Audi RS E-Tron GT

There is no difference in the interior of the new Audi RS e-Tron GT and the old Audis, which comes as a disappointment, as the expectations remain slightly higher from the advanced e-Tron GT version. RS e-Tron GT has a four wheel steering and comes with a sports steering wheel with contrasting stitching as well as Express Red or Steel Grey seatbelts. The physical climate control system is also incorporated into the system. 

The new RS e-Tron GT comes with standard electronic damping control, Audi Drive Select allowing drivers to choose different modes for the various systems and a locking rear differential. Ceramic brakes and other added features are optional. Adaptive air suspension is an added advantage in RS e-Tron GT. 

Audi offers a leather-free design package and gives an option of man-made ‘leather’ Econyl, a 100% recycled material, which is used for floor carpets and mats. 2022 RS e-Tron GT offers additional features such as connected car tech,  adaptive cruise assist, tri-zone climate control and powered front seats. It is available in the Carbon Black and the Carbon Vorsprung trims. 

The Audi RS e-Tron GT features 83.7/ 93.4 kWh Lithium-ion battery which provides the range of 401-481 km. Both the AC and DC charging options are available and the charging option is –  up to 22kW AC and up to 270 kW DC with high power charging having 800 Volt technology. RS e-Tron GT offers charging ports on both sides of the car. 

Dual motor RS e-Tron GT produces 637 horsepower and 612 ft-lbs of torque. The air suspension is available with adaptive dampers, which allows height adjustment based on drive mode. 

The sound engineers gave their sportiest EV 30-layer sound profile. Air Quality package is available to keep the interior atmosphere healthy. It includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a wide variety of driver assistance. The engineers claimed that this new RS version of Audi has got hidden sound reproduction units placed along with key exterior areas.

Using launch control a boost mode takes peak power to 523bhp for 2.5sec. The top speed of this electric sports car is 152mph, with 0-62mph which can be achieved in 4.1 sec.

Compared to the base e-Tron GT, even the handling of the vehicle is a tad better. In fact, it’s even better than the e-Tron GT with the optional performance pack. The Audi RS E-Tron GT sticks to tarmac like glue in sweeping corners and the driver benefits from a lot of mechanical grip even when going too fast into the corners. The only not-so-exciting bit is the light steering that offers some feedback but is simply too light to instil enough confidence to allow accurate steering inputs. It also needs continuous corrections when in mid-corner. This, again, hits the driver’s confidence. 

Other than the not-so-encouraging steering, the handling is quite good. However, the ride quality is strictly average. It’s even a bit too still at low speeds and the occupants would not be too happy about travelling on braking roads. The low speed ride is firm while at high speeds, undulations tend to upset the composure of the car. High speed stability, though, is impressive. 

The Audi RS e-Tron GT’s basic safety systems are standard. It has got a lane departure warning system, accommodative cruise assist, traction management, 360-degree parking camera, and driver assistance systems like Lane Departure Warning. 

ABS brakes mechanically sense once a tire has stopped rotating underneath extreme braking. It permits the tire to rotate by modulating the brake pressure. This will help the driver to increase the vehicle’s ability to turn while braking.

Stability management senses the vehicl’se handling limits and once they are exceeded it reduces engine power. It helps to stop the driver from losing control of the vehicle. 

Front-impact airbags for the driver and traveller are designed to protect the head during a frontal crash.

Side impact airbags are designed to protect the torso during a side accident for front and rear seats.

Overhead airbags are used to protect the passenger’s heads in the event of a side collision.

Knee airbags shield the passenger’s lower extremities from serious injury during a collision.

Seatbelt pretensioners will automatically tighten the seatbelts to place the passengers in the optimal seating position in an accident.