Audi RS e-tron GT: A Decade Later, Does Beauty and Driving Thrills Still Reign Supreme?
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly three years since the Audi RS e-tron GT first graced the automotive scene. Back in early 2021, the electric vehicle (EV) landscape was a very different place. The playing field has shifted dramatically, with new contenders emerging annually. Initially, its primary rival was its Porsche-engineered sibling, the Taycan. But now, the RS e-tron GT faces formidable competition from the likes of the Lucid Air Grand Touring, the mind-bending Tesla Model S Plaid, and the luxurious Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan. As an industry expert, I’ve seen this segment evolve rapidly, and the question remains: does the RS e-tron GT still hold its own in 2024, and more importantly, heading into 2025?
The truth is, the core strengths that made Audi’s flagship EV appealing initially remain incredibly relevant today. Its design continues to be a standout – arguably the most captivating EV on the market, with its flowing lines, elegant curves, and aggressive stance. And, thanks to its shared DNA with Porsche, the RS e-tron GT delivers a driving experience that defies its 5,100-pound curb weight. However, the competition hasn’t been resting on its laurels.
With a starting price of $145,395, including destination charges, the RS e-tron GT finds itself trailing its direct rivals in terms of 0-60 mph acceleration and maximum range. The question is, do its captivating aesthetics and exhilarating driving dynamics compensate for these shortcomings in the face of the industry’s best?
A Visual Masterpiece: Design That Endures
Despite sharing significant structural and powertrain components with the Porsche Taycan, thanks to a collaborative effort between the two brands, the Audi RS e-tron GT has consistently been the more visually arresting of the pair. While Porsche opted for a smooth, uncluttered, and relatively minimalist design approach, Audi chose to emphasize the flared front and rear fenders with sculpted body lines. A striking LED light bar stretches across the rear, visually widening the car.
This design language continues at the front, where the e-tron’s headlights extend towards the edges of the fascia, creating space for a prominent body-colored grille. This design trick makes the front appear broader than its actual dimensions, resulting in a sportier and more engaging aesthetic, even with similar proportions to the Taycan.
This visual appeal is amplified by a range of available colors, such as the Tactical Green Metallic of my test vehicle, which perfectly complemented the Santos Brown leather interior. While such a subtle shade may not appeal to everyone, it’s refreshing to see automakers offer more than just the standard range of silvers and grays.
Driving Dynamics: Where the RS e-tron GT Truly Shines
Beyond its captivating looks, the RS e-tron GT’s greatest strength lies in its exceptional driving dynamics. While the standard e-tron GT generates 469 horsepower from its dual electric motors, the RS variant elevates that figure to 590 hp, with a temporary boost mode pushing it to 637 hp. This enables Audi’s flagship EV to sprint to 60 mph in as little as 3.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph.
While these figures make the RS feel remarkably quick in almost any situation, most of its direct competitors are still faster. The 1,050-hp Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance achieves 60 mph in a blistering 2.6 seconds, matching the 616-hp Porsche Taycan Turbo’s time, while the 1,020-hp Tesla Model S Plaid achieves the feat in a mind-numbing 1.99 seconds. The Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan lags slightly behind in this segment, with a claimed 3.4-second time.
However, these statistics only tell a partial story. Among the aforementioned vehicles, only the Porsche and Audi utilize a two-speed transmission to distribute power to all four wheels. The Lucid, Tesla, and Mercedes-AMG employ single-speed units, which allow them to accelerate rapidly off the line but lose some of their intensity as speed increases. In contrast, the RS e-tron GT’s two-speed unit enables it to accelerate aggressively even at highway speeds, making the real-world performance feel comparable to rivals that boast significantly higher power figures. This is a huge advantage for drivers in Los Angeles, navigating the high-speed freeways and demanding canyon roads.
Handling and Ride: A Grand Tourer with Supercar DNA
The RS e-tron GT’s handling capabilities further distinguish it from the competition. Despite its Porsche ties, the GT is not simply a re-skinned Taycan. While it shares the same underlying structure as its mechanical sibling, it utilizes an adaptive air suspension system, which Audi has tuned to be more compliant than Porsche’s setup. This results in a more comfortable and refined daily driving experience. True to its grand tourer designation, these tuning choices give the RS its own unique identity, making it less of a pure high-performance sedan like the Taycan and more of an athletic and luxurious tourer.
While the suspension prioritizes a comfortable ride, the RS e-tron GT’s sporty intentions are undeniable. Point its nose towards a winding back road, and you’ll be rewarded with a 5,100-lb sedan that grips, turns, and stops like a supercar. While it may not be as stiff as a comparable Taycan Turbo, it maintains excellent balance as you enter a tight corner, confidently putting down all its power on the way out. My test car was equipped with an optional $7,100 set of carbon-ceramic brakes, which, while expensive, kept this substantial sedan in check during repeated runs up a canyon road without any noticeable degradation in performance. The improved braking performance is especially important for those living in hilly areas.
Range and Charging: A Trade-Off for Performance
The primary concern when pushing the RS e-tron GT on a spirited drive is its range. With a 93.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack, the EPA estimates its range at 238 miles, placing it behind most of its direct competitors. For comparison, Lucid boasts an estimated range of 446 miles, while Tesla and Mercedes-AMG offer 396 and 277 miles, respectively. While the e-tron’s shorter range may not be a major concern for buyers with home chargers, it can quickly become an issue when you start to drive aggressively. While its rivals face similar challenges, their larger battery packs and greater range do a better job of alleviating range anxiety.
However, when it comes to charging, the e-tron can replenish its battery relatively quickly thanks to its 270 kW peak charge rate and 800-volt architecture, allowing it to go from a 10 to 80 percent charge in approximately 80 minutes at a compatible DC fast charger. The growing network of electric charging stations around the country are making charging easier than ever before.
Pricing and Value: A Competitive Landscape
The 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT starts at $145,395, including a $1,495 destination fee. However, with options such as the $7,100 ceramic brake package, the $6,450 carbon performance package, and the $5,350 full leather interior package, my test vehicle’s as-tested price reached $164,890.
In comparison, a similarly equipped Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance costs $163,500, while a comparable Mercedes-AMG EQS comes in at $164,140. However, thanks to recent price adjustments, the Tesla Model S Plaid, even when optioned up to $109,880, significantly undercuts every other vehicle in the segment. This price difference makes the Tesla Model S Plaid a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
The Verdict: Emotion Over Numbers
So, is the RS e-tron GT still the high-powered EV to have three years after its debut? As you might have guessed, the answer depends on the buyer. For the performance-obsessed enthusiast who prioritizes the quickest 0-60 time and the longest range, the RS cannot compete with the Lucid’s range, the Tesla’s value, or the raw acceleration of the Model S Plaid.
Instead, the RS e-tron GT appeals to a different kind of enthusiast – one who values an exhilarating driving experience over sheer numbers. The RS may not have the longest range or the fastest acceleration, but it excels at delivering thrills behind the wheel. Cars in this price range should be emotional purchases, not practical ones, and with its stunning looks and engaging driving dynamics, the e-tron GT still makes a compelling case for itself. Ultimately, there’s more to a car than just the stats. Choosing an EV isn’t just about range and speed; it’s about choosing a vehicle that resonates with your soul and brings a smile to your face every time you get behind the wheel. The luxury electric vehicle market is more competitive than ever, but the Audi RS e-tron GT maintains its position by delivering a unique blend of style and performance.
Ready to experience the thrill of the Audi RS e-tron GT for yourself? Contact your local Audi dealer today to schedule a test drive and discover why this electrifying grand tourer remains a compelling choice for discerning drivers.
