In this improved form, Audi's RS e-tron GT has taken a very fast step forward. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

This improved version of Audi's RS e-tron GT is the car we ideally would have had from the start. Thanks to a bigger battery, the original model's extremely modest EV drive range has been much improved, plus there's a smarter look and a trick new air suspension system. And vastly more performance, particularly if you pay the extra for the uber-rapid 'performance' version.

Background

Once exclusively reserved for throbbing petrol powerplants, Audi's RS badge these days be found adorning a car with no fossil fuel addiction at all - this one, the RS e-tron GT. It was first launched in 2020 as the faster of Audi's two offered e-tron GT models and a direct Ingolstadt interpretation of this car's close cousin, the Porsche Taycan Turbo. Most of the same technology is inevitably shared between the two cars but this Audi has always had its own distinctive look and feel, which for many will set it apart. In mid-2024, the brand announced a far-reaching package of changes to this car, offering better EV range and more performance. Creating the model we're going to look at here.

Engines and Tech Spec

Get ready for lots of numbers. There are now two versions of the RS e-tron GT; a standard one that now offers 856PS and a range-topping 'performance' version that develops an impressive 925PS. In the latter case, that's enough to make this the brand's fastest car ever, able to accelerate to 62mph in just 2.5s on the way to 155mph. An even more important change is the installation of a larger 105kWh battery, replacing the 93kWh unit used before. That's improved driving range substantially to 365 miles (up from 280 miles before); or 364 miles in the 'performance' version. The other key change is the adoption of a redesigned two-chamber air suspension system featuring dual-chamber springs and dual-valve dampers, said to widen the band-width between soft and sporty ride settings. With the priciest 'Vorsprung' level of trim, there's now an Active Ride version of this system, which is supposed to be able to keep the car almost horizontal during cornering (by raising the corner of the car on which the G-Forces are acting). Plus it has a 'comfort entry' feature that raises the car's ride height to 77mm when parked (55mm higher than normal). As previously, all the basic engineering is shared with this car's VW Group cousin, the Porsche Taycan Turbo (which you can't really blame Audi for because it's extremely complex). There's 4WD, courtesy of motors at front and rear, the back one connected to a 2-speed gearbox that's used only for launch control and some dynamic modes. One of the few dynamic areas in which Ingolstadt could distance this car from its Porsche cousin was the steering, making it lighter than a Taycan and more familiar to customers graduating to this car from another Audi. Various drive modes adjust steering weight - and of course ride comfort too, via the adaptive damping system. There are lots of other engineering changes with this updated model. Like modified power electronics on the front axle with a revised pulse inverter for even higher discharge currents. And a newly developed electric motor on the rear axle that's also a permanent-magnet synchronous motor. Despite the significant increase in power, Audi was able to reduce the weight of the electric motor on the rear axle by around 10kg by redesigning components such as the lighter rotor and stator and optimizing the cooling system. A new standard boost function allows the RS e-tron GT and the RS e-tron GT performance to provide a noticeable 95PS increase in power while driving. The driver can activate the boost function with the left control satellite on the steering wheel. The boost activates for ten seconds, as indicated by a countdown in the cockpit. The RS e-tron GT comes as standard with tungsten carbide-coated brake discs; carbon ceramic discs are fitted as standard on the RS e-tron GT performance.

Design and Build

Compared to the base S e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT models get their own front end design with sportier, larger intakes, a different grille and I-shaped inserts finished in black or carbonfibre. Plus there's a redesigned rear diffuser insert with a vertical reflector. Plus there are redesigned 21-inch wheels. The RS e-tron GT performance model is set apart by extra 'chopped carbon' elements around the side skirts, rear diffuser and front grille, the kind of thing previously only seen on supercars. In both its forms, this design remains striking, the long wheelbase, wide track, large wheels and low-lying silhouette providing beautifully balanced, sleek and aerodynamic proportions - the drag coefficient is a slippery 0.24Cd. The dimensions are certainly those of a classic Grand Tourer, with a 4.99-metre length and 1.96-metres of width but a height of just 1.41-metres. There are small but significant changes inside for this revised model; more sustainable materials, a new flat-bottomed steering wheel, restyled treadplates and smarter wooden trims for the dashboard and centre console. All models get 14-way-adjustable front seats and the RS e-tron's digital instrument cluster has been re-skinned with a white power gauge (a tribute apparently to the white dials in the 1994 RS 2 Avant). You can now add a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal panoramic glass roof too, which changes from opaque to clear at the touch of a button. As before, the front-of-cabin experience has a strong 'monoposto'-style driver focus. The upper section of the light, lean instrument panel with its pronounced three-dimensional look forms an elegant arc, and the display of the standard Audi virtual cockpit plus stands freely within it. The driver and front passenger sit low in the cockpit separated by a wide centre console which houses the gear selector switch, its compact design emphasising the sense of space and providing a precise haptic control experience. The rear seats offer sufficient space even for adults, who are able to sit lower and position their feet in what is known as a 'foot garage' thanks to a recess incorporated in the design of the battery pack running beneath the passenger compartment, which effectively compensates for the tapering roof line. Their luggage can be stowed in the rear load area, providing a volume of up to 405-litres, and in a second luggage compartment beneath the bonnet offering a further 81-litres of space.

