Audi's New e-tron GT Performance: 680 kW Beast Takes Aim at Porsche

Audi just dropped the performance mic with its refreshed e-tron GT lineup, and the top-tier RS performance variant isn't messing around. With 680 kW on tap and a 2.5-second sprint to 100 km/h, this electric grand tourer has Porsche's Taycan Turbo S firmly in its crosshairs.

• Performance: Up to 680 kW and 2.5 s to 100 km/h

• Efficiency + Range: as low as 18.8 kWh/100 km, 559 km WLTP

• Design highlight: active air suspension with switchable glass or carbon roof

• Safety headline: No ANCAP score yet; full driver-assist suite standard

• Fleet teaser: 10-80% DC top-up in 18 min on 320 kW hardware

Variant Comparison

• S e-tron GT: 435 kW (500 kW boost), 740 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 3.4 s, up to 559 km range, $209,900

• RS e-tron GT: 500 kW (630 kW boost), 865 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 3.1 s, up to 522 km range, $264,900

• RS e-tron GT performance: 550 kW (680 kW boost), 1,027 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 2.5 s, up to 528 km range, $309,900

Manufacturer List Price (MLP) excludes on-road costs.

Performance & Drivability

The base S model now packs the same 500 kW boost punch as the previous RS, hitting 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds with 740 Nm of torque. But it's the new RS performance that steals the show, unleashing 680 kW and a massive 1,027 Nm through twin motors. That translates to a 2.5-second dash to 100 km/h, putting it ahead of Porsche's Taycan Turbo S on paper.

The updated air suspension comes standard across S and RS models, but the performance variant gets the full active setup. One moment you're cruising in Comfort mode like a luxury sedan, the next you're attacking corners with sports car precision.

Launch control gets a serious upgrade too. The S variant gains an extra 65 kW boost, while both RS models get 130 kW more grunt off the line. There's also a clever 'push-to-pass' paddle that delivers 70 kW instantly when you need to make a move.

Design & Cabin Tech

The visual changes are subtle but effective. A reshaped Singleframe grille and laser matrix headlights signal the update, but the real party trick is the roof options. You can choose fixed panoramic glass with variable tint or go hardcore with a lightweight carbon panel.

Inside, 18-way adjustable Nappa sport seats wrap around you, while Dinamica micro-suede trim adds a premium feel. The Audi virtual cockpit plus dominates the driver's view, backed by a 710-watt Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with over-the-air updates.

Safety & Ownership

• No ANCAP or Euro NCAP rating yet

• Adaptive cruise with Stop&Go, 360-camera, lane and intersection assists standard

• 5-year vehicle warranty; 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty

• 6-years free servicing and roadside assist

Fleet Insights

The numbers tell a compelling story for fleets on the hunt for a lux-barge. Energy costs work out to about $4.70 per 100 km, saving roughly $18 compared to a 12.6 L/100 km petrol sports sedan. That 18-minute DC charging from 10-80% on 320 kW hardware means less downtime on longer trips.

Audi's 40-site dealer network moved 15,300 vehicles last year, and the 8-year battery warranty should help protect residual values. The onboard 11 kW AC charging capability covers most workplace and home charging.

Sustainability Snapshot

The new 105 kWh battery pack is actually 9 kg lighter than before while storing more energy. Cabin surfaces feature Dinamica micro-suede made from recycled polyester, and the high recuperation capability (now 400 kW) reduces brake pad particulates during normal driving.

Market Insights

Porsche Taycan Turbo S counters with 560 kW/2.4 s sprint but asks $374k. Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ delivers 505 kW, 0-100 km/h in 3.3 s and starts near $217k, while BMW’s i5 M60 hits 100 km/h in 3.8 s for $219.9k. Audi undercuts Porsche, eclipses the AMG for punch, and shades BMW on charging speed.

Verdict

If you want supercar acceleration wrapped in grand-tourer comfort, plus the quickest charge stops in class, the RS e-tron GT performance is hard to beat. Value-conscious buyers should consider the regular RS, while the S already outperforms last year's flagship model.

The competition is heating up, but Audi's latest salvo in the electric performance war shows they're not content to play second fiddle to Porsche anymore.