Forget everything you thought you knew about electric grand tourers. Audi has just taken the rulebook, shredded it, and built a new one from carbon fibre and lightning. The brand with the four rings has officially pulled the covers off its revised e-tron GT family, and it’s a seismic event in the world of high-performance motoring. Leading the charge is the new halo model, the RS e-tron GT performance, a machine so potent it comfortably becomes the most powerful production Audi ever built.
This isn’t just a minor facelift; it’s a complete reset. Audi has created a new three-tiered lineup, starting with the S e-tron GT, moving up to the RS e-tron GT, and culminating in the jaw-dropping RS e-tron GT performance. As Audi Australia Director Jeff Mannering puts it, “Audi has never been a brand to rest on its laurels and the new RS e-tron GT performance is a perfect example of continuously pushing the envelope”. This is “Vorsprung durch Technik” in its most aggressive and thrilling form.
Let’s Talk Numbers: The Power and the Glory
Right, let’s get to the figures that are making headlines. The performance leap across the range is nothing short of breathtaking.
- Audi S e-tron GT: The new “entry-level” model now matches the performance of the original RS e-tron GT. With its boost mode engaged, it unleashes 500kW and 740Nm of torque, rocketing from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds.
- Audi RS e-tron GT: Stepping up a notch, the new RS model commands 630kW on boost and 865Nm of torque, cutting the 0-100km/h sprint down to a blistering 3.1 seconds.
- Audi RS e-tron GT performance: This is the main event. The halo car brings a staggering 680kW (that’s 912 horsepower) and a colossal 1,027Nm of torque to the party when boost is active. The result? A face-melting 0-100km/h time of just 2.5 seconds.
This earth-shattering acceleration is aided by a significantly bolstered launch control system, which provides an extra 130kW initial boost for the two RS variants right off the line. For those already on the move, RS models also get a new ‘push to pass’ function, delivering an on-demand 70kW surge for overtaking.
More Kilowatts, More Kilometres
Audi’s engineers have worked magic on the battery and charging systems. The high-voltage battery is now 9kg lighter despite having a higher energy capacity of 105 kWh, thanks to increased energy density. This translates to more time on the road and less time tethered to a plug. Range is up across the board, with the S e-tron GT achieving up to 559km (WLTP), while the RS and RS performance offer up to 522km and 528km, respectively.
When you do need to charge, it’s faster than ever. Maximum charging power has been boosted by 50kW to a new peak of 320 kW. Under ideal conditions, this allows the battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in a mere 18 minutes.
Sharper Than Ever
All that power would be useless without the chassis to handle it, and Audi has completely revised the suspension to match. The S and RS models come standard with an updated air suspension system, while the top-tier RS performance gets a new active suspension system as standard (optional on the RS GT) to keep the car perfectly poised through any corner. Combined with standard all-wheel steering and an e-quattro sport differential with torque vectoring, the new e-tron GT promises a driving experience like never before.
Dressed to Impress
The visual and interior updates ensure the GT family looks as good as it goes. The S e-tron GT (AU$209,900*) starts with 20-inch S design wheels, HD Matrix LED headlights, and a panoramic glass roof. Inside, occupants are treated to fine Nappa leather sport seats, a 710-watt Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, and a full suite of driver assistance features including a head-up display.
The RS models (AU$264,900* for the RS, $309,900* for the RS performance) up the ante with 21-inch wheels, tungsten carbide-coated brakes, and a brilliant smart panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency. The RS performance stands out further with exclusive 21-inch milled wheels and is the only model available in the stunning new Bedford green metallic paint. For those wanting more, optional packages offer enhancements like a gloss carbon exterior pack that includes a full carbon roof.
The new Audi e-tron GT range is a statement of intent. It proves that the electric future can be brutally fast, dynamically engaging, and breathtakingly beautiful. With cars arriving soon in Australian showrooms (NZ TBC), the benchmark for all-electric grand tourers has been officially and emphatically reset.
Here’s our video review of the last model
