torque-vectoring differential and rear-wheel steering, they’re part of the Taycan 4S’s Performance Package, Car and Driver reports.
But while the two EVs’ features lists are fairly similar, their interiors aren’t. True, both the Audi E-Tron GT and Porsche Taycan offer vegan upholstery. However, the Audi has more standard ADAS features, Car and Driver reports. But the Taycan has two center touchscreens to the E-Tron GT’s one. When it comes to options, though, the similarities return. Both cars offer things like heated and ventilated front seats, heads-up displays, and massaging seats.
Which luxury EV is right for you?
The 2022 Audi E-Tron GT Quattro starts at $99,900 before tax credits; the RS model starts at $139,900. In base RWD form, the 2021 Porsche Taycan is cheaper, with a starting price of $79,900. However, the better-comparable 4S trim starts at $103,800—and that’s with the smaller battery. And the Taycan Turbo starts at $150,900.
Ultimately, it’s difficult to really pick between these two luxury EVs without driving them. But on paper, the E-Tron GT has a bit more range, and will likely have more standard luxuries, R&T muses. In contrast, the Taycan offers more performance, at least in AWD form, and slightly faster 0-60 times, Roadshow reports. So, it will likely be the better choice for sports car fans.
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