2022 Audi RS e-tron GT
Under the skin, the RS GT and base-model Audi e-tron GT Quattro share its 800-volt electrical architecture with corporate sibling Porsche Taycan. The RS GT is roughly equivalent to the Taycan in Turbo S trim. Both Audi and Porsche designs trade some measure of absolute range for slinky styling. The RS GT’s low roof—2 inches lower than an Audi RS 7, for comparison—effectively requires a lower floor, and therefore, a shallower battery pack. While the RS GT is about as quick and powerful as a Tesla Model S, its weight (373-578 pounds more) and relatively modest 83.7-kWh capacity limits range to an EPA-estimated 232 miles, compared to the Tesla’s Model S Long Range’s 375-405 miles range.
But I don’t want to make too much of the comparison. Tesla Model S is a volume-production automobile selling many thousands annually. The Audi is being built in numbers so small as to be practically bespoke within VW Group. The RS GT costs $9,910 more than a Model S Plaid, before options. So it’s not exactly going toe-to-toe with Tesla. The RS GT is destined to be an exotic car bought by quixotic people.
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Base price $139,900
Price, as tested $161,890
Powertrain Battery-electric vehicle architecture, with front and rear-mounted permanent-magnet motors (235 hp front/450 hp rear); full-time AWD with single-speed front and two-speed rear transmission; 93.4-kWh lithium battery with 800-volt nominal system voltage
Power/torque 590 hp (637 hp in Boost mode)/612 lb-ft
Length/width/height/wheelbase 196.4/77.3/55.0/114.2 inches
Curb weight 5,139 pounds
0-60 mph 3.1 seconds
Charging rate 5-80% charging maximum 270 kW DC direct/approx. 22.5 minutes
EPA range 232 miles