Audi RS e-tron GT Performance: The Fastest Audi Ever Is Also The Most Beautiful
Let me tell you about driving the most powerful Audi without telling you this is the most powerful Audi: I floored the accelerator (on a track, in complete safety with a coach in the passenger’s seat) and thought I was going to pass out.
Pass. Right. Out.
In that flash of a second when you feel the blood rush from your head, if you have the grace to catch yourself, you do, and that’s what I did. I lifted my foot off the accelerator of the 912 HP, all-electric Audi RS e-tron GT Performance and slowed until I felt my brain no longer swirling. I’m sure my co-pilot was grateful, though he seemed unfazed.
I’m glad he wasn’t bothered because I certainly needed a do-over. And of course I did, because that’s what you do when you’re driving the most powerful Audi ever.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, I was Audi’s guest for this test drive but all opinions are my own.
Meet the Fastest Audi Ever: The Audi RS e-tron GT Performance
There’s a little bit to unpack here, so let’s start with this: Audi, the luxury arm of Volkswagen, known for blending elegant interiors and intuitive tech with confidence-inducing power, is also a top maker of EVs.
Turns out that electric cars are really good at speed, and Audi’s engineers, already focused on building race-worthy versions of their luxury sedans and SUVs, are now focused on adding incredible electric power to those models. The e-tron line adds an electrified powertrain to the company’s most popular models.
The Audi RS e-tron GT Performance sits at the top of the lineup, delivering the most power and fastest performance ever, as well as a hefty price tag that starts at $167,000 and tops out near $200K. Our test model carried a price of about $188,790.
Read: 12 Timeless Cars That You’ll Love For Years: Best Cars to Invest In
Slight Improvements In the 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT Add Up 2.4 Seconds of Amazing
The performance numbers for the Audi RS e-tron GT Performance are impressive: It produces 912 HP, which is more than three times the power in the base model Q4 e-tron SUV and nearly four times the HP in the gas-powered base model Q5—just for reference. All that power, a 0-60 time of 2.4 seconds, and the RS e-tron GT Performance can be a look-or-you’ll-miss-it blur.
The added performance is thanks to a new battery and motor system with more battery capacity and more efficient motors. The new system yields a longer range, up to 278 miles, and faster charging, estimated at 18 minutes to get to 80% on a DC fast charger; the RS e-tron GT Performance can now charge as fast as 320 kWh, up from 270 kWh in the earlier GT model (and that was plenty fast, by the way).
Capturing All That Power on Your Drive
To allow drivers to have fun with the extra power and performance, Audi added two new drive modes: RS Performance and Boost mode.
The RS e-tron GT Performance has the usual drive modes: efficiency, comfort, and dynamic, which you’ll see on the multimedia screen when you push the Mode button on the center console.
On the far right side of the screen, you’ll also see RS 1 and RS 2, customizable sport modes, and then RS Performance, which is designed for ultimate performance, especially on a track.
RS Performance and Boost Modes
If going through the menus is too much, you can simply tap the RS Performance button on the right side of the steering wheel and get it instantly, but be careful. It engages a lot of power and track-style dynamics.
If power underfoot is what you want, though, you can get all of it at once by pushing the Boost button while on the road. The car has to be moving, about 20 MPH, and when you tap that button, you’ll see a 10-second countdown clock pop up on the driver display. Then floor it. And you’ll feel an additional 94 HP that pushes the full output to its 912 HP limit (as long as you’re doing your part).
To Get All 912 HP, Boost Mode or Launch Control is Required
It’s worth noting that the full 912 HP is only available in Boost or Launch mode. Boost mode pairs the RS e-tron GT Performance’s standard operating HP of 818 with the 94 HP boost. It’s an easy way to feel as if you’ve attached a rocket booster to your car for a quick zip past traffic on the highway.
Or, you can invoke launch control, which should only be done on a track or closed road. While at a full stop, press the brake to the floor with your left foot, the accelerator to the floor with your right, and then, let go of the brake and feel the car take off. That’s where the 2.4-second measure comes from, and it’s no joke.
