Car review – Audi RS e-tron GT

Taycan Turbo alternative

Both in terms of design and performance the electric RS e-tron GT is a hit. But can it set itself apart from its brother, the Porsche Taycan?

Performance with a capital P

Performance with a capital P

In the same way as the Porsche Taycan, Audi's e-tron GT is built on the platform that the VW Group developed specifically for premium electric cars. In this case, that means using an 800-volt architecture that allows fast charging of up to 270 KW, a battery of 93 kWh (85 kWh net), two electric motors of 238 hp and 456 hp front and rear, a peak power (including boost function) of 646 hp (475 kW) and four-wheel drive.

These are, of course, impressive values that make the RS e-tron GT a genuine competitor to the Porsche Taycan Turbo, which, with 680 hp, is not much more powerful and, with the sprint from standstill to 100 km/h at 3.2 seconds, is only 0.1 seconds faster than this Audi. The top speed of the RS e-tron GT is capped to 250 km/h.

Acceptable driving range

Acceptable driving range

Battery charging is super-fast thanks to the 800-volt architecture, but home charging is also possible up to 22 kW (optional). The 11 kW on-board charger is standard. A heat pump is always standard allowing the interior to be preheated without using up the batteries too much.

The driving range announced by Audi is 472 kilometres. That is somewhat optimistic. Our test consumption of 25.6 kWh/100 km covered 332 km on a full battery. Without putting your foot down and a lot of motorway, 400 km should be possible. That is plenty for most, particularly in view of the Audi’s fast recharging capability.

Fast but comfortable too

Fast but comfortable too

The RS e-tron GT is not only superfast, incredibly efficient and dynamic, it also pays attention to the comfort of occupants. Soundproofing is excellent and the suspension very comfortable, thanks to the adaptive air suspension and controlled dampers. The seats are also comfortable. At least in the front, where there is more than enough room.

The back is less comfortable due to the lack of leg and headroom, although it is slightly better than the Porsche Taycan, which is 3 centimetres lower. Its larger boot (405 litres versus 365 litres) also makes it more practical than the Porsche.

If you have the budget, you can have great fun with this fast Audi, which is more climate-friendly than conventional sports cars and is very tax-friendly. It presents itself as a slightly more affordable and practical alternative to the Porsche Taycan Turbo. The question is whether it is worth the considerable extra cost compared to the Audi e-tron GT quattro, which, with 530 hp, is not short of power either.