Audi RS e-tron GT Review: Is It Still Electrifying in 2025?
It’s been a whirlwind since the Audi RS e-tron GT first hit the scene. As a seasoned automotive expert with over a decade navigating the twists and turns of the industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand the EV evolution. The high-performance electric vehicle landscape has transformed dramatically, becoming fiercely competitive.
Back in 2021, the RS e-tron GT primarily sparred with its Porsche Taycan sibling. Now, it faces formidable contenders like the Lucid Air Grand Touring, Tesla Model S Plaid, and Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan. The question is: can the RS e-tron GT, with its stunning aesthetics and engaging driving dynamics, still hold its own against this new wave of electric powerhouses? Let’s dive in.
A Timeless Design in an Evolving World
One thing remains undeniably true: the Audi RS e-tron GT is a visual masterpiece. In a sea of increasingly similar-looking EVs, it stands out with a design that’s both elegant and aggressive. While the Porsche Taycan leans into minimalist simplicity, the RS e-tron GT flaunts sculpted body lines that accentuate its powerful stance.
The broad LED light bar across the rear and the distinctive headlights create a wide, planted visual effect. This design language sets it apart, offering a sportier and more captivating aesthetic than its Porsche counterpart. The RS e-tron GT makes a statement, and the availability of unique colors like Tactical Green Metallic (paired with a Santos Brown leather interior, in my personal favorite configuration) adds to its appeal. It’s a refreshing departure from the ubiquitous silver and gray palette.
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Performance Beyond the Numbers: The Driving Experience
The RS e-tron GT isn’t just about looks; it’s about how it makes you feel behind the wheel. The standard e-tron GT boasts an impressive 469 horsepower, but the RS variant cranks it up to 590 hp, with a temporary boost to 637 hp. This translates to a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.
While these figures are certainly impressive, the RS e-tron GT’s competitors have raised the bar. The Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance achieves 60 mph in a mere 2.6 seconds, matching the Porsche Taycan Turbo. The Tesla Model S Plaid takes the crown with a mind-bending 1.99 seconds. Even the Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan edges it out slightly at 3.4 seconds.
However, numbers don’t always tell the whole story. The RS e-tron GT and the Taycan leverage a unique advantage: a two-speed transmission. Unlike the single-speed units in the Lucid, Tesla, and Mercedes-AMG, the two-speed transmission provides relentless acceleration, especially at higher speeds. This translates to a more engaging and responsive driving experience in real-world scenarios, where the RS feels just as thrilling, if not more so, than its rivals.
The magic of the Audi RS e-tron GT lies in its ability to blend raw power with refined handling. Despite its hefty 5,100-pound weight, this sedan tackles corners with surprising agility and precision. The adaptive air suspension, tuned by Audi to be more compliant than the Porsche’s setup, strikes a perfect balance between comfort and performance.
It’s a grand tourer at heart, designed for both exhilarating drives and comfortable daily commutes. Take it to a twisty back road, and the RS e-tron GT rewards you with exceptional grip, precise steering, and confident braking. The optional carbon ceramic brakes ($7,100) on my test model proved their worth during spirited canyon runs, providing unwavering stopping power without any noticeable fade.
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The Range Question: A Lingering Concern
The only chink in the RS e-tron GT’s armor is its range. With a 93.4 kWh battery pack, the EPA estimates a range of 238 miles, which falls short of its competitors. The Lucid Air boasts an impressive 446 miles, while the Tesla Model S and Mercedes-AMG EQS offer 396 and 277 miles, respectively.
For those with home chargers, the reduced range may not be a deal-breaker. However, it can quickly become an issue when pushing the car hard, as the RS e-tron GT consumes electrons at an alarming rate. While all high-performance EVs suffer from range degradation under heavy acceleration, the RS’s smaller battery pack exacerbates the problem.
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However, the RS e-tron GT redeems itself with its fast charging capabilities. Thanks to its 800-volt architecture and peak charge rate of 270 kW, it can replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 80 minutes at a compatible DC fast charging station.
Pricing and Value: Where Does the RS e-tron GT Stand?
The 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT starts at $145,395, including destination charges. With optional extras like the carbon ceramic brakes ($7,100), carbon performance package ($6,450), and full leather interior package ($5,350), the as-tested price of my review car climbed to $164,890.
This puts it in the same ballpark as a similarly equipped Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance ($163,500) or Mercedes-AMG EQS ($164,140). However, Tesla’s recent price cuts have made the Model S Plaid a compelling value proposition, even when fully optioned at around $109,880.
So, is the RS e-tron GT worth the investment? The answer, as always, depends on your priorities. If you’re solely focused on raw performance metrics like 0-60 mph times and maximum range, the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S Plaid might be more appealing.
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The Emotional Connection: Why the RS e-tron GT Still Matters
The Audi RS e-tron GT caters to a different kind of enthusiast: one who values the driving experience above all else. It may not be the fastest or the longest-range EV in its class, but it delivers an unmatched level of thrill and engagement behind the wheel.
Cars in this price range are often emotional purchases, not purely rational ones. The RS e-tron GT’s stunning design, combined with its exhilarating performance and refined handling, creates a connection that few other EVs can match. There’s more to a car than just the stats; it’s about how it makes you feel.
In conclusion, the Audi RS e-tron GT remains a relevant and compelling option in the evolving landscape of high-performance electric vehicles. It’s a statement piece that prioritizes driving pleasure over ultimate performance numbers. It carves its own path as an athletic grand tourer, blending luxury, sportiness, and cutting-edge technology in a way that only Audi can.
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If you’re looking for an EV that stirs your soul and delivers an unforgettable driving experience, the Audi RS e-tron GT deserves a spot on your shortlist. Visit your local Audi dealer today and experience the thrill for yourself.