Market and Model

It's not cheap. You'll need to budget from just over £127,000 for the standard RS e-tron GT quattro, but you'll need vastly more than that for top 'Vorsprung' trim (around £150,000) - or the top 'performance' version (which costs from around £143,000). For the RS models in Vorsprung trim, the seats can be ordered with an optional massage function. The 'performance' model has an exclusive design package with Serpentine Green stitching to complement the exterior Bedford Green finish and seats with 18-way adjustment. As a key new upgrade on all RS e-tron GTs, a technically advanced panoramic glass roof is available. Unlike previous materials, the panoramic roof's smart glass minimises direct sunlight and turns opaque at the touch of a button. This is accomplished through so-called polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) technology, which can change from transparent to opaque. Numerous driver assistance systems are either standard or available at extra cost. The Audi pre sense front and Audi pre sense basic safety systems are standard, as is the lane departure warning system, while other key technologies, including adaptive cruise assist, intersection assist and surround view cameras, are bundled into 'Tour', 'City Assist' and 'Parking Assistance packages. A driver assistance highlight is the remote park assist plus feature that forms part of the parking assistance package. It enables the driver to manoeuvre the car into and out of a parallel or bay parking space by simply pushing a button, and without needing to be seated in the vehicle. From outside, the process can be activated and supervised via the myAudi app on a smartphone. By keeping the corresponding button pressed, the car will roll into the space, making multiple manoeuvres if necessary, and once in position will switch off the drive system, activate the parking lock and lock the doors. Brilliant.

Cost of Ownership

We mentioned the improved WLTP-rated driving range earlier - up to 369 miles between charges of the new 105kWh battery (only 97kWh of which is actually usable). This ought to be a little more achievable than the pre-facelift model's 89 mile lower figure too thanks to the now more powerful regenmerative braking system, which wastes less energy when decelerating. The energy available to this e-tron GT via recouperation (regenerative braking) has also increased from 290 to 400kW. The driver can select manual or automatic recuperation via the MMI central screen, as well as controlling it in three levels using the shift paddles. Just as significantly, charging speed via the 800V system has been dramatically increased - this Audi can now charge at up to 320kW (up from 270kW before). Should you find a DC charger capable of dispatching that much power, then you'll be able to drive 174 miles after just ten minutes of charging. Under ideal conditions, the e-tron GT's HV battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in only 18 minutes at a high-power charging station. At home, using a 7.4kW wallbox, you'll need 17 hours for a full charge - or 11 hours if you have an 11kW connection. Outfitted with the brand's 'Plug&Charge' package, the car automatically authorises and activates compatible charging stations when the charging cable is plugged in. The new HV battery also features a significantly wider quick-charging window and even in low temperatures, the car reaches very high charging performance faster. For the first time, the 'Audi virtual cockpit plus' instrument screen provides customers with comprehensive information about the current operating state of the HV battery, including battery temperature, a quick-charging forecast, and the preconditioning status. Specifically, this latest feature uses Audi-specific graphs and icons to clearly display the currently reachable charging power and the current temperature of the HV battery. The 'Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus' screen also indicates the preconditioning status when navigation to an HPC charging station is active. This allows the driver to see what charging performance to expect at a glance.

Summary

The ultimate EV can't be very far from what's on offer in this improved RS e-tron GT. Sixty from rest as fast as a superbike. Cabin luxury to rival a limousine. And an 800-volt electrified powertrain charging system under the sculpted body panels, with technology lifted direct from Audi's Le Mans-winning racecar. With the earlier model, all of this engineering excellence was undermined by rather under-whelming driving range - but that's now been much improved too. Mind you, you're unlikely to approach the claimed return very often, such is the temptation here to constantly exercise this RS e-tron's astonishing reserves of power. So the range might still be a disappointment. And the asking price might limit this car to lottery winners. But even so, it's an astonishing technological achievement. And, in its own unique way, one of the most desirable Audi RS models ever made.