The Track is Really Where the Audi RS e-tron GT Performance Belongs
It really isn’t fair to take a performance car out on the road and not have a stop at the track, so of course we did. Our tour took us to Speed Vegas for laps in the Audi RS e-tron GT Performance. This is where I thought I would nearly pass out on only my second lap.
Luckily for me, once I recovered (which took less than 2.4 seconds), I was able to keep going. And I’m glad. On the third lap, I tried out the RS e-tron’s new comfort settings. While keeping my speed up and my cornering tight, it’s supposed to keep the cabin on an even keel with less lurching and leaning.
Did it? I can say I didn’t feel the typical squeal and slide that can be fun on a track, but I did feel completely in control. Also, not having my co-pilot leaning into the armrest or door panel as we came around each curve was a nice thing, too.
On my fourth lap, I slowed at the straightaway to launch Boost mode. This time, after building confidence on the track, I kept my right foot planted for the full 10 seconds and reached 100 MPH. I wasn’t the fastest out there that night, but it felt good to be able to use the Audi’s power as it was designed to be used.
On the Road the Audi RS e-tron GT Performance Delights, Too
There’s something about electric power that is infinitely satisfying when it’s done right. You floor the accelerator and it just goes and goes, no hesitation, no give, no hiccup, seemingly no end to the delivery of power. There may be a sonic scrolling sound, a whirring as the motors spin, a gasp from your passenger, but the power is unfailingly constant and growing.
That was the experience driving the Audi RS e-tron GT Performance on the road. I had more than enough confidence to pass not one, not two, but three cars on a two-lane road (and safely and not actually going all that fast). We simply soared by them as if they were standing still. For me, the conditions were right. For the car, the engineering was right. And together it was all just so good.
Luxury is Still The Point in a GT, or Grand Touring Model
When you’re finally exhausted and done from a day at the track, it’s nice to get back into your grand touring coupe and head out on a leisurely ride home. Tap on the massaging seats and relax in the bucketed Nappa leather. Allow the lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control to remove the stress from the road, and the heads-up display to keep you focused.
Put the drive system in comfort mode and the RS e-tron GT Performance’s new cornering, braking, and acceleration settings—which we witnessed on the track—will keep everyone in the cabin feeling less jostled.
Even rear seat passengers will feel comfortable. I climbed into the rear seat for a minute and found it fine for my average height, 5’8” frame. Footwells under the front seats leave you a little space for your toes, and the bucket seats are comfortable.
Taller passengers may not be so comfy, especially for long drives, but it’s nice to know you can bring friends (or the dog) along for the ride.
The Most Elegant Audi Earns the GT Name
Audi RS e-tron GT Performance demands attention. The swooping, sexy roofline, the perfectly pert rear tail, the open-spoke wheels that are more about sport and style than aerodynamics add up to a beautiful car. The sunroof that can be frosted with the swipe of a finger (we didn’t get to try that one), the honeycomb quilted seats, and microsuede finishes give the interior an elevated feel. The flat-topped and bottomed “squircle” steering wheel feels great in your hands.
For 2025, Audi has added forged carbon, or cut carbon, an almost camo-like carbon fiber design on the dashboard and other surfaces, as well as on the front air vents and the rear lower diffuser that looks more like a faux tailpipe.
All together, it lends a very modern touch but may not be everyone’s taste; I had to really think about this one and I’m still not sure I like it. But I do like the red leather interior, though I’d probably go with a light creamy beige—but that’s me.
Just Right For the Road, Perfect For the Track
The scale of the Audi RS e-tron GT Performance is one of its best features: it’s larger than you might picture a track car, but really, it’s perfectly sized. The rear seat tucks into the cabin almost unnoticed until you need it, giving you a place for your handbag so it’s not under your passenger’s feet, or extra passengers when you need to accommodate them, too.
And when you’re not thinking about your passengers or the things you can fit easily into the Audi RS e-tron GT Performance, because as a sedan it’s pretty accommodating, you’ll certainly be thinking about what you’ll do with your 2.4 seconds. Head up, throttle open, and thrills delivered.
More About:Car Reviews