New pure-electric Audi RS e-tron GT launched with 637bhp

A new pure-electric grand tourer has been launched in the shape of the Audi RS e-tron GT. It’s designed to sit alongside the existing e-tron SUV and rivals cars such as the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan. It’ll be available to order from May, with prices starting from £110,950.

The Audi RS e-tron GT’s powertrain features three electric motors – one for the front axle and one for each of the rear wheels. Combined, they deliver 590bhp and 830Nm of torque, although the EV’s launch control system can increase the system’s output to 637bhp for short periods. That means the RS can sprint from 0-62mph in just 3.3 seconds, and can reach a limited top speed of 155mph.

As with the standard e-tron GT, the RS has an 85kWh battery pack, but due to its more powerful electric motors, the EV’s maximum range drops from 295 miles to 280 miles. It shares the same charging architecture, though, which means buyers can fully recharge the system overnight when using an 11kW home wallbox.

DC fast-charging is also supported. Provided you can access a 270kW charger, the RS e-tron GT’s battery can go from flat to 80 per cent capacity in just 23 minutes. That’s the equivalent of around 62 miles of range for every five minutes of charging.

To cope with the more powerful drivetrain, Audi has fitted the RS with a range of chassis improvements over the standard e-tron GT. Upgrades include tungsten-carbide coated brake discs, ten-piston fixed calipers, adaptive air suspension, a more sophisticated rear differential and four-wheel steering. Carbon ceramic brake discs can also be specced as an optional extra.

Audi has also made a few cosmetic changes over the standard e-tron GT, fitting unique alloy wheels, more aggressive bumpers, broader side skirts and a reshaped bonnet – all of which are designed to be as aerodynamically efficient as possible. At speed, the car’s dampers also automatically lower the car by as much as 22mm to further reduce air resistance and improve the car’s stability.

Inside, the RS e-tron GT gets a sports steering wheel, air conditioning, a Bang & Olufsen stereo system and 18-way electrically adjustable sports seats with heating, ventilation and massaging functions. The infotainment layout is also identical between the base model and the flagship, so  buyers get the same 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.1-inch central system. 

Naturally, Audi will offer a range of variants which boost the car’s equipment levels. The first is the RS e-tron GT Carbon Black, which is priced from £124,540 and swaps the car’s roof, door mirror caps and exterior trim for carbon fibre replacements.

Above that sits the Audi RS e-tron GT Carbon Vorsprung. Prices start from £133,340, for which buyers get all the cosmetic tweaks from the Carbon Black model, along with more technology, such a head-up display, adaptive cruise control and parking assist. Buyers can also choose to have the car’s cabin trimmed in leather-free upholstery.

Tesla has just updated the Audi RS e-tron GT’s biggest rival. Read more about the new Model S Plaid here…