2022 Audi RS E-tron GT Electric

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Rating8.0

Ranked #1 in 

Compact Sedan
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$142,400
Starting Price 

Year

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 14, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Sleek styling upgrade from the regular one

Not the quickest in its class

All-new performance-oriented RS variant of the e-Tron GT lineup

Fast DC charging

Cramped seating for the rear-seat occupants

Powerful 800-volt electric powertrain

Gut-wrenching acceleration

Exceptional handling dynamics

All-new technology and driver assistance features

Specs & Features

$142,400

price

590 hp

horsepower

612 lb.-ft.

torque

2-speed Automatic

transmission

electric AWD 1A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Audi finally ventures into the electric supercar territory with its brave new e-Tron GT venture. Spearheading the German’s lines is the 2022 Audi RS e-Tron GT, the performance-oriented variant of the e-Tron GT that speaks with its fearsome numbers on the racetrack. This hatchback is definitely Audi’s most futuristic creations in recent ages, and there is even an exclusive futuristic soundtrack added to the equation. This intergalactic tune specifically comes into the equation when the car accelerates and aims to be one of the car’s main selling points.

Buying Advice

Since there are no trims to choose from for the RS version of the e-Tron, there is nothing other than additional packages, although not needed, we would recommend to opt for the Performance Package which not only makes the car look even more ravishing but also adds a lot of technology to the car. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

With rivals like the Tesla Model S Plaid+ and the Lucid Air making waves on the racetracks, the RS e-Tron GT tries to catch up. Perhaps a more fair comparison would be its corporate sibling, the Porsche Taycan Turbo, which has also established its name among the fastest electric stalwarts and also shares the 800-volt powertrain architecture with the e-Tron. Here, we get a sneak peek at what the 2022 Audi RS e-Tron GT has to offer on the table, and whether it manages to catch pace with its electrifying rivals.

Features

The RS e-Tron GT is basically the top of the line trim of the e-Tron lineup and hence is expected to get all the bells and whistles that Audi can possibly fit into the car. It gets a lot of the features which were previously available as options with the Premium Plus and Prestige trims, as standard along with a plethora of additional options packages.

Trims

RS

MSRP

$139,900

Key Features

Heated Front Sport Seats

 

14-way power adjust w/4-way power lumbar

 

Sport Alcantara Simulated Suede Steering Wheel w/Auto Tilt-Away

 

Leatherette/Dinamica Seating Surfaces

 

Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System

 

Head-Up Display

 

Audi Pre Sense 360

 

Audi Connect Care and Prime & Plus Emergency SOS

We Recommend

Since there are no trims to choose from for the RS version of the e-Tron, there is nothing other than additional packages, although not needed, we would recommend to opt for the Performance Package which not only makes the car look even more ravishing but also adds a lot of technology to the car. 

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

While the exact range figures are yet to be released by Audi, EPA estimates the range of the 2022 Audi RS e-Tron GT at 232 miles. This figure isn’t considered to be brag worthy enough, considering you have the likes of Tesla in the market. The hatchback fills up to its full potential battery power in quite a quick time, as the hatchback goes from 5% to 80% battery power in a matter of 23 minutes. Audi achieves this with its 800V technology, which can utilize 270 kW of charging in one go. The onboard route planner also pinpoints the locations of charging stations on your map, so you don’t get stranded searching around for a charging spot.

Model

2022 Audi RS e-Tron GT Hatchback (Expected)

2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo

2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring

2022 Tesla Model S Plaid+

Battery capacity (kWh)

85.5

93

113

100

Range (miles)

232

245

517

520

The RS e-Tron GT isn’t a very economical electric car in terms of mileage, as Tesla and Lucid Air have set pretty high standards with their performance EVs. The range offered by both these companies breaches the 500 miles mark as both employ much larger battery packs, which unfortunately isn’t matched by both the German compatriots.

Interior
8.0/10

 The 2022 Audi RS e-Tron GT Hatchback’s interiors follow an environment-friendly philosophy. Vegan buyers will definitely be impressed with the hatchbacks’ leather-free interiors made from recyclable materials. The front seats come with a 14-way adjustable power that definitely is in touch with the sporty feel of the RS variant. If vegan-free interiors aren’t your niche, the RS e-Tron GT still offers fine Nappa leather interiors as an option as before.

The steering wheel is also a work of art, covered in fine Alcantara upholstery. The handy aluminum shift paddles attached to it elevate the sporty feel of the cabin. The optional Year One package adds distinctive interior features like red seat belts and striking-red honeycomb stitching on the Nappa leather seats to raise your adrenaline levels to an all-time high. The available mood lighting feature spreads magic when nighttime falls, with its selection of various color schemes of multi-color LEDs.

Model

2022 Audi RS e-Tron GT Hatchback (Expected)

2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo

2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring

2022 Tesla Model S Plaid+

Passenger Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)

NA/56.4/41.9

NA

NA

NA

Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)

NA/53.8/32.2

NA

NA

NA

Cargo Capacity (cubic feet)

12.0

15.7

NA

28.0

The 2022 Audi RS e-Tron GT doesn’t have a particularly large trunk, which is expected owing to its sporty hatchback design. The Tesla Model S Plaid+ offers the most cargo space behind its rear seats, although we await Lucid’s official announcement regarding its cargo figures. On the other hand, the Porsche sees a slight increase in trunk volume from the 14.3 cu-ft for the 2021 model year. 