Body Glass

Privacy glass

Windscreen with heat insulating and acoustic glazing

Brakes

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Carpets/Rugs

Front/rear floor mats in black

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive air suspension

Communication

Audi wireless smartphone interface and app store with alexa integration

Audi connect safety and service (e-call)

Bluetooth interface

Audi phone box light with wireless charging

Driver Aids

Traffic sign recognition

Electromechanical power steering plus

Electromechanical power steering

Predictive efficiency assist

All wheel steering

Audi drive select

Lane departure warning system

Driver Convenience

Power operated tailgate

Electrically operated boot lid

Driver Information

Head up Display

Audi virtual cockpit with 12.3" colour display

Navigation system with 10.1" colour display

MMI navigation plus with MMI touch + MMI search

Driving Mirrors

Electrically adjustable, heated and folding + automatically dimming exterior mirrors

Frameless auto dimming interior rear view mirror with light and rain sensor

Black exterior mirror housings

Entertainment

Bang&Olufsen 3D Premium sound system with 16 loudspeakers including centre speaker and subwoofer/15-channel amplifier has a total output of 710 watts

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

Singleframe grille in body colour

Active rear spoiler

Rear boot

Rear side wing doors

Illuminated front and rear gloss carbon door sill trims inlays with RS logo at the front

Exterior Lights

Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators

LED 3rd brake light

Daytime running lights

LED rear lights with dynamic rear indicators

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Comfort remote pre conditioning

Heat pump

3-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

2 USB ports with charging function in the rear

2 USB C ports with data and charging function in the front

Black cloth headlining

18-way adjustable sports seats pro with perforated fine nappa leather upholstery

3 Spoke Heated flat top/bottom steering wheel with satellites push to pass and drive select controls and paddles

Emotional electric sound

Vehicle inlet Combo 2

Stainless steel pedals and footrest

Leather perforated at 3 and 9 o'clock

Packs

Parking assistance pack with remote parking pilot - eTron GT

Black styling pack - e-tron GT

Ambient Lighting Package plus - e-tron GT

Safety

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Child locks on rear doors

Audi pre sense front and basic

Front and rear side airbags and head airbag system

Passenger airbag deactivation system

Driver and front passenger airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Rear side airbags

Acoustic vehicle alerting system

Seats

ISOFIX and i-Size child seat mounting with top tether for the outer rear seats

40:20:40 split folding rear bench seat

3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

Single front passenger seat

Shaped outer rear seats and an additional centre seat with manually height-adjustable head restraints

Security

Keyless Go

Anti theft alarm with tow away protection

Anti-theft wheel bolts and wheel loosening detection

Transmission

Quattro all wheel drive with torque vectoring

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

Mode 3 AC charging cable

Compact e-tron charging system

Industry plug CEE 32 A/230 V straight

AC access point on drivers side and second AC and DC charging access point on passenger side

11KW onboard charger

Household plug type G (GB)

Manual charge port left and right

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 3240

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 1020

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 660

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 18

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 320

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 105

NEDC Electricity Consumption kWh/100 km: N

NEDC Maximum EV Range Miles: N

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 586

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 587

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 541

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 18.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 18.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 20.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 364

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 336

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 365

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Front

Usable Battery Capacity: 97

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 320

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 2 SPEED

Engine Code: F8PR8D

General

Coin Series: Performance

Coin Description: 105kWh

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 748

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 2.9

Top Speed: 155

Engine Power - BHP: 748

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 550

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 758

Engine Torque - NM: 1027

Engine Torque - MKG: 104.7

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 265/35 R21

Tyre Size Rear: 305/30 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 21" ALUMINIUM

Wheel Style: 10-SPOKE FORGED BLACK

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 5004

Wheelbase: 2900

Width (including mirrors): 2158

Height: 1402

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2320

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2860

Max. Loading Weight: 540

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 350

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.6

Brakes

Ceramic brake system with brake callipers in anthracite red

Embellishment Trims

Carbon twill inlays

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Panoramic roof with switchable transparency

Special metallic paint

Exclusive paint

Metallic paint

Packs

City assist pack - e-tron GT

Leather free pack with elements in artificial leather/dinamica microfibre - e-tron GT

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Kemora grey

Metallic - Floret silver

Metallic - Ascari blue

Metallic - Progressive red

Metallic - Mythos black

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Daytona grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Arkona white

Paint - Special

Audi Exclusive - Custom

Special metallic - Bedford green

Special metallic - Nimbus grey

Service/Warranty

Audi warranty - 5 years or 90000 miles

Audi warranty - 4 years or 75000 miles

Trim - Leather

Perforated fine nappa leather - Arras red with crescendo red honeycomb stitching + 18 way adjustable sports seats pro

Perforated fine nappa leather - Black with honeycomb stitching + 18 way adjustable sports seats pro

Wheels

Efficiency and performance optimised tyre

Wheels - Alloy

21" 5 twin spoke concave module design in black

21" aluminium wheels in a 5 twin-spoke concave design in gloss black with graphic printing and bicolour inserts in black and silver