The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT: Still a Thrilling Contender in the Evolving EV Landscape
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly four years since the Audi RS e-tron GT first broke cover. The electric vehicle (EV) market has transformed dramatically since early 2021. Back then, the RS e-tron GT primarily wrestled with its Porsche Taycan sibling. Now, it faces a gauntlet of high-performance electric sedans, including the Lucid Air Grand Touring, the Tesla Model S Plaid, and the Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan. These contenders boast impressive specs, pushing the boundaries of EV performance.
But in 2025, the question remains: can the RS e-tron GT, with its head-turning aesthetics and engaging driving dynamics, still hold its own against this formidable competition? As an industry veteran with a decade immersed in the automotive world, I’ve had the chance to thoroughly assess the RS e-tron GT, and here’s my take.
A Stunning Design That Still Turns Heads
Sharing its fundamental architecture and powertrain with the Porsche Taycan (a testament to the engineering prowess of both brands), the Audi RS e-tron GT has always been the more visually striking of the pair. Where the Taycan embraces a smooth, minimalist aesthetic, the Audi uses sculpted body lines to accentuate its flared fenders. The rear is dominated by a captivating LED light bar that visually widens the car, creating a planted, aggressive stance.
This design philosophy extends to the front, where the headlights are positioned to emphasize the car’s width. The prominent body-colored grille is a bold statement, further enhancing the car’s sporty appeal. The result is a sedan that’s undeniably more exciting and visually engaging than its Porsche counterpart, despite sharing similar proportions. The RS e-tron GT’s design strikes a perfect balance between aggressive sportiness and sophisticated elegance.
The availability of unique colors, like the Tactical Green Metallic of my test vehicle, paired with a Santos Brown leather interior, adds another layer of appeal. Carmakers need to offer more than just the usual shades of silver, and Audi delivers with a palette that allows drivers to express their personality.
Performance That’s More Than Just Numbers
The RS e-tron GT’s driving experience is where it truly shines. The standard e-tron GT produces 469 horsepower from its dual electric motors. The RS variant cranks this up to 590 hp, with a temporary boost mode pushing it to 637 hp. This translates to a blistering 0-60 mph time of around 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. These figures make the RS e-tron GT feel incredibly responsive in any situation.
Electric Car Performance & Handling While competitors like the Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance (1,050 hp), the Porsche Taycan Turbo (616 hp), and the Tesla Model S Plaid (1,020 hp) boast quicker 0-60 times, the RS e-tron GT offers a unique advantage: a two-speed transmission. This is a game-changer because it allows the Audi to maintain its strong acceleration even at higher speeds.
Unlike the single-speed units in the Lucid, Tesla, and Mercedes-AMG, which can lose some of their initial punch as speed increases, the RS e-tron GT’s two-speed gearbox ensures relentless power delivery across the entire speed range. In real-world driving, this makes the RS e-tron GT feel just as quick, if not more so, than its more powerful rivals, bridging the gap between pure acceleration and overall driving enjoyment.
The handling is another area where the RS e-tron GT excels. While sharing its basic structure with the Taycan, the Audi features a uniquely tuned adaptive air suspension system. This system is more compliant than the Porsche’s, making the RS e-tron GT a more comfortable and refined daily driver. It strikes a fantastic balance between performance and comfort.
However, don’t mistake this for a lack of sportiness. Point the RS e-tron GT down a twisty road, and you’ll discover a 5,100-pound sedan that handles with surprising agility and precision. It grips tenaciously, turns sharply, and stops with confidence. While perhaps not as aggressively stiff as the Taycan Turbo, the RS e-tron GT remains remarkably balanced through corners, allowing you to confidently put the power down on the exit. My test vehicle included the optional $7,100 carbon-ceramic brakes, which proved their worth during spirited canyon runs, providing consistent and fade-free stopping power.
The Range Question: A Lingering Concern
If there’s one area where the RS e-tron GT lags behind some of its competitors, it’s in range. The EPA estimates a range of 238 miles from its 93.4 kWh battery pack. This falls short of the Lucid Air’s impressive 446-mile range, as well as the Tesla Model S (396 miles) and Mercedes-AMG EQS (277 miles).
For drivers who primarily charge at home, this may not be a significant issue. However, the range can become a concern when pushing the car hard or embarking on longer journeys. While all high-performance EVs experience a drop in range under aggressive driving, the RS e-tron GT’s smaller battery pack accentuates this issue.
On the plus side, the RS e-tron GT boasts a rapid 270 kW peak charging rate, allowing it to replenish its battery from 5% to 80% in roughly 22 minutes at a compatible DC fast-charging station, thanks to its 800-volt architecture. This is a significant advantage that helps mitigate range anxiety.
Pricing and Positioning in the Market
The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT starts at around $147,000, including destination charges. Options such as the carbon-ceramic brakes ($7,100), carbon performance package ($6,450), and full leather interior ($5,350) can quickly push the price tag north of $165,000.
In comparison, a similarly equipped Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance costs roughly the same. The Tesla Model S Plaid, even with optional extras, significantly undercuts its rivals thanks to recent price adjustments.
The Verdict: A Driver’s EV
So, is the RS e-tron GT still a compelling choice in the crowded high-performance EV segment? The answer, as always, depends on your priorities. If you’re solely focused on achieving the quickest 0-60 mph time and the longest possible range, the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S Plaid may be more appealing options. But you have to consider Tesla Quality issues.
The RS e-tron GT appeals to a different kind of enthusiast: one who values an engaging and rewarding driving experience above all else. While it may not boast the most impressive numbers on paper, the RS e-tron GT delivers thrills behind the wheel that few other EVs can match.
High-Performance Electric Sedan Comparison
| Vehicle | Horsepower | 0-60 mph (sec) | Range (miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi RS e-tron GT | 637 (Boost) | 3.1 | 238 |
| Lucid Air Grand Touring | 1,050 | 2.6 | 446 |
| Tesla Model S Plaid | 1,020 | 1.99 | 396 |
| Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan | 751 | 3.4 | 277 |
In the realm of high-end vehicles, emotional connection trumps pure practicality. With its breathtaking design, exhilarating performance, and refined driving dynamics, the Audi RS e-tron GT remains a strong contender in 2025. This is an EV that prioritizes the joy of driving, reminding us that there’s more to a car than just statistics. The RS e-tron GT embodies the spirit of a true grand tourer, blending performance and luxury in a way that’s uniquely Audi.
Ready to Experience the Thrill of the RS e-tron GT?
Visit your local Audi dealer today to schedule a test drive and discover for yourself why the RS e-tron GT continues to captivate driving enthusiasts.
