Audi's performance mindset is clearly on display with its 2022 Audi e-tron GT sedan, capturing the four-ring brand's gas-powered sport sedans and distilling them into an EV platform without forgetting luxury amenities. This isn't unfamiliar territory for Audi, as its e-tron crossover models were some of the first to break the ice. Yet, the e-tron GT is seeking sportier pastures and does so by borrowing much of its technology from a fellow member of the VW Group, the Porche Taycan, boasting the same 800-volt architecture capable of giving Audi's fierce RS7 and RS6 sports cars a run for their money.

Audi and many other luxury automakers are now part of a growing EV conversation, that has grown far beyond the confines of city-dwelling commuter cars. The base model e-tron GT might be the first rung in the ladder, yet it commands a lofty $102,400 starting price. The all-electric Audi e-tron GT incorporates faithful Audi design cues that have attracted fans in droves, employing sleek interior finishes, but leans into new technologies to help propel this low-slung sports car into high-performance realms with ease.

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2022 Audi RS e-tron GT Performance And Capability

The Audi e-tron GT is available in three trims

• Premium Plus
• Prestige
• RS

Regardless of trim choice, each Audi e-tron GT features a 93kWh lithium-ion battery powering dual synchronous front and rear electric motors that power an all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain. Premium Plus and Prestige models of the e-tron GT produce 522 peak horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque with Boost mode activated.

In standard operating modes, the dyno figures drop to 469 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. The up-spec Audi RS e-tron GT takes things up a level to 590 horsepower, and with launch control activated, the bar raises again to 637 horsepower for a minimal 2.5 seconds.

As attractive as those dyno numbers are, they live in contrast to the EPA-estimated range figures of 238 for Premium Plus and Prestige models. Meanwhile, the racier RS trim drives mileage down even further to 232 miles on a single charge.

These range numbers, unfortunately, put the e-tron GT well below the status quo for the segment, which can't rival fellow EVs such as the Mercedez-Benz EQS 450+ (350 miles) and Tesla Model 3 (405 miles). The single-motor Polestar 2, which is far more affordable but features comparable battery capacity, can eke out 265 on a single charge.

Recharge times are in line with competitors when using DC fast-charging systems, topping up the battery from 5 to 80 percent in 22 minutes. When using a 220-volt charger, an equivalent charge will take over 10 hours.

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Exterior Design

Taking classic cues from Audi's tried-and-true playbook is visible throughout the e-tron GT, with its aggressive wide stance. Its sleek elements such as the Matrix-designed LED headlights and hexagonal grille, all play into its menacing look and work well from the front.

In the rear, the e-tron is far more subtle visually and takes a more mature approach than you might have guessed while watching it on approach. Those design choices have a purpose, as its broad rear end features a spoiler for downforce, and its flat underbody directs air through a massive diffuser.

All models come with 20-inch alloy wheels, while the sportier RS takes things further with niceties such as 20-inch 5-spoke turbine design Aero wheels, a carbon fiber roof, e-torque vectoring plus, surface coated disc brakes with orange calipers, as well as carbon fiber and Black optic exterior kit.

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Interior Quality And Technology

Moving to the interior, the e-tron mixes modern and classic styling elements well. Several digital displays line the angular dashboard, and it's dripping in attractive trims at any angle.

The main highlights of the technology include a 10.1-inch touchscreen display that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Bluetooth connectivity. Among the other electronic niceties is Audi's MMI infotainment system with navigation and a virtual instrument cluster. Front and rear USBs are available, and a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging round out the highlights of the e-tron GT's interior tech features.

Several leather color options are available, as well as a vegan-friendly leather-free package made out of recycled material. Outright comfort is high for the driver and passenger, thanks to the low-mounted seats that invoke a sporty feeling.

In the rear, the e-tron GT offers commendable legroom, but headroom space is at a premium due to the sloping nature of the rear section. Taller passengers might struggle with that aspect. Luckily, storage is aplenty, with room behind the rear seats and in the trunk (under-hood storage).

The standard assortment options are available, including interior lighting, a heads-up display, and massaging seats with heating and cooling functionality. Adaptive Cruise Control is available as a $2,250 option.

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2022 Audi RS e-tron GT Price and Availability

Pricing for the 2022 Audi e-tron GT begins at $102,400 (with a $1,495 destination charge) for the entry-level Premium Plus variant, placing it firmly in the luxury camp, as you would expect from the German automaker. The Prestige trim elevates the price to $109,600. Meanwhile, the sport-focused Audi RS e-tron GT costs an extravagant $142,400 MSRP.

Safety

There are numerous driver aids, many of which have become ubiquitous on cars approaching the six-figure territory. Blind-spot monitoring, cruise control, and forward-collision warning featuring automatic emergency braking certainly check off the safety boxes for buyers. Other safety features include front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, cross-traffic alerts, and more.

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Main Competition

When looking for comparable EV models, it's only natural to look at the Porsche Taycan 4S, featuring the same 93kWh battery as the Premium Plus and Prestige e-tron GTs. Despite that, the e-tron can do much more in the performance department than its crossover cousin, offering more performance and range. It is well within the ballpark in terms of pricing, with the Taycan starting at $106,500 MSRP.

Those looking to elevate their status further will naturally turn their attention towards the Mercedes-Bens EQS 450, which leans on Merc styling and luxury accommodations while relinquishing some performance points to the competition. Once more, the Merc comes in at a price point relative to the Audi and Porsche offerings, with a $103,360 price tag. Still, the most significant benefit of the Mercedes over the Audi is its longer range, coming in at 350 miles per charge.

Lastly, the Tesla Model S is in the running, particularly its dual-motor model that not only offers equal performance but manages to undercut all of the EVs above with its $100,000 MSRP. A 375-mile range is among the highest in the class, supported by the Supercharger network for rapid recharge times. Of the black spots on the Tesla Model S record would be less upscale build quality and interior, although, in the current EV market, it is tough to beat the kind of well-rounded argument it makes.

The 2022 Audi e-tron GT demands a six-figure entry price, which is not unheard of for Audi or other luxury cars on the market. While range is certainly not on par with comparable vehicles in its all-electric class, the high-performance nature scratches an itch that some of its competitors don't replicate as effectively. Regardless, it remains one of the best electric cars on the market for 2022.

FAQ

Q: How fast is the RS e-tron GT?

The Audi RS e-tron GT can get to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and will on to a top speed of 155 mph. It's performance is on par with Audi's mid-engined R8 supercar.

Q: Is the Audi RS E-Tron GT a supercar?

With 637 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds, the Audi RS e-tron GT has supercar rivaling numbers, but it is essentially an all-electric sports sedan that takes on the likes of the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan.

Q: Is Audi e-tron same as Porsche?

Both the Audi e-tron and Porsche Taycan share the same platform, but each model offers their own individual driving characteristics.

Q: Can Audi e-tron use Tesla Chargers?

As for November 2022, the Audi e-tron cannot use Tesla Superchargers yet. However, Tesla may be considering opening up its charging network to EVs of other makes and models.

Q: What is the range of the RS e-tron GT?

The 2022 Audi RS e-tron GT has a range of 232 miles.