The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT: Still a Contender in the Electric Arena?
It’s hard to believe it’s been several years since the Audi RS e-tron GT first burst onto the scene. The electric vehicle landscape has transformed dramatically since then. New contenders are constantly emerging, each vying for a piece of the pie. Back in 2021, the RS e-tron GT primarily had to contend with its cousin, the Porsche Taycan. Now, it faces a gauntlet of high-performance EVs like the Lucid Air Grand Touring, Tesla Model S Plaid, and Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan.
As an industry insider with over a decade of experience witnessing the EV evolution firsthand, I’ve seen manufacturers pushing the boundaries of technology and design. So, how does the RS e-tron GT stack up against this new wave of electric rivals? Does it still possess the charm and performance to warrant its premium price tag? Let’s dive in.
Striking Looks That Still Turn Heads
Despite the rapid advancements in EV technology and design, the Audi RS e-tron GT remains a visual masterpiece. Sharing its fundamental architecture and powertrain with the Porsche Taycan, the Audi distinguishes itself with a more aggressive and visually captivating design language. Where the Taycan embraces a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, the RS e-tron GT exudes a bolder, more sculpted presence.
The Audi’s designers masterfully crafted muscular lines that accentuate the flared fenders, front and rear. The signature LED light bar stretching across the rear adds visual width, making the car appear lower and more imposing. Up front, the sharply angled headlights, combined with the body-colored grille, create a distinctive and assertive face. This combination of elements results in an EV that’s not just sporty but genuinely stunning.
And let’s not forget the color options. While many automakers stick to a conservative palette of silvers and grays, Audi offers more adventurous choices. The Tactical Green Metallic, paired with the Santos Brown leather interior on my recent test drive, proved to be a winning combination. This ability to personalize the car with unique colors elevates the ownership experience and sets it apart from the competition. In the Los Angeles area, standing out is important and the Audi RS e-tron GT definitely achieves it.
Performance That Delivers Thrills
Beyond its striking exterior, the RS e-tron GT shines in its driving dynamics. The standard e-tron GT delivers a respectable 469 horsepower. However, the RS version elevates the performance with 590 hp. And with Boost Mode engaged, the power output temporarily surges 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 impressive, they don’t quite match the outright acceleration of some competitors. The Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance boasts 1,050 hp, achieving 0-60 mph in a mere 2.6 seconds. The Porsche Taycan Turbo, with 616 hp, matches that time. The Tesla Model S Plaid, with its mind-boggling 1,020 hp, completes the sprint in a staggering 1.99 seconds. Only the Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan lags slightly behind, with a claimed 3.4-second time.
However, raw numbers don’t always tell the whole story. What truly sets the RS e-tron GT apart is its two-speed transmission, a feature shared only with the Porsche Taycan in this competitive set. This transmission allows for exceptional acceleration at higher speeds. The Lucid, Tesla, and Mercedes-AMG rely on single-speed units, which deliver rapid off-the-line performance but lose some steam as speeds increase. The RS’s two-speed transmission ensures relentless acceleration throughout the rev range, providing a thrilling and engaging driving experience that rivals even those with higher horsepower figures. Electric car performance has become so much more than just initial acceleration.
Handling and Comfort: A Balanced Approach
The RS e-tron GT isn’t just about straight-line speed. Its handling prowess is equally impressive. Despite sharing its core architecture with the Porsche Taycan, the Audi distinguishes itself with a more comfort-oriented suspension setup. The RS utilizes an adaptive air suspension system, tuned to provide a more compliant ride than the firmer Porsche. This makes the e-tron GT a more comfortable and enjoyable daily driver without sacrificing performance.
This tuning philosophy aligns with the RS e-tron GT’s identity as an athletic grand tourer rather than an outright high-performance sports sedan. It strikes a compelling balance between comfort and performance, making it ideal for long-distance journeys and spirited weekend drives.
When the road gets twisty, the RS e-tron GT truly comes alive. Despite its hefty 5,100-pound curb weight, it handles with remarkable agility and poise. The car grips tenaciously, turns in sharply, and brakes with confidence. My test vehicle was equipped with the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, a worthwhile investment for those who plan to push the car hard. These brakes provided exceptional stopping power and resisted fade even after repeated runs on challenging canyon roads.
Range and Charging: Areas for Improvement
The one area where the RS e-tron GT falls slightly behind its competitors is range. With its 93.4 kWh battery pack, the EPA estimates a range of 238 miles. In comparison, the Lucid Air offers a staggering 446 miles, while the Tesla Model S and Mercedes-AMG EQS offer 396 and 277 miles, respectively.
While the RS e-tron GT’s range may suffice for daily commutes and shorter trips, it can become a concern on longer journeys, especially when driving aggressively. The car’s energy consumption increases significantly when pushed hard, reducing the effective range. While other EVs also experience this phenomenon, their larger battery packs and greater range provide a buffer against range anxiety.
However, the RS e-tron GT does offer impressive charging capabilities. With its 800-volt architecture and peak charging rate of 270 kW, it can replenish its battery quickly. A 10-80% charge can be achieved in approximately 23 minutes at a compatible DC fast-charging station, minimizing downtime during road trips. Efficient electric vehicle charging is key in today’s market.
Pricing and Value: A Premium Proposition
The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT carries a base price of around $147,000, including destination charges. However, the price can quickly escalate with optional extras. My test vehicle, equipped with features like the carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon performance package, and full leather interior, stickered at around $165,000.
This pricing places the RS e-tron GT in direct competition with the Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance and the Mercedes-AMG EQS. However, the Tesla Model S Plaid, even when fully optioned, often undercuts the competition thanks to Tesla’s pricing strategy.
So, is the RS e-tron GT worth the premium price? The answer depends on individual priorities. For the EV enthusiast focused solely on achieving the quickest 0-60 mph time and longest range, the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S Plaid may be more compelling options. But for those who prioritize driving experience, design, and a blend of comfort and performance, the RS e-tron GT remains a strong contender.
The Verdict: An Emotional Choice
In conclusion, the Audi RS e-tron GT may not be the outright fastest or longest-range EV on the market. However, it possesses a unique blend of attributes that make it a highly desirable choice for a certain type of buyer. It’s still the best-looking electric sports car available today. Its thrilling driving dynamics, comfortable ride, and distinctive design make it an emotionally rewarding vehicle to own and drive. Cars in this price range should be about more than just numbers. They should evoke passion and excitement, and the RS e-tron GT delivers on that front.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase an EV in this segment comes down to personal preferences and priorities. But if you value driving experience, design, and a touch of exclusivity, the Audi RS e-tron GT remains a compelling option. It’s a car that makes a statement, turns heads, and delivers thrills behind the wheel. After all, there’s more to a car than just the specs.
Ready to experience the thrill of electric driving? Contact your local Audi dealer today to schedule a test drive and discover the RS e-tron GT for yourself.
