More power, more sportiness, more range... Audi throws caution to the wind with the new Audi e-tron GT and its RS versions

It seemed Audi was starting to fall a little behind the electric offensive of its main rivals, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. But with the Audi Q6 e-tron, the brand of the four rings is starting its own particular “comeback”. And this is only the beginning, because new models are just around the corner, in which Audi’s commitment to electrification continues, such as the future and imminent Audi A6 e-tron Avant.

And in between, we get a new instalment of what is, at present, still the flagship of the brand of the four rings, the Audi e-tron GT. A relatively young model to undergo such a deep update, as it reached the market in 2021. But in this world of electrification things move very fast…

New RS e-tron GT performance version

For this very reason, Audi’s electric Gran Turismo did not need many aesthetic changes. A few touches here and there (diffuser, wheels, grille, etc.) give it an even sportier look, and work has been done to further differentiate the RS versions from the “conventional” e-tron, which is now called the S e-tron GT.

And I say versions RS in the plural, because there is a new member of the range: alongside the RS e-tron GT now comes the RS e-tron GT performance, which becomes Audi’s first RS performance model with 100 per cent electric propulsion. Among other features, this version can optionally feature a matt-darkened carbon roof to match decorative elements in the same material, and the Verde Bedford body colour is reserved exclusively for it.

Inside, the steering wheel and seats have been redesigned, and the decorative inserts and upholstery are new, with intensive use of Dinamica microfibre and the new undyed Cascade fabric, made largely from recycled materials. An important novelty is the Audi optimised virtual cockpit plus with new information on the state and operation of the battery, charging forecast and status of the preconditioning system. Another is the panoramic glass roof with PDLC technology (liquid crystal dispersed in polymer), which turns opaque at the push of a button. A system like the one Renault uses in some of its models, and which we have already seen works very well in the Renault Rafale, to name but one.

What matters is under the skin: more range and power

But what is truly new in this update is found in the propulsion system and the chassis. The electric motor used on the front axle delivers 176 kW (239 CV) in the S e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT, while in the performance version it has an optimised power electronics unit and inverter, although the power figure it reaches has not been revealed.

The rear motor is a new design, much more powerful and up to 10 kg lighter. It delivers up to 415 CV (564 CV) in the two less powerful versions, and again a figure yet to be revealed for the performance. What we do know is the system power of each version: 500 kW (679 CV) in the S e-tron GT, 630 kW (856 CV) in the RS e-tron GT… and no less than 680 kW (925 CV) in the RS e-tron GT performance, which thus becomes the most powerful series-production Audi ever built by the brand. In both RS versions, a new “boost” function is now added, activated by pressing a button on the steering wheel, which provides a power increase of 70 kW for ten seconds.

As for performance, the “basic” version already accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, while the RS needs 2.8 seconds on the same measurement, and the performance version “breaks the stopwatch” with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 2.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 245 km/h on the S e-tron GT, and to 250 km/h on both RS versions.

There are also important changes to the battery, which has a gross capacity of 105 kWh. Audi has managed to increase energy density while at the same time reducing weight by 9 kg. Cooling has been optimised, a new chemistry adapted to the cells is used, and the preconditioning system and regenerative braking have been improved, with its recovery capacity now increased from 290 to 400 kW. In addition, the maximum charging power rises by 50 kW, to reach 320 kW. This allows the e-tron GT to be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in less than 20 minutes, or to recover up to 280 km of range in just 10 minutes under ideal charging conditions. The announced maximum range is 609 km.

Newly developed air suspension

And we come to the chassis, where there is also news. Audi comes as standard with a new active air suspension designed to make road potholes disappear. For the RS versions, the Audi drive select offers two additional RS1 and RS2 programmes, individually configurable, while the performance version has an extra mode specifically set up for track driving.

Optionally, the e-tron GT can be fitted with a four-wheel steering system. The brakes are new, larger and more powerful, with discs coated in tungsten carbide on the RS versions (optional on the S), while carbon-ceramic brakes remain part of the options list.

The price of the Audi S e-tron GT for the Spanish market starts from 130,280 euros, while the RS e-tron GT starts at 153,830 euros, and the RS e-tron GT performance goes up to 166,900 euros.

Audi e-tron GT – Image gallery