The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT: Still a Contender in the High-Stakes EV Arena?
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly four years since the Audi RS e-tron GT first hit the scene. Back in early 2021, the landscape of high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) was relatively sparse. Now, as we move into 2025, the competition has exploded. The RS e-tron GT, while still a head-turner, now faces off against a formidable lineup including the Lucid Air Grand Touring, Tesla Model S Plaid, and Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan. As an industry expert with over a decade immersed in automotive performance, I’ve spent considerable time behind the wheel of these machines, and the question remains: can the RS e-tron GT’s striking design and engaging driving dynamics still cut it against the new breed of electric powerhouses?
Starting at a cool $145,395 (including destination charges), the RS e-tron GT finds itself in a precarious position. While its initial allure was undeniable, today it’s often perceived as the slowest to 60 mph and offering the shortest range compared to its key rivals. In a world increasingly obsessed with benchmarks and bragging rights, can the Audi RS e-tron GT truly stand its ground?
Design That Still Captivates: The Audi Aesthetic Edge
The Audi RS e-tron GT undeniably holds a visual advantage. Sharing its fundamental architecture and powertrain components with the Porsche Taycan, thanks to a collaborative effort between the two German giants, the Audi has always been the more flamboyant and visually captivating sibling. Where the Taycan adopts a sleek, minimalist, and almost austere design language, the Audi RS e-tron GT flaunts sculpted body lines that accentuate its wide front and rear fenders. The signature full-width LED taillight bar amplifies the car’s perceived width, creating a dramatic and undeniably modern aesthetic.
Up front, the e-tron GT features aggressively styled headlights pushed to the outer edges of the fascia, flanking a prominent body-colored grille. This design approach makes the car appear wider and more imposing than its actual dimensions suggest. The outcome is a vehicle that exudes a sportier and more visually arresting presence, even though it shares similar proportions with its Porsche counterpart. The availability of unique colors, like the Tactical Green Metallic paired with a Santos Brown leather interior of the model I tested, further enhances its appeal. Automakers should always go beyond the predictable sea of silvers, and Audi delivers in this regard.
Beyond the Numbers: Driving Dynamics That Truly Thrill
The raw numbers might not tell the whole story, and that is where the Audi RS e-tron GT truly shines. The base e-tron GT packs a respectable 469 horsepower from its dual electric motors, but the RS variant cranks things up to 590 hp, with a temporary boost mode pushing it to 637 hp. On paper, this translates to a 0-60 mph sprint in a claimed 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph. These figures are certainly impressive, but the competition has raised the bar considerably.
The Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance, with its staggering 1,050 horsepower, claims a 0-60 mph time of just 2.6 seconds, matching the Porsche Taycan Turbo’s 616 hp. The Tesla Model S Plaid, boasting 1,020 hp, is in another league entirely, achieving the same feat in a mind-bending 1.99 seconds. Even the Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan lags slightly behind, with a claimed 3.4-second time.
However, straight-line acceleration is only one piece of the puzzle. The RS e-tron GT and the Porsche Taycan are the only contenders in this segment that utilize a two-speed transmission. This crucial feature differentiates them from the single-speed units found in the Lucid, Tesla, and Mercedes-AMG. While those competitors offer blistering off-the-line acceleration, their power delivery tends to flatten out as speeds increase. The Audi RS e-tron GT, on the other hand, benefits from its two-speed transmission, enabling it to maintain its ferocious acceleration even at highway speeds. This translates to a real-world driving experience that feels remarkably competitive, even against rivals with significantly higher horsepower figures. This is a major reason the Audi RS e-tron GT price remains competitive.
Handling Prowess: An Athletic Grand Tourer
While its acceleration is noteworthy, the Audi RS e-tron GT truly distinguishes itself with its exceptional handling capabilities. Don’t be mistaken, this isn’t just a re-skinned Taycan. While it leverages the same underlying platform, Audi has imbued the e-tron GT with its own distinct character. One of the key differentiators is its adaptive air suspension system, tuned to provide a more compliant and comfortable ride compared to the Taycan’s firmer setup. This intentional design choice transforms the e-tron GT from a pure high-performance sedan into a more versatile and refined athletic grand tourer.
Despite its focus on comfort, the Audi RS e-tron GT doesn’t compromise on sportiness. Throw it into a series of twists and turns, and you’ll be amazed by how well this 5,100-pound sedan grips, corners, and brakes. It attacks corners with impressive composure, remaining balanced and controlled even when pushed hard. The optional carbon-ceramic brakes, while a significant $7,100 investment, proved their worth during my testing, providing unwavering stopping power during repeated canyon runs without any noticeable fade.
The Range Question: A Potential Achilles Heel
One area where the Audi RS e-tron GT falls short of its rivals is range. With its 93.4 kWh battery pack, the EPA estimates a range of just 238 miles. This pales in comparison to the Lucid Air’s 446 miles, the Tesla Model S Plaid’s 396 miles, and even the Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan’s 277 miles.
While the reduced range may not be a major concern for owners with home charging capabilities, it can quickly become an issue when pushing the car’s performance limits. The Audi RS e-tron GT consumes energy quickly under spirited driving. While other EVs face similar issues, their larger battery packs provide a greater buffer, mitigating range anxiety.
On the plus side, the e-tron GT boasts a rapid charging capability, thanks to its 800-volt architecture and peak charging rate of 270 kW. This allows it to replenish its battery from 10 to 80 percent in a respectable 80 minutes at a compatible charging station.
Pricing and Value: A Nuanced Equation
The 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT price starts at $145,395, including the $1,495 destination charge. However, with options like the ceramic brake package ($7,100), carbon performance package ($6,450), and full leather interior package ($5,350), the as-tested price can easily climb to $164,890.
In comparison, a similarly equipped Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance costs around $163,500, while a comparable Mercedes-AMG EQS comes in at $164,140. The Tesla Model S Plaid, even with optional extras, undercuts the competition significantly, hovering around $109,880 thanks to recent price adjustments.
The Verdict: An Emotional Purchase
So, is the Audi RS e-tron GT the definitive high-performance EV to own? The answer, as always, depends on the individual buyer’s priorities. For the spec-sheet-obsessed enthusiast who demands the quickest 0-60 time and the longest range, the RS e-tron GT might fall short of the mark. The Lucid Air offers superior range and the Model S Plaid delivers unmatched value.
However, the Audi RS e-tron GT appeals to a different kind of driver – someone who prioritizes an engaging and thrilling driving experience over outright numbers. It delivers thrills behind the wheel that are hard to quantify on a spreadsheet. Cars in this price range should be emotional purchases, not simply practical ones. The Audi RS e-tron GT, with its stunning aesthetics, dynamic handling, and distinct character, makes a compelling case for itself. In the end, there’s far more to a car than just its stats. In the world of electric vehicle charging, and electric car incentives, the Audi RS e-tron GT still remains a strong contender.
Are you 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 electric grand tourer continues to captivate drivers who value performance and style above all else.