First Drive: 2025 Audi RS eTron GT Performance Is the Most Powerful Audi Ever
My right foot is already pushing the pedal to the metal as I lift my left off the brake for a hot launch at Speed Vegas. The Audi RS eTron GT explodes down the track with such force and speed my vision goes blurry at the edges. It’s an almost cinematic effect, but this isn’t a movie…right?
In reality, the 2025 RS eTron GT Performance is so quick off the line it’s a bit scary for those of us without a Formula 1 license. Thanks to battery and electric motor upgrades, the new RS eTron GT Performance can throw down an insane 912 horsepower, up 275 from the previous generation, and catapult from 0–60 mph in an advertised 2.4 seconds (…it's probably at least a couple of ticks faster), which is 0.8 quicker than the 2024 version. That’s serious speed and those supercar specs now make this screaming sedan the most powerful and fastest accelerating Audi ever.
The Proof Is in the Electrons
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The new 97 kWh lithium-ion battery, compared to the previous 83.7 kWh pack, is actually the same physical size, but with a revised chemistry ratio of nickel, manganese, and cobalt. The result gives the cells increased energy density and 12 percent more battery power with a 25 pound weight savings in the RS’s battery and charging system.
The front motor is mostly the same as in the previous generation, but with some modified electronics. On the other hand—and axle—the new rear motor is smaller and 22 pounds lighter. Coupled with battery upgrade, the duo not only offers the kind of incredible power that requires great responsibility, but also better range—278 vs. 249 miles on a full charge.
Speaking of, the time it takes to juice the batteries on a DC fast charger from 10 to 80 percent has quickened from 22 to 18 minutes.
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Drive Time
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On the road, the RS eTron is quick, nimble and spacious. But in the driver’s seat, the first thing you notice are the two red buttons on the wheel. Sadly, neither controls a tractor beam for moving slow pokes from the left lane. The one on the right changes the driving mode from “comfort” to “RS,” which, as you’d expect, sharpens throttle response and tightens the standard two-chamber, two-valve air suspension. The other is a push-to-pass button. In most driving situations, the RS eTron is using a more reasonable 818 hp, but push the red button on the left and you can engage all 912 ponies from the battery for up to 10 seconds at speeds above 19 mph.
It’s a nice feature for dispatching dawdlers on Nevada’s two lane highways with ease. But go full throttle even a breath too long and it’s far too easy to find yourself moving at “Hi Honey, I need bail money,” speeds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph… and that’s probably for the best, because this thing could get there mach schnell.
After about four hours of driving the new RS eTron from Las Vegas out to Red Rock Canyon, up to Mount Charleston and back again, the steering proved sharp, precise with a near-perfect weight. In RS mode and the active suspension steeled, the eTron ripped through the corners and elevation changes with incredible, sports-car-like composure and next to no body roll - impressive for a 5,200lb four-door and an obvious testament to suspension tuning and torque vectoring!

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In laid-back, cruising conditions, the RS eTron was supple and incredibly comfortable. Chalk that up to the air suspension’s equally impressive potential for elegant ride quality. The cabin is well-appointed, thoughtfully laid out, and easy to live with. The central touch screen and digital instrumentation are intuitive and efficient. The heated, air-cooled seats are supportive plus a massaging function comes standard.
The test model we drove was outfitted with a few optional extras including the $8,400 Forged Carbon package, which adds external and internal design elements in forged carbon fiber (front and rear fascia, door inlay, mirror housings). Our tester also added the ultra-grabby carbon ceramic option and the Dynamic Plus package with active dampers and rear-axle steering.
As with most sporty EVs, paddles on the steering wheel toggle between regen modes. The RS eTron’s now recuperate up to 400 kW – a 110 kW improvement from the previous model. You can also turn off regeneration for traditional coasting.
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Take a Lap
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Back on the track, Stefan Reil, the GT’s chief technical engineer and Audi’s head of research and development, toggled through the settings, to showcase and feel the virtues of their new dynamic dampers and suspension, which were less perceptible on the road. The car actually thrusts its nose down during hard acceleration and inversely pushes the rear down during braking to keep the car balanced. The dampers play a similar shuffle side to side in the bends and the car raises itself when the time comes for passengers to get out. It’s a system other makers might find too clever by half, but professional jealousy is a thing.
Earlier during our drivers’ briefing Reil said, “It’s a new car that looks the same as the old car.” While it’s true, aesthetically the 2025 RS eTron GT Performance isn’t much of a departure from the original. Audi made some modest updates to the exterior, a new grill, some different color and wheel options. But “under the hood,” the sequel is twice as compelling. After all, it’s the most powerful Audi ever—of course, that only really means so far....

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2025 Audi eTron GT Performance SpecsMotor: DualTransmission: 2-speed automaticHorsepower: 912 hp0–60: 2.4 secondsTop Speed: 155 mphRange: Up to 278 milesFrom: $168,295
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