The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT: Still a Contender in the Electric Arena?
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly four years since the Audi RS e-tron GT first burst onto the scene back in early 2021. The landscape of high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) has transformed dramatically in that short time. As a seasoned automotive expert with over a decade in the industry, I’ve watched the EV market evolve from a niche segment to a battleground of innovation and raw power. The Audi RS e-tron GT initially only had the Porsche Taycan to truly worry about, but now it faces formidable adversaries like the Lucid Air Grand Touring, the Tesla Model S Plaid, and the Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan.
The question remains: can the RS e-tron GT, starting at around $145,000 (including destination charges), still hold its own against these newcomers? Has its captivating design and engaging driving dynamics aged gracefully, or has it been overshadowed by the relentless march of electric progress? Let’s dive into a comprehensive assessment of this German marvel.
Striking Aesthetics: A Visual Masterpiece
Even among a growing sea of stylish EVs, the Audi RS e-tron GT remains a head-turner. While it shares its foundational architecture and powertrain components with the Porsche Taycan due to the collaborative efforts of their parent company, the Audi RS e-tron GT carves out its own distinct visual identity.
the flared fenders, giving the car a wider, more aggressive stance. The signature LED light bar that spans the rear of the car further emphasizes this width, creating a striking visual signature at night. Up front, the angular headlights are pushed outwards, flanking a prominent, body-colored grille – a design element that subtly hints at Audi’s combustion engine heritage while embracing the electric future. This approach is more sportier and arguably more visually exciting.
I particularly appreciated the availability of unique paint options like the Tactical Green Metallic, which perfectly complements the Santos Brown leather interior of the model I recently test drove. It’s refreshing to see automakers offering more than just the standard silver, black, and white palettes. The Audi RS e-tron GT offers a personalized experience.
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Driving Dynamics: Where the RS e-tron GT Excels
Beyond its stunning looks, the RS e-tron GT’s true strength lies in its driving experience. The standard e-tron GT produces a respectable 469 horsepower from its dual electric motors. The RS variant takes things to another level, churning out 590 hp, with a temporary boost mode pushing that figure to a remarkable 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, it’s important to acknowledge that some of its competitors are even quicker on paper.
The Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance, with its staggering 1,050 hp, can hit 60 mph in a mind-bending 2.6 seconds. The Tesla Model S Plaid, boasting 1,020 hp, claims an even more astonishing 1.99-second sprint. Even the Porsche Taycan Turbo, sharing its DNA with the Audi RS e-tron GT, matches the Lucid’s 2.6-second time with its 616 hp. Only the Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan lags slightly behind, with a claimed 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds.
However, these statistics don’t tell the whole story. The RS e-tron GT, like the Taycan, utilizes a two-speed transmission. This feature is a crucial differentiator. The Lucid, Tesla, and Mercedes-AMG all rely on single-speed transmissions, which provide instant torque for rapid acceleration off the line but can lose some steam at higher speeds. The Audi RS e-tron GT’s two-speed transmission allows it to maintain its ferocious acceleration even at highway speeds, making the real-world driving experience feel surprisingly competitive, even against rivals with significantly higher horsepower ratings. The driving performance of the Audi RS e-tron GT makes it worth the price.
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A Grand Tourer at Heart
While the Porsche Taycan is laser-focused on delivering a track-honed, high-performance experience, the Audi RS e-tron GT adopts a slightly different approach. While it shares the same basic structure as its Porsche sibling, the Audi RS e-tron GT benefits from a more compliant adaptive air suspension system, tuned specifically for comfort and daily usability.
This doesn’t mean the RS e-tron GT is a slouch when it comes to handling. Far from it. Point it towards a winding road, and you’ll be amazed at how this 5,100-pound sedan can grip, turn, and stop with remarkable agility. The steering is precise and communicative, providing ample feedback from the road. The car remains composed and balanced through corners, instilling confidence even when pushing the limits.
My test vehicle was equipped with the optional (and expensive) $7,100 carbon-ceramic brakes. While the price tag is steep, these brakes provided phenomenal stopping power and resisted fade even after repeated hard stops on a demanding canyon road. The Audi RS e-tron GT has phenomenal handling and will provide performance that will leave you breathless.
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The Range Question
The biggest drawback of the Audi RS e-tron GT is its relatively limited range. With a 93.4 kWh battery pack, the EPA estimates a range of just 238 miles. This puts it behind most of its direct competitors. The Lucid Air boasts a significantly longer range of 446 miles, while the Tesla Model S and Mercedes-AMG EQS offer 396 and 277 miles, respectively.
While the 238-mile range might be sufficient for daily commuting and short trips, range anxiety can creep in quickly when you start exploiting the RS e-tron GT’s performance capabilities. The car consumes electricity at an alarming rate when driven aggressively, and the limited range can become a real concern on longer journeys. Competitors with larger battery packs and superior range figures offer greater peace of mind. The Audi RS e-tron GT range leaves much to be desired.
On the plus side, the RS e-tron GT supports fast charging at up to 270 kW, thanks to its 800-volt architecture. This allows it to replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in a claimed 23 minutes at a compatible DC fast-charging station.
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Pricing and Value
The 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT starts at $145,395, including destination charges. However, as with most high-end vehicles, the price can quickly escalate with options. My test vehicle, equipped with the carbon-ceramic brakes ($7,100), a carbon performance package ($6,450), and a full leather interior package ($5,350), stickered at a hefty $164,890.
For context, a similarly equipped Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance costs around $163,500, while a comparable Mercedes-AMG EQS comes in at approximately $164,140. The Tesla Model S Plaid, however, represents a significant value proposition, even when loaded with options, undercutting its rivals with a price of around $110,000.
The Audi RS e-tron GT’s pricing is in line with its traditional rivals, but the Tesla Model S Plaid offers a compelling alternative for buyers who prioritize performance and value above all else.
The Verdict: An Emotional Choice
So, is the RS e-tron GT still a worthy contender in the high-performance EV segment? The answer, as is often the case, depends on your priorities. If you’re a stat-obsessed EV enthusiast who demands the quickest 0-60 mph time and the longest possible range, the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S Plaid might be more appealing choices. The Audi RS e-tron GT cannot compete with those other models in those two categories.
However, the Audi RS e-tron GT appeals to a different kind of buyer. It’s for those who value a captivating driving experience and a stunning design above all else. The RS e-tron GT may not have the longest range or the quickest acceleration, but it delivers thrills behind the wheel and evokes a sense of occasion that few other EVs can match.
Cars in this price range should be emotional purchases, not purely rational ones. The Audi RS e-tron GT, with its striking looks, engaging dynamics, and luxurious appointments, still makes a strong case for itself. It’s a testament to the fact that there’s more to a car than just the numbers on a spec sheet. The driving experience is worth its value.
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In conclusion, the 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT remains a compelling option for discerning buyers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and style in an electric package. It may not be the fastest or the most efficient EV on the market, but it offers a unique and rewarding driving experience that sets it apart from the competition.
Ready to experience the thrill of the Audi RS e-tron GT firsthand? Contact your local Audi dealer today to schedule a test drive and discover if this electrifying grand tourer is the right fit for your lifestyle.
