The ranks of Audi’s high-performance, all-electric grand tourers has increased with the addition of a new model as part of the model upgrade. The svelte electric four-door now sports three variants that includes a range-topping ‘performance’ variant for the RS model, which now takes the mantle as the brand’s most powerful production model ever – and by a considerable margin.

Each variant features mild styling changes which set them apart as well as a raft of changes under the skin that make these blisteringly fast GTs even more powerful and with greater driving dynamics than before. 

The Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT were unveiled to the world back in 2021 to widespread acclaim, not only for the their performance but also for their timeless design. The new lineup now comprises the Audi S e-tron GT which effectively replaces the e-tron GT, a new Audi RS e-tron GT and the ‘performance’ variant of the Audi RS e-tron GT.

Visually, subtle design differences define each variant, most notably the RS e-tron GT performance with its unique design elements and optional matte, darkened carbon roof in combination with optional carbon camouflage elements. 

These elements are a first from Audi and are intended exclusively for the RS performance. The carbon camouflage is used in the embossed bumper structures, the door trim, parts of the diffuser and the side mirrors.

Wheels too are distinctive across the range with new 20‑inch multi-spoke wheels available for the S e-tron GT and RS models. In addition, Audi has added two new six-twin-spoke wheels for the RS models – the forged and milled 21‑inch wheels reminiscent of the so-called ‘AVUS wheel’ which Audi unveiled in 1991 on the Audi Avus quattro study. 

Performance too has been revised across the board, with more power, faster charging capacity and greater range.

“With the e-tron GT models, we are setting new standards in performance,” says Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG.

“The increased charging power and electric all-wheel drive ensure improved long-distance capability and considerably more performance. The newly developed chassis offers an unprecedented range between driving comfort, ride comfort, and driving dynamics.”

Power output across all three models is impressive to say the least. The S e-tron GT delivers a total output of 500kW from its dual motor arrangement, while the RS e-tron GT delivers 630kW. The RS e-tron performance takes that total power to a whopping 680kW that makes it the most power Audi ever built by a cool 200kW.

These numbers translate to acceleration figures that are difficult to comprehend. From standstill to 100km/h takes a mere 3.4 seconds in the S e-tron GT, while the RS models go sub-three seconds with 2.8 and 2.5 seconds for the RS e-tron GT and the RS e-tron GT performance respectively.

Just to put these incredible figures in perspective, the original e-tron GT developed 390kW on boost and the RS e-tron GT 475kW on boost for 0t o 100km/h sprints of 4.1 seconds and 3.3 seconds respectively.

In addition, a new standard boost function also allows the RS e-tron GT and the RS performance variant to provide a noticeable 70kW increase in power while driving, activated for 10 seconds using the left control satellite on the steering wheel. 

Larger, newly developed brakes are employed to deal with the increased power, with steel discs and black callipers on the S model and tungsten carbide-coated brake discs on the RS models (which can be optioned to the S). Customers will also be able to option carbon-fibre ceramic discs for any of the GT range, with 10-piston callipers standard in in anthracite or red on request.

The new GTs are also lighter than before, with 10kg shaved off the motor mounted to the rear axles and a battery lightened by a similar amount (9kg). The lighter, 105kWh battery (97kWh net) is  however denser thanks to new materials and adapted cell chemistry, while its optimised two-layer plate delivers a 12 percent increase in capacity for the 33 cell modules.

The energy available in all three models via recuperation (regenerative braking) has also increased from 290 to 400kW and the driver can select manual or automatic recuperation via the MMI as well as control it in three levels using the shift paddles.

The new GTs also see the maximum charging power increased by 50kW to 320kW. Under ideal conditions, that means that the battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes at a high-power charging station and add up to 280km of range in just 10 minutes.

The new GTs also feature new suspension for greater driving dynamics, with air suspension with 2-chamber/2-valve technology, while the new active suspension is also available as an option. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system lets the driver control the vehicle’s character with  three profiles – efficiency, comfort and dynamic. The S e-tron GT allows the driver to configure an individual mode while the RS models offer two individually configurable, RS‑specific modes – RS1 and RS2. As an exclusive feature, the RS e-tron GT performance also has a performance mode designed for an optimal setup on race tracks.

The suspension keeps the car’s body nearly horizontal during dynamic braking, steering, and acceleration. This results in a highly precise steering response, increasing the driver’s control of the car during dynamic driving. The active suspension also has a comfort entry feature when the car is standing still. Depending on the car’s initial height, it can rise by 55 to 77mm in seconds.

Customers can also request all-wheel steering combined with a more direct front-axle steering ratio.

Other improvements on these new models include the information available through the Audi virtual cockpit covering battery temperature and maximum possible charging power in real time. Customers who go for the RS e-tron GT performance model can also select RS-specific features in the MMI like the white power display and speedometer – which is a tribute to the 1994 Audi RS 2 Avant, where the analog dials initially came in white.

Other interior changes include redesigned seats, steering wheel and new wooden inlay options as well as applications in Vanadium, an anthracite-coloured effect finish that appears differently depending on the lighting.

Other new equipment includes options like the advanced panoramic glass roof which turns from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button. Controlled through the MMI, customers can choose from four presets, with the graphics of the matte surfaces reminiscent of the sporty honeycomb design used in performance Audis.

The new Audi e-tron GT range takes the brand’s halo electric models to new heights and once again push the boundaries of what e-mobility looks like. At time of writing, the Australian introduction of these new all-electric grand tourers was yet to be finalised, but will be confirmed along with Australian pricing and specification in due course.