The Audi RS e-Tron GT was introduced last year as the first Audi fully electric four-door sedan that shares its underpinnings with the Porsche Taycan. Electric cars are, as we all know them, inherently more reliable than traditional combustion engine cars because they come with fewer moving parts and thus fewer components are prone to failing.
The RS e-Tron GT and its mechanical sibling, the Porsche Taycan are almost the same which means that the issues both of these experience are almost th1e same. Software issues are common in both of these such as the infotainment system and many in-car screens and functions.
More severe issues include a faulty 12-volt battery that loses charge and causes the car to lose power during driving. Other issues include not properly screwed down pieces of interior, certain questionable build quality decisions, and issues related to charging the car.
All in all, the e-Tron seems to fare a bit better than the Taycan even though these two share many components with each other. The e-Tron is relatively reliable, but given the fact that it is the very first Audi EV sedan, upcoming models are likely going to be even better when Audi applies its learnings to new models.
Audi e-Tron GT infotainment system issues
The Audi e-Tron GT offers a really high-end interior packed with countless high-end features and amenities that certainly do make the car feel every bit as luxurious as the Porsche Taycan. Audi even got rid of a secondary A/C screen in order to operate the A/C with hard press buttons which is a lot easier, safer, and more reliable than through a screen.
However, the widescreen center infotainment screen is known to experience issues related to slow response times, occasional lags and stutters, and sometimes even a completely blank screen. This can typically be resolved by restarting the system altogether, but it is also a stressful scenario as the e-Tron operates most of its functions through the center screen.
Audi e-Tron GT loss of power
One of the worst issues the e-Tron experiences are related to the car’s 12-volt battery system and the car suddenly losing power during driving. This issue is already widely covered with the Taycan but given the fact the e-Tron and the Taycan share many parts, the e-Tron is prone to these issues as well.
Porsche even issued a widespread recall to combat these issues as they can render a car completely useless. It’s worth mentioning that until now there aren’t many reported issues on this matter, but we will have to wait and see if the e-Tron has had this issue resolved from the factory until there are more e-Tron GTs on the road.
Audi e-Tron GT interior trim coming off issues
We have already mentioned that the e-Tron GT comes with a high-end interior that offers pretty much everything you’d ever want from a car. However, a few online sources state that the e-Tron sometimes suffers from issues associated with the car’s interior trim pieces coming off.
This poses a big underlying question of if the e-Tron GT is going to experience these throughout after the car reaches 10 or 20 years old. A simple trim piece coming off can be a sign that the e-Tron GT is not made to last for decades, but it can also just be nitpicking on my part if this is not a common occurrence.
Audi e-Tron GT build quality issues
Pretty much every automotive journalist out there has said that the e-Tron GT is a true luxury car. However, many journalists also stated that the interior of the e-Tron GT is not on par with the Taycan when it comes to material build quality.
Various e-Tron GT models cost between $100,000-$200,000 which means that they need to be stellar when it comes to build quality. The e-Tron is not bad per se, but it certainly can be better as plastic is the material of choice for most interior trim pieces while the Taycan manages to offer an interior layered with higher quality materials.
Audi e-Tron GT charging issues
The e-Tron GT is susceptible to issues related to the charging system as is often the case with many EVs. Some owners reported the car charging a lot slower or sometimes even not at all which certainly is an issue worth talking about.
If you come across issues such as these, be sure to check if the car is connected to the SMA Data Manager, if it is, you will be able to see the current charging data right on your center infotainment screen.
FAQ Section
Should I buy an Audi e-Tron GT?
The Audi e-Tron GT is one of the most interesting and most desirable electric cars at the moment because it looks stunning. The e-Tron comes in various trim levels depending on how much power you want. It may not be as convenient as a Tesla, nor as long-lasting as a Mercedes EQS, but it does do everything very well.
This means that the e-Tron is a well-rounded EV that does not lack in any way. According to initial reports, the e-Tron GT is also selling really well. This helps the car retain its value on the second-hand market which is really good as most Audi luxury sedans are known to depreciate like crazy.
Is the Audi e-Tron GT better than the Porsche Taycan?
The Taycan and the e-Tron GT are mechanical siblings which means that they are almost identical underneath all that metal. They come with the same powertrain, but Audi detuned its top-of-the-line e-Tron RS GT in order to maintain the Taycan’s top position.
Audi tries to undercut the Taycan at the top end which serves as a buffer between the Taycan and all the other electric sedans that cost less than the e-Tron GT. The e-Tron GT looks better, but the Taycan is likely the better car overall.
How long can an Audi e-Tron GT last?
It’s difficult to say how long the e-Tron GT is going to last, especially when you consider that you will need an expensive battery replacement at some point. Traditional combustion engine Audi models can easily do hundreds of thousands of miles before needing major overhauls, and the e-Tron GT should be more or less the same.
We all know that EVs are inherently more reliable, but we will have to wait and see if this is also the case after a decade of use.