What is it?
Audi’s RS department is one of the best in the business when it comes to performance cars. From the compact RS3 to the V10-powered R8, RS has had a hand in some of the greatest Audi performance cars ever made. Now, it’s turning its attention to the e-tron GT - Audi’s latest electric performance car. Can it deliver? We’ve been finding out.
What’s new?
Sitting atop the same platform as the Porsche Taycan, the e-tron RS GT uses a combination of batteries and electric motors to provide razor-sharp performance in all conditions thanks to all-wheel-drive. Inside, it boasts the very latest equipment and technology, bringing both a focus on comfort as well as sporting ability. Much like other RS models, the e-tron RS GT is designed to be safe, secure but impressively fast.
What’s under the bonnet?
The e-tron is the first electric Audi to wear the famous RS badge, so it’s unsurprising that it’s packing a whole lot of performance. You get an electric motor on the front and rear axle, combining to create all-wheel-drive. You get 637bhp and an impressive 830Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-60mph time of just 3.1 seconds. Flat-out, the e-tron RS GT will hit a limited top speed of 155mph. An 86kWh battery allows for a range of up to 293 miles between charges, while a charging speed of up to 270kW means a five to 80 per cent charge could take as little as 23 minutes.
What’s it like to drive?
You’re fooled into thinking that you’re in an ordinary Audi when you first sit in the e-tron RS GT. The steering wheel and buttons are just as you get in other Audi models, and even the infotainment is the same too. But the performance on offer is anything but ordinary. The e-tron RS GT practically flings itself away from a dead stop, with the all-wheel-drive system providing impressive levels of traction. It’s all accompanied by an impressively dramatic note generated from the speakers to inject some more theatre into the occasion.
How does it look?
The e-tron RS GT is recognisable as an Audi, with its ultra-wide grille marking it out as one of the firm’s products. At the rear, there’s a full-width light that looks superb in the day, but spectacular at night. It’s low to the ground, with the specially-designed alloy wheels helping to give it even more presence. It looks particularly good in darker shades, too, which gives it a stealthy, understated look.
What’s it like inside?
Audi has fitted out its range-topping EV with plenty of high-end features. The fit and finish are excellent, with great attention to detail showcased throughout the car’s cabin. The seating position is low but comfortable and the seats offer plenty of support, while there’s plenty of steering wheel adjustability which helps when you need to get comfy. Though not the largest, the e-tron GT’s 405-litre boot is more than spacious enough for most occasions and will easily swallow up a number of soft weekend bags.
What’s the spec like?
There’s plenty of technology to explore inside the e-tron RS GT. You get Audi’s excellent Virtual Cockpit system, which provides a high-definition screen in the place of the conventional dials. These can be configured to show a variety of different readouts, as well as all the usual data such as speed and electric range. In the middle is a 10.1-inch infotainment system that is easy to operate and packs all the key features such as navigation and media functions.
Verdict
The e-tron RS GT is a great addition to the sports car segment and a good example of what can be done with electric power. Smart and well built, the e-tron RS GT’s long range and high levels of performance mean it’s not as restricted as other EVs, too. With a decent boot, it’s also reasonably practical, while plenty of equipment ensures that it delivers on the technology front just as it does on the performance one.