Nevertheless, the RS e-Tron GT has a bunch of exceptional interior features that truly stand out over other rivals, like-

  • Nappa leather upholstery
  • Mood lighting
  • 14-way power adjustability
  • Alcantara-upholstered steering wheel
  • Ventilated Front RS Sport Seats Plus
  • 18-way power adjust w/4-way power lumbar and massage function

2022 Audi RS e-Tron GT Hatchback: Infotainment and Connectivity

Audi’s latest electric sports car features all its latest cutting-edge gizmo. Audi’s intuitive MMI Navigation Plus system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen comes standard, alongside Audi Connect and other connectivity features. All controls are well within the reach of the driver, making it an extremely driver-centric experience. 

The Audi Virtual Cockpit sits right behind the steering wheel right within your line of sight, to focus on all the technical aspects of your vehicle. This system includes a digital information display and a heads-up display to enable maximum driver confidence whenever he sets out on a journey. Audi’s gimmicky e-sound technology easily customizes the interior and exterior sound levels through the Audi drive select, thus adjusting the acoustic experience as per your mood.

Although Audi hasn’t revealed all the infotainment features, the RS e-Tron GT’s tech suite will be spearheaded by the following cutting-edge gizmo-

  • MMI Navigation Plus 10.1-inch touchscreen
  • Digital driver’s display
  • Audi virtual cockpit with heads-up display
  • e-sound technology
  • 16-speaker 710W Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System
  • Android auto and wireless Apple CarPlay

Exterior
8.0/10

 Fundamentally, the 2022 Audi RS e-Tron GT is similar in length to the Audi A7. But its wide stance and low center of gravity give it an aesthetically pleasing look that is in touch with most supercars. There are numerous features enhancing performance, like the electric rear spoiler that improves stability by increasing the downforce at high speeds and adaptive air suspension.

The flat underbody flows into a wide diffuser, thus significantly enhancing the aerodynamic efficiency. In the front, the Matrix-shaped LED headlights take center stage while the rear taillights look equally impressive as well. Optional Audi laser lights are also available with an X-framed trim- that dramatically improves the visibility range.

Model

2022 Audi RS e-Tron GT Hatchback (Expected)

2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo

2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring

2022 Tesla Model S Plaid+

Curb Weight (lbs.)

5060

5196

NA

4766

Length (in.)

196.4

195.8

NA

196

Width (in.)

77.3

77.4

NA

77.3

Height (in.)

55

55.6

NA

56.9

Ground Clearance (in.)

NA

NA

NA

4.6

Wheelbase (in.)

114.2

114.3

NA

116.5

Track Width (in.) F/R

67.3/66.7

67.3/65.8

NA

65.4/66.9

The 2021 Audi RS e-Tron GT Hatchback has the shortest wheelbase in the segment. Its short sloping roofline may be a pain for tall backseaters which also eats into the trunk space. Despite some drawbacks, the RS e-Tron GT looks visually stunning from every angle that frankly even makes its beautiful Taycan cousin look average.

Safety
9.0/10

Since the car is yet to be launched for the 2022 model year, the safety agencies are yet to test the vehicle. In comparison, the 2021 Audi e-Tron can be used for reference here and needless to say that it performs exceptionally well in all the tests it has undergone. The NHTSA has rated it with a perfect 5-star overall rating while the IIHS has crowned it as the “Top Safety Pick+” for the 2021 model year, thanks to the precision German engineering. Also, since the RS is a top of the line trim, it is packed to the brim with the greatest of technology that Audi has to offer, a highlight of which has been listed below.

  • Audi Active Lane Assist 
  • Lane Departure Warning 
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Audi side assist Blind Spot
  • Aerial View Camera System
  • Audi Connect Care and Prime & Plus Emergency Sos

Final Verdict

For its lofty price tag, the 2022 Audi RS e-Tron GT may not be the best bet over the Tesla Model S Plaid+ if you are a speed freak, with the latter breaking all the world’s speed barriers at a similar price. However, if you are an avid connoisseur of Audi’s brilliant driving dynamics, the RS e-Tron GT is your match made in heaven. In a nutshell, this Audi speedster is a perfect alternative to the Taycan and also expected to be the perfect alternative to the Tesla Model S, with all the performance in the bag which will surely make your daily ordeal less stressful.

Trims

    Base
    $142,400 onwards
    • Engine: electric AWD 1A
    • Horsepower: 590 hp hp
    • Torque: 612 lb.-ft.
    • 0-60 mph: 3.1 sec
    • Top Speed: 155 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 81 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$104,990- $135,990

Engine

electric

Rating

7.67

Horsepower

670 hp

Torque

-

Capacity

5

Read Review

2022 Audi RS E-tron GT Electric vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    3.1 sec11.9 sec155 mph
    3.16 sec10.6 sec155 mph

    2022 Audi RS E-tron GT Electric vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      SourceCompare
      79 mpg82 mpg81 mpg
      124 mpg115 mpg120 mpg

      2022 Audi RS E-tron GT Electric vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        196.4 in.77.3 in.55.6 in.-114.2 in. -
        197.7 in.78.2 in.56.3 in.4.6 in.116.5 in. -

        2022 Audi RS E-tron GT Electric vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          9.2 cu.ft.101 cu.ft.-
          25 cu.ft.105.4 cu.ft.61.4 cu.ft.

          2022 Audi RS E-tron GT Electric vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            -9.2 cu.ft.--
            61.4 cu.ft.25 cu.ft.61.4 cu.ft.220 ft.

            2022 Audi RS E-tron GT Electric vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              992 lbs.5139 lbs.
              891 lbs.4561 lbs.

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