Audi has broken into the electric saloon sector with the unveiling of its Tesla Model S-rivalling e-tron GT.

The e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT will both be introduced in spring 2021

Launching this spring and priced from £79,900, the e-tron GT “steps up the pace” from the e-tron SUV as the brand advances its electric vehicle plans.

Built on the same platform as the Porsche Taycan and offering a range of up to 295 miles, the Audi electric saloon features classic grand tourer dimensions. Rear boot space is up to 405 litres, depending on the version, and a second luggage compartment beneath the bonnet offers a further 81 litres.

Two variants are on offer: the standard £79,900 e-tron GT quattro and the performance RS e-tron GT from £110,950. The former offers a Vorsprung specification option while the RS e-tron GT can be specified in Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung equipment lines, pushing pricing up to £133,340.

The e-tron GT quattro uses a 238hp electric motor on the front axle plus a 435hp rear motor, giving 476hp or up to 530hp in boost mode. Total torque is 630Nm. It accelerates from rest to 62mph in 4.1 seconds and has a top speed limited to 152mph.

In the RS e-tron GT, the electric motor on the front axle is again 238hp output, but the motor in the rear provides 456hp – bringing a combined output of 598hp, rising to 646hp in boost mode, and total torque of 830Nm. 0-62mph time is 3.3 seconds (again, in boost mode) and top speed is limited to 155mph.

Predicted WLTP ranges for UK specification models stand at 295 miles and 280 miles respectively.

All-wheel drive is used as standard apart from when ‘efficiency’ mode is activated via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, which prioritises front-wheel drive.

The lithium-ion battery system is located between the axles, giving a low centre of gravity and near 50:50 weight distribution.

The 93kWh (gross) battery can charge at up to 270kW DC, potentially giving a charge capacity from 5 to 80% in less than 23 minutes.

Two charging cables are included as standard: one Type 2, Mode 3 for use at AC charging points including a home wallbox, and the compact e-tron charging system, consisting of a control unit and Type 2, Mode 2 cable with a domestic and industrial plug.

Audi’s ‘Connect’ intelligent charging system will also be available as an option and enables both charging control via the myAudi app and function updates.

Equipment includes the MMI navigation plus media centre as standard in all models and also via the free myAudi smartphone app. Drivers can also choose between two Audi Connect online services packages.

Standard safety features include the Audi Pre Sense Front and Pre Sense Basic systems, as well as lane departure warning, while other key technologies, including adaptive cruise assist, intersection assist and surround view cameras, are bundled into ‘Tour’, ‘City Assist’ and ‘Parking Assistance’ packages.