The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT: Still Electrifying After All These Years?
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been a few years since the Audi RS e-tron GT first burst onto the scene in early 2021. Back then, the high-performance EV landscape was a relative desert. Today? It’s a full-blown oasis teeming with competitors vying for the attention (and wallets) of discerning electric vehicle enthusiasts. The RS e-tron GT, once primarily concerned with outshining its Porsche Taycan sibling, now faces formidable challenges from the likes of the Lucid Air Grand Touring, the Tesla Model S Plaid, and the Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan.
The question then becomes: In this rapidly evolving market, does Audi’s flagship electric sedan still hold its own? Or has it been eclipsed by the newer, flashier kids on the block? As someone who’s spent the better part of a decade immersed in the automotive industry, including a solid chunk of time specializing in EVs, I’ve got a pretty good handle on what makes these machines tick. Let’s dive into the 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT and see if it still delivers the electric thrills.
Head-Turning Style and a Luxurious Interior
Let’s be honest, the Audi RS e-tron GT has always been a looker. While it shares its fundamental underpinnings with the Porsche Taycan (thanks to a joint engineering venture between the two brands), the Audi distinguishes itself with a far more dramatic and visually engaging design. Where the Taycan opts for a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, the RS e-tron GT flaunts sculpted body lines that accentuate its muscular fenders. The full-width LED taillight bar amplifies the car’s width, creating a striking visual signature at night.
Up front, the design is equally compelling. The headlights stretch towards the outer edges of the fascia, framing a prominent body-colored grille. This bold design choice gives the car a wider, more aggressive stance. The result is a design that feels both sporty and sophisticated.
It’s a welcomed sight when carmakers expand a car’s available palette beyond the standard range of silvers. The interior of the RS e-tron GT is a masterclass in modern luxury. High-quality materials abound, with meticulously stitched leather, brushed aluminum accents, and thoughtfully placed carbon fiber trim creating an ambiance of refined sportiness.
Performance That’s More Than Just Numbers
Let’s talk performance. The RS e-tron GT packs a serious punch, thanks to its dual-motor setup. The standard e-tron GT produces a respectable 469 horsepower. However, the RS version kicks things up a notch, delivering 590 hp, or a staggering 637 hp with Boost Mode engaged. 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 undoubtedly impressive, the competition has upped its game significantly.
The Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance, with its earth-shattering 1,050 hp, sprints to 60 mph in a mere 2.6 seconds. The Tesla Model S Plaid, boasting 1,020 hp, claims an even more absurd 1.99-second time. Even the Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan, with its relatively modest 649 hp, manages a 3.4-second sprint. On paper, the RS e-tron GT appears to be lagging.
However, horsepower figures and 0-60 times don’t tell the whole story. What sets the RS e-tron GT apart from many of its rivals is its two-speed transmission. While the Lucid, Tesla, and Mercedes-AMG rely on single-speed units for instant off-the-line acceleration, they often lack the same level of sustained pulling power at higher speeds. The Audi’s two-speed transmission allows it to maintain its ferocious acceleration even when already cruising on the highway. This translates to a more engaging and responsive driving experience in real-world scenarios. High performance is a key element in the RS e-tron GT.
Handling Prowess and a Comfortable Ride
The RS e-tron GT is about more than just straight-line speed. It also delivers exceptional handling. Despite its Porsche DNA, the GT is more than just a re-badged Taycan. While it shares the same basic structure, Audi has tuned the adaptive air suspension to be more compliant, resulting in a more comfortable and refined ride. This makes the RS e-tron GT a fantastic daily driver, capable of soaking up bumps and imperfections with ease.
Don’t let the comfortable ride fool you, though. The RS e-tron GT is still a serious performance machine. Point it towards a winding road, and you’ll be rewarded with surprising agility and poise. The car grips tenaciously, corners flatly, and inspires confidence. The optional carbon-ceramic brakes ($7,100) on my tester provided immense stopping power, allowing me to confidently attack canyon roads without any brake fade. This is thanks to advanced braking technology and innovative engineering.
Range and Charging: The Achilles Heel?
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: range. With its 93.4 kWh battery pack, the RS e-tron GT has an EPA-estimated range of 238 miles. In a world where some EVs are boasting ranges exceeding 400 miles, this figure feels a bit underwhelming. The Lucid Air boasts an impressive 446 miles, while the Tesla Model S and Mercedes-AMG EQS offer 396 and 277 miles, respectively.
While the range might not be a major concern for owners who primarily charge at home, it can become a limiting factor on longer trips, especially if you enjoy exploiting the car’s performance capabilities. The good news is that the RS e-tron GT supports fast charging, with a peak charging rate of 270 kW. This allows it to replenish its battery from 10 to 80 percent in around 23 minutes at a compatible charging station. This is thanks to its 800-volt architecture. Still, the range remains a potential drawback compared to some of its competitors. EV charging has become quicker over the years, and the e-tron GT takes advantage of this.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT starts at around $147,495, including destination charges. However, as with most high-end vehicles, the price can quickly escalate with options. The carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon fiber exterior trim, and upgraded interior can easily add tens of thousands of dollars to the bottom line. In terms of pricing, the RS e-tron GT is competitive with the Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance and the Mercedes-AMG EQS. However, the Tesla Model S Plaid, even with options, often undercuts its rivals thanks to Tesla’s frequent price adjustments.
So, is the RS e-tron GT worth the money? That depends on your priorities. If you’re solely focused on achieving the quickest 0-60 time and the longest possible range, the RS e-tron GT might not be the best choice. The Lucid Air and Tesla Model S Plaid offer superior performance in those metrics.
However, the RS e-tron GT offers a unique blend of style, performance, and driving dynamics that appeals to a different kind of buyer. It’s a car that prioritizes the overall driving experience over raw numbers. The Audi RS e-tron GT is an experience on 4 wheels.
The Verdict: An Emotional Choice
Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Audi RS e-tron GT is an emotional one. It’s a car that captivates with its stunning design, exhilarating performance, and engaging handling. It may not have the longest range or the quickest acceleration, but it delivers a driving experience that is both rewarding and memorable. In a world increasingly dominated by soulless, cookie-cutter EVs, the RS e-tron GT stands out as a car with character, personality, and a genuine sense of excitement.
Ready to Experience Electric Thrills?
If you’re looking for an EV that stirs your soul and delivers a driving experience that’s second to none, the Audi RS e-tron GT deserves a spot on your shortlist. Contact your local Audi dealer today to schedule a test drive and experience the electrifying performance for yourself. Don’t just take my word for it – feel the thrill firsthand!
