The only sounds were ecstatic whooping from the driver and a mild whoosh of wind and tires as the 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT Performance leapt from 100 to 240 kilometres an hour on the German Autobahn. Its superpower is the incredible boost you get from a combined 912 horsepower that throws the car from zero to 100 in 2.5 seconds, and from 80 to 120 in 1.8 seconds.
The Performance variant is new for 2025. It’s the first fully electric RS performance model from Audi and, with a maximum output of up to 680 kW (912 horsepower), it is the manufacturer’s most powerful production car.
The S and RS versions of all-electric Grand Tourer have also been updated for 2025. The refresh starts with some updates to the exterior, including a new grille, wheel options and eye-catching paint colours, like the Bedford green metallic of our tester.
Inside, the squared off wheel, angled console and properly bolstered, 18-way adjustable seats indicate a serious driver’s car. It is a comfortable and spacious cabin with plenty of room on the back seats for passengers and a decent amount of trunk space. Overall, the four-door coupe is a sleek package that leaves no doubt as to its grand touring purpose.
But it’s the driving dynamics that really shine in the performance variant of the RS e-tron GT. The new push-to-pass function provides a 70-kW (94 hp) increase in output at speeds above 30 km/h for up to 10 seconds – shown by a timer in the dash. When the driver activates push-to-pass, the battery uses the Launch Control mapping and switches the drive control to Dynamic mode, unleashing the full capabilities of suspension and drives. In practical terms, it translates to head-snapping acceleration when you need it.
The car is not just a straight-line weapon. It showed nimble, goat-like reflexes on the narrow, steep and winding roads of the Austrian alps, staying flat through the corners and hunkering down on the straightaways. Its confidence-inspiring surefootedness is the product of performance mode, found exclusively on the Performance model.
Performance mode changes the drive and suspension setup for anti-slip control, torque vectoring, suspension tuning, aerodynamics, and cooling. Audi says these “special characteristics allow the drive torque to be optimally controlled at the handling limits,” which translates to a big GT cruiser that handles like a sports car.
Power is supplied by front and rear axle drives, with an output of 252 kW (338 hp) in the front and 415 kW (556 hp) on the rear axle). An optional active suspension on the Performance provides individual ride control at each wheel, sensing when each corner needs to be adapted to the road. There’s also rear-wheel steering. Together these components work very hard to smooth out the road, minimizing bumps and g-forces to deliver a silky-smooth ride when desired.
Our drive put the Performance alongside the entry level S e-tron GT for comparison purposes. While the Performance is an over-the-top masterpiece of engineering, the relatively humble S is the equally engineered, calmer stablemate.
It has a milder 583 hp output, with a boost to 671 hp under launch control. But it too gained power in the latest update, seeing an increase of 149 hp over its predecessor. With plenty of juice, the S e-tron GT is powerful enough for just about anybody’s need for speed and delivers similar levels of comfort and practicality.
Speaking of practical matters, the 2025 cars have also been upgraded where it counts – range and charging capability. New cooling technology allows for faster charging at the plug. Maximum charging power has been increased by 50 kW up to 320 kW. This allows the vehicle’s battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in only 18 minutes at a fast-charging station.
2025 Audi RS e-tron GT
2025 Audi RS e-tron GT
2025 Audi RS e-tron GT
2025 Audi RS e-tron GT
2025 Audi RS e-tron GT
2025 Audi RS e-tron GT
In practice, however, this may be a rare occurrence. In our admittedly short test drive of three days in Austria, the maximum charging speed we found using a variety of different charging stations – including Audi’s own – was 125 kW. Nonetheless, the battery did top up to 80 percent very quickly, when we could find a working charger. The struggles with charging infrastructure continue to limit the ability to get maximum enjoyment out of electric vehicles.
Fortunately, the 2025 e-tron GTs get better range than their predecessors. The S is rated at kWh/100 km while the Performance lands at 20.8 –18.7 kWh/100 km.
There’s no question the 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT Performance sets a new benchmark for electric grand touring. It’s blisteringly quick, composed in corners, and surprisingly comfortable over long distances. While charging infrastructure still poses a challenge, especially when travelling off the beaten path, Audi’s upgrades to range, performance, and technology make this an EV worth chasing — whether you’re storming the Autobahn or carving mountain passes.
2025 Audi RS e-tron GT
Powertrain: Dual electric motors (front and rear axle)
Combined Output: Up to 912 hp with Launch Control and Push-to-Pass
Boost Mode: Push-to-pass function delivers +70 kW (94 hp) above 30 km/h for 10 seconds
0-100 km/h: 2.5 seconds
Drivetrain: Quattro all-wheel drive with torque vectoring
Suspension: Optional active suspension with individual wheel control, rear-wheel steering
Driving Modes: Includes exclusive Performance Mode with dynamic mapping
Battery & Charging: 800V architecture, 10–80% in ~18 minutes at up to 320 kW
Website: Audi Canada