Audi RS e-tron GT: Still a Contender in the Electric Super-Sedan Arena? (2025 Review)
It’s been a few years since Audi unleashed the RS e-tron GT onto the world in early 2021, and let’s be honest, the electric vehicle landscape has shifted dramatically. As a seasoned automotive expert with over a decade navigating this ever-evolving industry, I’ve watched the Audi RS e-tron GT (the main keyword, folks!) go from a futuristic marvel to a player in an increasingly crowded field. Back then, it was primarily battling its cousin, the Porsche Taycan. Now? The RS faces serious competition from the likes of the Lucid Air Grand Touring, Tesla Model S Plaid, and the Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan.
The question remains: Does the Audi RS e-tron GT, with its striking design and engaging driving dynamics, still hold its own against this new wave of electric super-sedans? Let’s dive deep and find out.
Head-Turning Design: More Than Just a Pretty Face
Let’s face it, the Audi RS e-tron GT has always been a looker. Despite sharing its fundamental underpinnings with the Porsche Taycan – a product of collaborative engineering prowess between the two brands – the Audi distinguishes itself with a far more dramatic visual presence. Where the Porsche leans towards sleek minimalism, the Audi flaunts sculpted body lines that accentuate its flared fenders. The full-width LED taillight bar is a masterstroke, visually widening the car and creating a signature look.
Up front, the design language continues with assertive headlights that stretch towards the corners of the fascia, flanking a bold, body-colored grille. This clever design trick gives the car a broad, planted stance. The overall effect is a more overtly sporty and visually captivating aesthetic, even with the shared proportions with its Taycan sibling.
And let’s not forget the color options. While the usual silver, black, and grey hues are available, Audi offers unique shades like Tactical Green Metallic, which, when paired with a Santos Brown leather interior, elevates the car to another level of sophistication and individuality. Having seen countless cars roll through the showroom, I can attest to the refreshing appeal of a unique color palette.
Performance: More Than Just Numbers on a Spec Sheet
Beyond aesthetics, the Audi RS e-tron GT truly shines in the driving experience it delivers. The standard e-tron GT churns out a respectable 469 horsepower, but the RS variant amps things up considerably, boasting 590 hp and a temporary boost mode that pushes 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.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: raw acceleration. The Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance (with its staggering 1,050 hp) and the Tesla Model S Plaid (packing over 1,000 hp) are undeniably quicker in a straight line. Even the Porsche Taycan Turbo matches the Audi RS e-tron GT’s acceleration. The Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan lags slightly behind.
However, horsepower figures don’t paint the whole picture. What sets the Audi RS e-tron GT apart is its two-speed transmission, a feature it shares with the Taycan. While competitors like Lucid, Tesla, and Mercedes-AMG rely on single-speed units for instant off-the-line acceleration, they tend to lose steam as speeds increase. The Audi RS e-tron GT’s two-speed transmission allows for relentless acceleration throughout the rev range, providing a more engaging and consistent power delivery. This translates to a real-world driving experience that feels surprisingly competitive, even against rivals with significantly higher horsepower ratings. This is important for shoppers in areas like Los Angeles, CA who want the power of an electric car and also the handling capabilities for canyon roads.
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Handling and Dynamics: A Grand Tourer with Supercar Aspirations
While its straight-line speed is commendable, the Audi RS e-tron GT’s handling prowess is where it truly distinguishes itself. Despite sharing its platform with the Taycan, Audi has imbued the Audi RS e-tron GT with a distinct personality. The adaptive air suspension, calibrated to be more compliant than the Porsche’s, provides a more comfortable and refined ride, making it an ideal daily driver. The Audi RS e-tron GT leans more towards being an athletic grand tourer than an outright high-performance sedan.
This doesn’t mean it’s a slouch in the corners. Point the Audi RS e-tron GT towards a winding road, and you’ll discover a 5,100-pound sedan that handles with remarkable agility and poise. It grips tenaciously, turns sharply, and brakes with impressive confidence. While not as stiffly sprung as the Taycan Turbo, it maintains excellent balance through tight corners, allowing you to confidently apply power on exit. The optional carbon ceramic brakes ($7,100 – a worthwhile investment for serious drivers) provide phenomenal stopping power and resist fade even during extended canyon runs.
Range and Charging: The Achilles’ Heel?
Here’s where the Audi RS e-tron GT faces its biggest challenge: range. With a 93.4 kWh battery pack, the EPA estimates its range at 238 miles. This falls short of most of its direct competitors. The Lucid Air boasts a significantly longer range, while the Tesla and Mercedes-AMG also offer more miles on a single charge.
This range disparity can be a concern, especially for those who enjoy spirited driving, as the Audi RS e-tron GT tends to consume energy quickly when pushed hard. While other EVs experience similar range degradation under demanding conditions, their larger battery packs provide a greater buffer against range anxiety. This is a real concern for those considering electric vehicle financing, as the cost of charging frequently can add up.
On the bright side, the Audi RS e-tron GT supports DC fast charging at up to 270 kW, allowing it to replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in around 80 minutes at a compatible charging station. The 800-volt architecture enables these rapid charging speeds.
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Pricing and Value: Where Does the RS e-tron GT Fit?
The 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT starts at around $145,395 (including destination charges). However, with options like the carbon ceramic brakes, carbon performance package, and full leather interior, the as-tested price can easily climb to over $160,000.
This puts it in the same ballpark as a similarly equipped Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance or Mercedes-AMG EQS. However, the Tesla Model S Plaid, even with options, can be significantly more affordable thanks to price adjustments and incentives.
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The Verdict: An Emotional Choice
So, three years after its debut, is the Audi RS e-tron GT still a compelling choice in the 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 maximizing range, the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S Plaid might be more appealing.
However, if you prioritize a thrilling driving experience, stunning design, and a brand with a rich heritage, the Audi RS e-tron GT remains a strong contender. It might not have the longest range or the most staggering acceleration figures, but it delivers a level of engagement and excitement that few other EVs can match.
At this price point, purchasing a car is often an emotional decision, not a purely rational one. The Audi RS e-tron GT, with its head-turning looks and exhilarating driving dynamics, appeals to those who value the art of driving above all else. There’s more to a car than just the stats on a spreadsheet.
The Audi RS e-tron GT excels at delivering that intangible quality: a visceral connection between driver and machine, even in an electric world.
Take the Next Step
Ready to experience the thrill of the Audi RS e-tron GT for yourself? Visit your local Audi dealer for a test drive and explore our current Audi lease deals. Discover how this electric super-sedan can redefine your driving experience.
