2025 Audi RS e-tron GT

There’s a hierarchy to Audi vehicles, and RS — like this 2025 RS e-tron GT Performance — is at the top. Actually, the Performance part pushes this sleek 4-door machine beyond anything else in the Audi garage. With an awesome 912 horsepower and the ability to accelerate to 60 mph in only 2.4 seconds, the RS e-tron GT Performance is a remarkable machine. It’s the most powerful and fastest-accelerating production car the company has ever created. It’s made all the more desirable by its polished Audi designs inside and out.

Based on the same platform as the Porsche Taycan, the original e-tron GT electric sports sedan debuted for the 2022 model year. Audi keeps improving it, so there are two extremely powerful variants this year.

Last year’s RS e-tron GT is upgraded to the 2025 RS e-tron GT Performance, gaining greater power, a new battery (with improved thermal management) for a longer range and faster charging time, a revised braking system for better energy recuperation, and a new air suspension. Fresh options include an active suspension and a carbon roof. The only slightly less exciting new-for-2025 Audi S e-tron GT (minus the R prefix and Performance suffix) is reviewed separately.

Superfast rivals are rare. The Porsche Taycan Turbo S and Lucid Air Sapphire cost over $200,000. Although less luxurious, the Tesla Model S Plaid comes in at a little under $100,000.

Before buying a new RS e-tron GT Performance all-electric luxury sports sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know how much you should be paying. In terms of resale values, the Taycan does fairly well, while the e-tron GT has performed averagely up until now. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The new RS e-tron GT Performance buzzes with an incredible 912 horsepower (last year’s maximum was a still-awesome 637 hp), zipping from zero to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds with launch control. This statistic makes the RS e-tron GT Performance the fastest-accelerating production Audi yet.

Sure, the Tesla Model S Plaid is claiming 1.99 seconds, the Lucid Air Sapphire claims 1.89 seconds, and the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (which isn’t turbocharged) posts 2.2 seconds. But those rivals break the 1,000-hp barrier. Anyway, during this kind of acceleration, as our human senses try to catch up with our mega-powered electric cars, a few tenths here and there are more academic than anything else.

A new push-to-pass function at speeds above 19 mph gives a 94-hp boost for up to 10 seconds (for that total of 912 hp), and Dynamic drive mode is selected automatically. After 10 seconds of recuperation, this function is ready to go again.

On the subject of modes, the RS e-tron GT Performance gains a new RS Performance setting calibrated especially for twisting roads and challenging tracks, optimizing power delivery and suspension. The car also has driver-configurable RS1 and RS2 modes. Rear-wheel steering is standard, enhancing agility and maneuverability.

We’ve driven the new RS e-tron GT Performance on the road and the track. Trackside, we discovered that Audi’s official claim of 2.4 seconds to 60 mph is conservative. We’d say 2.1 or 2.2 is well within the realms of possibility. The car also keeps its composure through fast corners. On regular roads, we found the RS e-tron GT Performance has a civilized side. Select Comfort mode, and this car can easily make good on its grand touring promise. Just keep an eye on the speedometer, because this near-silent rocket takes hardly any time to reach (and exceed) speed limits.

Range and Charging

The 2025 RS e-tron GT Performance has a maximum range of 278 miles. For reference, the EPA rated last year’s RS e-tron GT at 249 miles.

Using a DC fast charger, quicker battery replenishment is also possible, going from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes. Last year’s 21.5 minutes was hardly the slowest in the class, but we’re always pleased to get back on the road as soon as possible. Incidentally, the RS e-tron GT Performance is built at a carbon-neutral facility.

All the usual Audi hallmarks are here, such as high-class materials (fine Nappa leather upholstery is standard), elegant designs, and exemplary build quality. Many sporty cars have flat-bottomed steering wheels — there’s one here with a flattened top as well. Paying homage to the 1994 Audi Avant RS 2 (a collaboration with Porsche), the 12.3-inch digital driver information display has a white speedometer and power meter.

We’d call the RS e-tron GT Performance a 4-seater, because few people will want to sit in that little center spot in the back. And with rear legroom measuring just 32.2 inches, while the sleek roof impacts rear headroom, this is not the most accommodating luxury sedan. That’s not the point of this car, however.

We might as well come straight out and say we like the looks of the RS e-tron GT Performance. A lot. This Audi is a low-slung, sleek sedan that looks ready to slice through the air with a flex of the right foot. In our opinion, the company’s design approach works so well here. The differences between this and the somewhat dialed-down S e-tron GT center on details like the air intakes.

A roof of forged carbon (as opposed to the more common woven carbon fiber) is available exclusively with the RS e-tron GT Performance. When selecting this optional package, forged carbon is also deployed on the bumpers, side sills, side mirrors, and rear diffuser. Special dark-finished RS-design 21-inch alloy wheels are included as well.

Arkona White is the only no-cost color — the rest go for $595. That’s unlikely to be a big deal for someone spending nearly $170,000 on their new RS e-tron GT Performance. Sizewise, the RS e-tron GT Performance is similar to its Porsche Taycan cousin.

Dual charging ports
There’s one on each side, making life a little more convenient.

HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Laserlight
These are standard, providing excellent illumination with a white/blue light yet adapting automatically to prevent other drivers from being dazzled.

Front seats
As well as being exemplary sport seats with plenty of support and hours-long comfort, they also come with standard heating, ventilation, and massage functions.

Head-up display
Vital information projected onto the windshield within the driver’s line of sight is a cool piece of tech, and it’s standard here.

Bang & Olufsen audio
Another standard feature, Bang & Olufsen makes some of the clearest and most detailed high-end sound systems.

Dynamic Plus package
This options bundle includes an active suspension with electro-hydraulic dampers and ceramic brakes. We’ve experienced similar suspensions in several vehicles, and they’re incredibly effective.

An upgraded battery this year with reworked thermal management results in an extra 29 miles of range, along with faster charging. Battery capacity is relatively large at 105 kilowatt-hours (kWh).


4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new-car warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. That’s par for the course among luxury European marques. The battery pack is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.

Safety Ratings

The Audi RS e-tron GT Performance has yet to be crash-tested by any domestic agency. However, the Euro NCAP program gave the closely related Porsche Taycan a maximum 5-star overall score. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, intersection assistance, and blind-spot monitoring.