NXT has been tracking the Audi e-tron GT ever since Audi unveiled its concept at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, and when this EV launched in Singapore in September last year, we were quite ecstatic to finally see this electric ride in the flesh, and while the e-tron GT is available in two models, both with quattro AWD and using the same 84 kWh battery pack, RS e-tron GT version that we test drove, as befitting its RS badging, has a more powerful rear motor to boast a combined power output of 440 kW (476 PS) that can be briefly boosted to 475 kW (646 PS).
The e-tron GT shares the same platform and electrical systems as the Porsche Taycan, though there’s been so many comparisons between the two electric vehicles that I’m not going to go into this, except to say that the e-tron GT is, as its name suggest, a Grand Tourer, and thus supposedly not as sports focused as the compatible Taycan 4S.
Visually the RS e-tron GT is a stunning car, wide, sleek and low slung, with unmistakable Audi lines, particularly muscular in the rear quarter, especially over the rear 21-inch wheels. LED headlights and rear combination lights provide dynamic animated signalling, and in a dark carpark the lightshow as you remote lock/unlock the car is quite spectacular.
Once seated, the familiarity of the updated Audi MMI infotainment system is quite comforting, as I was able to quickly configure the driver’s information display to my liking. The standard panoramic glass sunroof is quite stunning, and the rear passenger seats will seat three adults in comfort.
Also standard are 360-degree cameras, park assist and proximity alert sensors, which are quite essential for drivers who are unfamiliar with how long and low the RS e-tron GT is, in particular over speed humps and tight carparks.
One word comes to my mind about driving the Audi RS e-tron GT, and that’s “outrageous”. Power is instantaneous, and if you’re used to the normal lag between depressing the accelerator and a petrol engine spooling up, you’re going to be caught out by how the RS e-tron GT reacts instantly to the throttle, as there’s 830 Nm of torque that’s always available, so you can clock 0-60kmh in under 3.2 seconds, or exceed the highway speed limit with a second’s inattention.
With an adaptive three-chamber air suspension and electric all-wheel drive, the ride is as comfortable as advertised, but the RS e-tron GT is also incredibly stable and precise in hard corners, with powerful brakes to match the savage acceleration. Audi claims a max range of 465km, though from our experience over a couple of days we reckon a distance of 430km is closer to reality, especially if you switch the regenerative braking system to its lowest mode.
In terms of charging, while the RS e-tron GT has a 800 volt electrical system that can handle up to 270 kW fast charging stations, at this moment 100 kW is the highest voltage available in Singapore, and from experience it should take approximately an hour to fully recharge the RS e-tron GT’s battery from zero.
The Audi RS e-tron GT is the fastest and most powerful vehicle in Audi’s current model lineup – and that includes the R8 Spyder V10 RWD, and I find it particularly apt that this vehicle thoroughly embodies Audi’s motto ‘Vorsprung durch Technik – progress through technology’.
Technical Specifications
- Electric motors Two
- Drivetrain All wheel drive
- Power 440 kW (476 PS)
- Torque 830 Nm
- Acceleration (0-100kmh) 3.2 seconds Top Speed 245 kmh
- Battery 84kWh
- Range Up to 465km
We say
A modern premium electric vehicle with power, performance and comfort.
Rating: 5/5
