The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT: Still a Contender in a Crowded EV Field?
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly four years since the Audi RS e-tron GT first graced us with its presence back in 2021. Since then, the electric vehicle landscape has undergone a seismic shift. What was once a niche market dominated by a few key players has exploded into a fiercely competitive arena, teeming with high-performance EVs vying for the attention (and wallets) of discerning buyers. The RS e-tron GT, initially sparring mostly with its Porsche Taycan sibling, now faces formidable challenges from the likes of the Lucid Air Grand Touring, the Tesla Model S Plaid, and the Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan. As an industry expert with a decade of experience observing and participating in this evolution, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly fortunes can change.
So, the question remains: does the RS e-tron GT, with its undeniable aesthetic appeal and engaging driving dynamics, still hold its own against this new wave of high-powered contenders? With a starting price hovering around $146,000 (including destination charges), the RS e-tron GT finds itself in a peculiar position. While it remains a visually stunning and dynamically capable machine, it has, statistically, fallen behind the curve in terms of straight-line acceleration and maximum range. Let’s delve deeper and see if the RS e-tron GT can still carve out its niche.
A Masterclass in Automotive Design
One area where the Audi RS e-tron GT continues to reign supreme is its design. Even in 2025, it is still arguably the most beautiful EV on the market. Sharing its foundational architecture and powertrain components with the Porsche Taycan (a testament to the collaborative engineering prowess of both brands), the Audi distinguishes itself through a bolder, more expressive visual language.
While the Taycan leans towards a minimalist and understated elegance, the RS e-tron GT boasts sculpted lines that accentuate the muscularity of its fenders. The rear is dominated by a striking full-width LED light bar, creating a visually arresting impression of width and stability. At the front, the e-tron’s sharp headlights are positioned to visually broaden the car’s stance, flanking a prominent body-colored grille that adds a touch of aggression. The result is an EV that exudes a sporty and dynamic presence, setting it apart from its Porsche counterpart.
And let’s not forget the color palette. The availability of unique and sophisticated hues, such as the Tactical Green Metallic (paired with a rich Santos Brown leather interior), demonstrates Audi’s commitment to offering drivers a more personalized and engaging ownership experience. Moving away from the ubiquitous shades of silver and gray, Audi injects personality into its flagship EV.
Driving Dynamics: More Than Just Raw Numbers
Beyond its stunning looks, the RS e-tron GT’s greatest strength lies in its exceptional driving dynamics. While the standard e-tron GT delivers a respectable 469 horsepower, the RS variant unleashes a formidable 590 hp, with a temporary boost to 637 hp available in Boost Mode. This translates to a blistering 0-60 mph time of approximately 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.
However, in the ever-escalating horsepower wars of the EV world, these figures are now being surpassed by its rivals. The Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance (1,050 hp), the Porsche Taycan Turbo (616 hp), and the Tesla Model S Plaid (1,020 hp) all boast quicker acceleration times. Only the Mercedes-AMG EQS Sedan lags slightly behind.
Here’s where things get interesting. While the stats may favor the competition, the RS e-tron GT’s real-world performance feels remarkably potent. Unlike the single-speed transmissions found in the Lucid, Tesla, and Mercedes-AMG, the Audi (and its Porsche sibling) utilizes a two-speed transmission. This allows for rapid off-the-line acceleration while maintaining strong pulling power at higher speeds. In practice, this means the RS e-tron GT feels incredibly responsive and delivers exhilarating bursts of acceleration even at highway speeds, bridging the gap between its theoretical and perceived performance. It’s this real world driving feel that many owners will fall in love with.
A Grand Tourer at Heart
Beyond raw acceleration, the RS e-tron GT distinguishes itself through its exceptional handling and overall driving experience. Despite its shared architecture with the Porsche Taycan, Audi has imbued the e-tron GT with its own unique character. The adaptive air suspension system, tuned to be more compliant than the Porsche’s, delivers a more comfortable and refined ride, making the e-tron a more appealing daily driver. This deliberate shift in focus transforms the RS e-tron GT from a pure high-performance sedan into a supremely capable grand tourer.
Don’t mistake comfort for compromise, however. When the road gets twisty, the RS e-tron GT comes alive. Despite its considerable weight (tipping the scales at over 5,100 pounds), it exhibits remarkable grip, precise steering, and confident braking. The car feels balanced and composed even when pushed hard, inspiring confidence and rewarding skilled drivers. The optional carbon-ceramic brakes ($7,100), as tested, proved to be a worthwhile investment, providing unwavering stopping power during repeated runs on challenging canyon roads.
Range Anxiety: The Achilles’ Heel?
Perhaps the most significant drawback of the RS e-tron GT is its range. With its 93.4 kWh battery pack, the EPA estimates its range at 238 miles, which is significantly less than its competitors. The Lucid Air boasts a range of 446 miles, while the Tesla Model S and Mercedes-AMG EQS offer 396 and 277 miles, respectively.
While a home charger can alleviate range concerns for many owners, the RS e-tron GT’s relatively limited range can be a source of anxiety, particularly on longer journeys or when exploiting its performance capabilities. While all high-performance EVs experience a drop in range under spirited driving, the e-tron’s smaller battery pack magnifies this effect.
On the plus side, the RS e-tron GT benefits from an 800-volt architecture, enabling rapid charging at up to 270 kW. This allows for a 10 to 80 percent charge in approximately 22 minutes at a compatible DC fast charging station. This fast charging capability helps mitigate range anxiety, but can’t eliminate it entirely.
Pricing and Value Proposition in 2025
In 2025, the cost of electric car ownership and performance is constantly changing. With a starting price of around $145,395 (including destination), the RS e-tron GT occupies the premium end of the EV market. However, optional extras such as the carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon performance package, and full leather interior can quickly inflate the price tag. The test vehicle, for example, came in at $164,890.
In this price bracket, the RS e-tron GT competes directly with the Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance (approximately $163,500) and the Mercedes-AMG EQS (around $164,140). The Tesla Model S Plaid, even with options, significantly undercuts these rivals. The impact of federal tax credit for electric vehicles is a large factor in sales across the segment as well.
The Verdict: An Emotional Choice
So, is the RS e-tron GT still worth considering in 2025? The answer, as with most things in life, is nuanced. For the data-driven EV enthusiast who prioritizes range and acceleration above all else, the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S Plaid may be more compelling options. But for those who value a more emotional and engaging driving experience, the RS e-tron GT still holds immense appeal.
The RS e-tron GT may not have the longest range or the quickest acceleration, but it delivers an intoxicating blend of performance, comfort, and style. Cars in this price range should stir the soul, and with its striking design and thrilling driving dynamics, the e-tron GT continues to make a strong case for itself. Ultimately, the decision comes down to individual preferences and priorities.
If you’re looking for an Audi electric car near me that delivers an unparalleled driving experience and makes a statement wherever you go, I highly recommend experiencing the RS e-tron GT for yourself. Contact your local Audi dealership today to schedule a test drive and see if this electrifying grand tourer is the right fit for your lifestyle.
