When you hear about Audi RS models, you know that the fun factor is turned up to 11 with improved handling and more power to thrill when you hit the go pedal. Now, Audi has given its RS treatment to its EV flagship car.
When you spend six figures on a performance-based EV, you need to pack some power, and the RS e-tron GT delivers — with up to 637hp instantly to help throw you back in your seat. It’s not the fastest EV I’ve driven, but it doesn’t disappoint either when you can reach 60 mph in three seconds.
Choosing the RS version adds improved handling ability thanks to the available rear wheel steering, which makes this drive like a smaller sports car. Improved braking comes from carbon ceramic brakes that really haul this large car down with authority. I tested the RS e-tron GT on a trip on some great roads. It showcased that this car really deserves the RS name with effortless speed and sports car handling. The ride is also comfortable for the daily commute.
A performance EV should also standout out from the crowd — and the Audi RS e-tron GT does with the look of a low-slung sports car that just happens to have four doors. A low roofline combined with huge 21-inch wheels gives this Audi a racy look. A carbon fiber roof, orange brake calipers and blacked out and carbon fiber trim complete the upscale look of RS EV model.
Slide behind the wheel into the sport seats that will keep you planted when you want to drive with some gusto. Those seats are also comfortable enough to enjoy longer trips with plenty of power adjustments to get the perfect position. It’s not an all-leather interior either, the steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara, a suede-like material. Those comfortable front seats are a different material, which Audi calls Dinamica, or select an all-leather option if suede isn’t for you.
Even as a low-slung car, the space is very good for adults with ample head and legroom. Rear seat space is enhanced by foot garages where the floor drops down to have a more normal seating position.
Cost: $143,900; as tested $152,400
MPG: 79 MPGe City; 81 MPGe Highway
Options: $595 Ascari blue metallic; $6,450 carbon performance package; $1,495 destination charge
Safety: Parking system plus with park assist; head-up display with sign recognition; adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist; Audi active lane assist; Audi side assist with pre sense rear; Audi pre sense city low speed collision assist
Things to know: The Audi RS e-tron GT turns its sporty intentions to the EV market making a fun-to-drive luxury EV perform more like a sports car and pamper you in a hushed, relaxed car when you want that.
Pros:
- Performance that meets or exceeds gas-powered sporty luxury sedans
- Well-appointed interior that is spacious for a low-slung sedan
- Quicker charging at high-speed chargers than some other EVs
Cons:
- Lower roofline and ground clearance might be harder for some to enter exit easily
- Can’t one pedal drive this Audi as the regenerative braking isn’t as powerful
- Not as fast as some other powerful EVs on the market
