Is the Audi RS e-tron GT Worth Choosing Over the Porsche Taycan?
Brands and Their Powerful Influence on Purchasing Decisions
Brands have an incredible sway over consumers, even when their products may not differ significantly. This is particularly evident in the automotive industry, where brand loyalty often plays a significant role in the decision-making process. Take, for example, the Audi RS e-tron GT, Audi’s first battery-electric grand touring sedan that debuted in 2022. Priced at $143,900 for our 2023 test car, would you choose it over the Porsche Taycan, a similar vehicle with which it shares many qualities?
While the price alone may be a determining factor for some, others may find that the Audi RS e-tron GT offers a different personality that sets it apart from the Porsche Taycan.
The Audi RS e-tron GT: A Glimpse of Audi’s Top-of-the-Line EV
The Audi RS e-tron GT is the flagship electric vehicle from Audi, available in various trims including the RS e-tron GT, Audi e-tron GT Premium Plus, and Audi e-tron GT Prestige. The 2023 RS e-tron GT now comes standard with a Bang & Olufsen audio system, 20-inch wheels with anti-theft fasteners, and all-season tires. Optional features include ceramic brakes with anthracite brake calipers and 21-inch wheels. For the 2024 model year, all e-tron GT vehicles will receive additional updates such as a faux-suede headliner, LED interior lighting, and illuminated doorsills, along with updated LED headlights featuring laser high beams.
A Sporty Appeal with Unique Styling
The Audi RS e-tron GT is a four-door vehicle that exudes a sporty appeal. Its flared fenders, sleek greenhouse, and low ride height contribute to its unique styling. While the front end may lack the simplicity prominently found in the rest of the car, this distinct design choice sets it apart from its Porsche Taycan counterpart. The Audi RS e-tron GT’s low stance and large doors with tight openings add to the car’s sophisticated style and presence, although it may make getting in and out of the vehicle a bit challenging. Nevertheless, it’s a sacrifice one must make for fashion.
Cozy Interior with Aggressive Styling
Once inside the Audi RS e-tron GT, drivers and passengers will find a cozy and intimate driving position, thanks to the seats’ aggressive side bolsters. However, similar to the Porsche Taycan, rear legroom may be limited depending on the courtesy of the front occupants. Considering that the RS e-tron GT is a grand touring vehicle, such compromises are to be expected. Nevertheless, one might argue that these compromises align better with the Porsche brand rather than Audi.
A Functional Cabin with Understated Elegance
The cabin of the Audi RS e-tron GT embodies Audi’s signature understated elegance. It is functional rather than flashy, true to Audi’s traditional styling. One minor drawback is the $1,495 Panoramic fixed glass roof, which lacks a sunshade, leaving occupants susceptible to intense heat. Additionally, cargo space is limited, with only 9.2 cubic feet in the rear trunk and 1.8 cubic feet in the front trunk.
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Impressive Standard Equipment and Technological Features
The Audi RS e-tron GT comes equipped with a range of standard features, including a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. Unlike other Audi models, the HVAC controls in the RS e-tron GT incorporate toggle switches and buttons instead of a tactile touchscreen, making them easier to use.
Powerful Performance and Efficient Range
Beneath the Audi RS e-tron GT’s hood lies an 83.7-kWh lithium-ion battery, generating an impressive 637 horsepower and providing a range of 232 miles. Opting for the less expensive trim level still offers a respectable 522 horsepower and a slightly longer range of 238 miles. While these figures may seem sufficient, competing models such as the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S offer even greater ranges. Additionally, the e-tron GT stands out among electric vehicles with its unique transmission setup, featuring a single-speed gearbox in the front and a two-speed transmission in the back, optimizing acceleration and highway driving.
Rapid Acceleration and Convenient Charging
According to Audi, the e-tron GT can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, while the RS e-tron GT accomplishes the same feat in a mere 3.1 seconds. When the battery is depleted, a DC fast charger can recharge it from 5% to 80% in just 23 minutes, enabling drivers to get back on the road swiftly.
A Thrilling Driving Experience with Audi’s Signature Touch
The 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT offers an exciting and entertaining driving experience without compromising on luxury. The steering wheel-mounted paddles allow drivers to adjust the regenerative braking, similar to other high-end electric vehicles. However, unlike many EVs, the RS e-tron GT does not offer one-pedal driving. Despite its substantial width of 85 inches, the rear-wheel steering of the RS e-tron GT provides exceptional cornering stability and maneuverability, reminiscent of a smaller car.
Audi RS e-tron GT: A Reward for a Well-Played Life
The 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT effortlessly blends thrilling performance with the refined elegance expected from Audi. Unlike the starkness often associated with Tesla Model S, the RS e-tron GT offers a sublimely modern, understated style. Its self-assured demeanor, rock-solid stability, and mature presence serve as undeniable rewards for a life well-played. However, for those seeking a sportier driving experience, the Porsche Taycan may be a more suitable choice.
Key Specifications
- Base price: $143,900
- Powertrain: Dual permanent magnet motors
- Horsepower/Torque: 637/612 pound-feet
- Range: 232 miles
- Recharge (5% to 80% DC fast charger): 23 minutes
- Length/Width/Height: 196.4/77.3/55.6 inches
- Cargo capacity (front/rear): 1.8/9.2 cubic feet
- Towing capacity: 0 pounds
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