Driving isn’t just about slamming your right foot to the ground. It’s about precision, competency, and all-around awareness.
The Audi E-tron GT, like most performance cars, comes with a launch control system. This vastly increases the grip you have when accelerating from a standstill.
This page walks you through activating and using launch control on the Audi E-tron GT.
As always, you must read your owner’s manual before using it! This contains unique, detailed advice. It’s crucial to be aware of the safety implications.
Table of Contents
What is Audi E-tron GT Launch Control?
Launch control on the Audi E-tron GT helps achieve the maximum acceleration.
Rather than simply slamming your foot down (‘kick down’), launch control uses traction systems and components to grip the road. This means the car accelerates as quickly as possible.
Officially, the E-tron GT will get to 60 mph in around 4 seconds. This is much faster than the average road car, so take extra care if you use launch control!
When should you use Launch Control in the Audi E-tron GT?
Launch control was initially intended for motorsport applications. In reality, it should stay that way.
It’s legal to use launch control on the road in most circumstances, although you should only do this if you’re a competent driver.
- Roads should be empty of other traffic and road users (including pedestrians).
- You should be far away from any residential or industrial areas.
- The road and environmental conditions must be safe and clear.
- You should have clear visibility.
- Be aware of wildlife (such as deer) jumping into your path.
- Keep both hands on the steering wheel and always be ready to react.
Since launch control puts maximum acceleration and torque through the wheels, they can easily slip and skid. This would likely lead to a crash.
Only use launch control in the E-tron GT if you’re a confident and competent driver!
Activating Audi E-tron GT Launch Control
There’s no need to activate launch control. Provided your E-tron GT comes with it, the feature is always available.
That said, you must meet a few requirements before using the launch control feature.
- The batteries must be up to temperature and sufficiently charged (35% or more).
- Drive select must be set to Dynamic.
- The steering wheel must point straight ahead.
- If any warning messages are present, don’t use launch control. In general,
- Red warning icons mean you must stop the car immediately and call for breakdown assistance.
- Amber warning icons indicate you should drive slowly and carefully to a recognized Audi EV mechanic.
- Specific components might overheat, preventing launch control from activating until they cool.
- The batteries and transmission must be looked after!
Aside from the safety warnings mentioned above, it’s also recommended that you:
Don’t use launch control during the first ‘breaking-in’ period (the first 2,000 miles on the odometer). During this time, it’s crucial to drive gently.
How to launch an Audi E-tron GT
Here’s how to use launch control on the Audi E-tron GT:
- Meet all the requirements, recommendations, and safety warnings above.
- Bring your E-tron GT to a stop in a safe location or on a track.
- Fully depress the brake pedal with your left foot.
- Wait for at least one second.
- Fully depress the accelerator pedal with your right foot.
- Don’t let go of the brake pedal yet!
- The display in the power meter will flash.
- Releasing your left foot (brake) will launch the E-tron GT forward using launch control.
Control the car the whole time. You might need to abort the launch (let go of the accelerator pedal before releasing it) or brake soon after setting off.
Reading your owner’s manual before operating Launch Control on the E-tron GT is imperative. The power put-down efficiency might be more than you can handle. The owner’s manual contains the most model-specific information and includes safety warnings and considerations.
If you don’t have yours to hand, you’ll find a PDF version of the Audi E-tron GT owner’s manual below.
