The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT: A Decade of Experience Reveals Its Enduring Appeal
It’s been a wild ride watching the electric vehicle landscape explode over the last decade. Back in early 2021 when the Audi RS e-tron GT first hit the scene, the competition was relatively tame. Now, as we move into 2025, the Audi RS e-tron GT faces a gauntlet of high-performance EVs, each vying for the crown. The question is, in a world dominated by ludicrous speed and headline-grabbing range figures, does this stylish grand tourer still hold its own? Or have the Lucid Air Grand Touring, Tesla Model S Plaid, and Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan simply left it in the dust?
Having spent years behind the wheel of everything from track-ready sports cars to cutting-edge EVs, I can tell you that numbers rarely tell the whole story. And the RS e-tron GT is a perfect example of that.
Starting at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of around $147,000, including destination charges, the Audi RS e-tron GT enters a crowded market, especially in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and New York City. It’s true; on paper, it’s no longer the quickest off the line, and its range is arguably the shortest among its direct rivals. But dismissing it based solely on these metrics would be a massive disservice.
Striking Design: Beyond the Numbers
One thing that hasn’t faded over time is the RS e-tron GT’s sheer visual magnetism. Sharing its fundamental architecture and powertrain with the Porsche Taycan (a testament to the brilliance of the Volkswagen Group’s shared engineering), the Audi carves its own distinct path with a design language that’s both aggressive and undeniably elegant.
While the Taycan leans into a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, the Audi RS e-tron GT boasts sculpted lines that accentuate its muscular fenders. The wide LED light bar stretching across the rear visually widens the car, creating a planted, confident stance. Up front, the bold, body-colored grille – a design element that often sparks debate in the EV world – works surprisingly well, giving the car a recognizable and assertive presence. This isn’t just another smooth, anonymous EV; it’s a statement. The availability of unique colors, like the Tactical Green Metallic paired with the Santos Brown leather interior I recently experienced, further enhances its appeal. In a sea of silver and gray, these bolder choices make the Audi RS e-tron GT stand out, a crucial factor for buyers seeking exclusivity.
The Thrill of the Drive: Where the RS e-tron GT Excels
Let’s move beyond aesthetics and dive into the heart of the matter: the driving experience. The standard e-tron GT offers a respectable 469 horsepower, but the RS variant cranks things up considerably. With 590 hp on tap, and a temporary boost mode pushing that figure to 637 hp, the Audi RS e-tron GT delivers exhilarating performance. Audi claims a 0-60 mph time of around 3.1 seconds, and a top speed of 155 mph.
Now, it’s true that the Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance (1,050 hp), the Tesla Model S Plaid (1,020 hp), and even the Porsche Taycan Turbo (616 hp) boast quicker acceleration times. However, focusing solely on these numbers misses a crucial element: the Audi RS e-tron GT’s unique two-speed transmission.
This is a critical differentiator. While most EVs rely on a single-speed transmission for instant torque, the Audi RS e-tron GT’s two-speed gearbox provides both blistering off-the-line acceleration and impressive high-speed punch. The result is a car that feels incredibly responsive and engaging across the entire speed range. On the open road, the Audi RS e-tron GT overtakes with effortless ease, making it a true joy to drive. The feeling is that even cruising at highway speeds, the car is very responsive when accelerating.
Handling and Dynamics: A Grand Tourer with Supercar DNA
Beyond straight-line speed, the Audi RS e-tron GT truly shines in the corners. Despite its 5,100-pound curb weight, this sedan handles with remarkable agility and precision. While it shares its fundamental platform with the Porsche Taycan, Audi has tuned the adaptive air suspension to provide a more compliant and comfortable ride. This makes the Audi RS e-tron GT a superb daily driver, soaking up bumps and imperfections with ease.
However, don’t mistake comfort for complacency. When the road gets twisty, the Audi RS e-tron GT transforms into a genuine performance machine. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing excellent feedback and inspiring confidence. The car grips tenaciously, and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction in all conditions.
My test vehicle was equipped with the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, a $7,100 investment that proved its worth during spirited canyon runs. These brakes provide immense stopping power and remained fade-free even under heavy use. While pricey, they are a worthwhile upgrade for drivers who demand the ultimate in performance. The ceramic brake package is particularly good for the Audi RS e-tron GT in San Francisco where hills are an everyday challenge.
Range and Charging: The Trade-Off for Performance
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: range. The Audi RS e-tron GT’s 93.4 kWh battery pack provides an EPA-estimated range of 238 miles. Compared to the Lucid Air Grand Touring (446 miles) or the Tesla Model S Plaid (396 miles), this figure is undeniably low. The Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan also fares better, with an EPA range of 277 miles.
This reduced range can be a concern, especially for those who frequently embark on long journeys. However, it’s important to consider the trade-off. The Audi RS e-tron GT prioritizes performance and driving dynamics over maximizing range. And let’s be honest, pushing any of these high-performance EVs to their limits will significantly impact their range. For many owners, the ability to quickly charge at home mitigates this issue.
Speaking of charging, the Audi RS e-tron GT boasts an 800-volt architecture, allowing for rapid DC fast charging at up to 270 kW. This enables it to replenish its battery from 5% to 80% in approximately 23 minutes under ideal conditions. This fast charging capability helps to minimize downtime on long trips. The 800-volt architecture helps the Audi RS e-tron GT remain competitive when compared to other EVs when at a public charger in cities like Austin.
Pricing and Value: A Question of Priorities
The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT starts at around $147,000, including destination charges. However, as with any high-end vehicle, the price can quickly escalate with options. My test vehicle, equipped with the carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon performance package, and full leather interior, stickered at nearly $165,000.
This puts it in direct competition with the Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance, the Mercedes-AMG EQS, and the Tesla Model S Plaid. While the Tesla offers a compelling value proposition due to recent price cuts, the Audi RS e-tron GT aligns with the pricing of its other main rivals.
Ultimately, the question of value comes down to individual priorities. If you prioritize sheer speed and maximum range above all else, the Tesla or Lucid might be more appealing. However, if you value a blend of performance, style, and driving engagement, the Audi RS e-tron GT remains a compelling choice.
Conclusion: An Emotional Choice
After a decade immersed in the automotive world, one thing has become clear: the best cars are those that evoke an emotional response. They’re not just appliances; they’re objects of desire. The Audi RS e-tron GT embodies this philosophy perfectly. It may not be the fastest or the longest-range EV on the market, but it delivers an undeniably thrilling driving experience.
In a world increasingly focused on numbers and metrics, the Audi RS e-tron GT reminds us that there’s more to a car than just its specifications. It’s about the way it makes you feel. It’s about the sensation of carving through a corner, the surge of acceleration, and the pride of ownership.
The Audi RS e-tron GT is targeted at a different audience than the value-conscious or the stat-obsessed. It’s for the enthusiast who appreciates the finer things in life, and who seeks a high-performance EV that is as rewarding to drive as it is to look at. If you’re looking for a luxury electric car with supercar performance, the Audi RS e-tron GT in Miami might be your perfect fit.
If you’re ready to experience the thrill of the Audi RS e-tron GT firsthand, I encourage you to visit your local Audi dealer for a test drive. Discover the difference that passion and engineering can make.
