What is it?
The Audi e-tron GT arrived back in 2021 as the flagship for the brand’s electric line-up of vehicles. Swift and comfortable, it made quite the impression but, as with most modern cars, the e-tron GT has now been facelifted with a range of tweaks and changes introduced.
While the exterior hasn’t been changed much, it’s underneath where the bulk of the edits have been made. We’ve been driving it to see what has changed.
What’s new?
We’re driving the e-tron GT in high-performance ‘RS’ layout today, but there are several other configurations to choose from. Audi has removed the entry-level ‘e-tron GT’ from the range, with things kicking off at an ‘S’ grade and above. Plus, RS is no longer the range-topper, with that title belonging to the new RS e-tron GT Performance version. It’s there for those drivers who need even more power.
Audi has equipped the new e-tron GT with a larger battery than before, too, which at 97kWh should help it to deliver more range than on earlier models. There’s more power across the board, too, courtesy of revised electric motors.
What’s under the bonnet?
There’s no shortage of power lurking underneath the RS e-tron GT, that’s for sure. Courtesy of dual electric motors – one on the front axle, one on the rear – you’re getting a maximum of 845bhp when utilising the car’s launch control function. Even when you’re just pootling about, however, this Audi develops an impressive 670bhp.
Unlock that full output and you’ll go from 0-60mph in just under three seconds and onwards to a top speed of 155mph. Audi claims that because of that larger battery, you should see up to 365 miles from a single charge, too
What’s it like to drive?
The RS e-tron GT is remarkably easy to drive. You do sit low, of course, but there’s a decent level of visibility and the control weights are all pleasantly judged. The steering, for instance, has some good weight to it without feeling overburdened and difficult to navigate. The steering wheel shape itself is a little strange, but you soon get used to it.
However, nothing can prepare you for the extremes of acceleration unlocked when you first give the throttle a decent press. The RS is astoundingly fast, zipping up to speed in an instant. It’s enough to take your breath away and quite addictive, even after a couple of goes. Traction-wise it does well, too, though our testing period during near-zero temperatures meant that the RS e-tron GT would scrabble around searching for grip on the frigid surface. Given that it has close to 900Nm of torque, this is to be expected.
How does it look?
The RS e-tron GT looks and feels the flagship Audi product. The brand has included its new ‘flat’ logo at the front and the headlights now include renewed LED designs which help to give this car a little more character than before.
It’s a similar story at the rear of the car, too, with slightly redesigned lights. All in, it’s still a very smart-looking vehicle and one which does play into Audi’s usually understated sense of style.
What’s it like inside?
With its low-slung design, the interior of the RS e-tron GT is cocoon-like in character, offering a darkened yet welcoming place to be. Those sitting up front have a decent area to stretch out and though there aren’t the greatest number of storage options, you do get some well-sized cupholders in the middle and pleasantly supported seats that toe the line between sportiness and comfort well.
Rear-seat passengers fare better space-wise than you’d expect them to in a sports car like this, though headroom may be an issue for taller riders due to the sloping roofline. The seat is more bench-like than you might expect, too, while the 350-litre boot isn’t a bad size and provides more than enough space for a weekend away.
What’s the spec like?
Prices for the e-tron GT range start from £108,710 in standard ‘S’ form, or £127,310 for the RS version. The range-topping RS e-tron GT Performance is priced at £143,810, meaning that the standard RS version we’re testing here occupies the mid-point in the range, offering a good balance between performance and cost. However, in upgraded Carbon Black trim and with a smattering of options, our test car’s price has been quickly ramped up to just over £150,000.
As well as its increased performance, the RS e-tron GT gets 21-inch forged aluminium wheels, a panoramic glass sunroof and an active rear spoiler alongside 18-way adjustable sport seats, a heated leather steering and a full interior lighting system. The main infotainment screen – which measures 10.1 inches – sits alongside Audi’s now de-facto virtual cockpit display and both are clear and easy to use.
Verdict
The changes that have been made to this latest generation of e-tron GT help to make it more accomplished than ever, An increase in range means that this model now feels more the ‘full grand tourer’ than before and with its cosseting driving environment makes for a car that’ll genuinely be able to tackle long distances easily.
The performance of this RS model is quite impressive, too, though we’d reckon that for most people the standard e-tron GT S will bring more than enough acceleration away from the line for a far lower cost.
- Model as tested: Audi RS e-tron GT
- Price: £150,511
- Engine: Dual electric motor
- Power: 845bhp (with Launch Control)
- Torque: 895Nm
- Max speed: 155mph
- 0-60mph: 2.8 seconds
- MPG: NA
- Emissions: 0/km
- Range: 365 miles
- Maximum charging speed: 320kW
