2024 Audi RS e-tron GT

How does the RS e-tron GT drive? If the regular e-tron GT's 3.8-second sprint from 0 to 60 mph just isn't cutting it for you, the RS will spice things up a bit. How does 3.0 seconds to 60 mph sound? This puts it among the quickest cars you can buy, on par with a Porsche Taycan Turbo but behind the class-leading Tesla Model S Plaid (2.3 seconds in our testing).

Unfortunately, the RS e-tron GT is missing everything else that usually goes into an Audi RS model. While we were willing to overlook the relatively regular handling performance of the non-RS e-tron, the RS barely improves on the experience. It still has precise steering and confident handling, but nothing about this experience convinces us it's worthy of an RS badge. Braking from 60 mph improves by 2 feet (stopping in 104 feet in our testing), but the handoff from regenerative braking to the carbon-ceramic rotors is utterly crude.

High-performance driving aside, the RS e-tron GT remains as easy a commuter as the non-RS. Unfortunately, just like the e-tron GT, the RS doesn't provide enough passive regenerative braking to solely drive using the accelerator pedal. Where some cars like Tesla allow you to slow to a stop by just lifting off the accelerator, the RS e-tron GT will almost always require you to press the brakes at some point. We're hoping this changes down the road.

How comfortable is the RS e-tron GT? Audi is a master of blending performance with incredible road comfort. Even with its 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires, the RS e-tron GT somehow manages to offer a ride that is both supple and responsive. The adaptive suspension softens up for all manner of pavement bumps but never wallows over undulating sections of highway. Bumps are mostly noticeable in the form of low-frequency thumps, but they're hardly intrusive. The e-tron GT also does a commendable job of filtering out all other ambient noise.

The front seats are about as good as they get. The highly supportive and adjustable sport buckets include heating, cooling and massaging functions. In contrast, the rear seats are unremarkable. The floor of the car is a bit high too, hampering rear comfort for long-legged individuals. Thankfully, the climate controls are far less fussy than the Porsche Taycan's, and the system delivers ample cooling to keep the cabin at your desired temperature.

How’s the interior? Audi's interiors are typically stylish, thoughtful and highly functional. The RS e-tron GT is no exception, and its touchscreen infotainment and physical buttons are all intuitive to use. The RS e-tron GT does have some downsides in this area, and they include a cabin that's not the easiest to climb in and out of considering this is a relatively sizable luxury sedan. Rear seat space is a bit too cozy even for the average-size passenger. And though the driving position is excellent, visibility out of the rear window is almost laughably bad. It's a good thing the optional surround-view cameras have excellent picture quality.

How’s the storage? In-cabin storage for luxury cars is typically sparse, but the RS e-tron GT offers less than most of its competitors, including the dimensionally similar Porsche Taycan. And despite having front and rear trunks, the RS e-tron GT offers a measly 11 cubic feet total of cargo space. That's smaller than an Audi A3 sedan's trunk.

The rear seats can fold down flat, so it's not all bad news, and there's a useful pass-through for larger items. Got small children? The child safety seat anchor points are fairly accessible, but the small size of the door opening and limited rear legroom make fitting bulky rear-facing seats problematic.

Is the RS e-tron GT a good value? It can be hard to rationalize cars at this price level as a good value. But with most things Audi, you feel like you get what you pay for. Top-notch materials, tight panel fit and zero interior rattles help reassure you that you're buying a quality product. Another bonus: Unlike the Porsche Taycan, which features a very pricey stand-alone option menu, you can equip the RS e-tron GT with many of the same features for thousands less.

Warranty coverage and roadside assistance for RS e-tron GT are pretty standard for the luxury class. New buyers also benefit from two years of free charging at Electrify America stations; that's one year less than previous models offered.