The 2024 Audi RS E-Tron GT Performance Develops 912bhp Because Of Course It Does

When an updated version of the Porsche Taycan came out with a 1,100bhp Turbo GT option, we knew it was only a matter of time before an uber-powerful and closely related Audi RS E-Tron GT followed suit. Sure enough, it’s here, and as anticipated, it’s not quite as pokey as the Porsche, but still vastly more powerful than the outgoing car, kicking out 845bhp.

As if that wasn’t enough, there’s now an RS E-Tron GT Performance (officially with a lowercase ‘p’ for some reason, but we can’t bring ourselves to type that) knocking out 912bhp. Crikey. The E-Tron GT isn't currently on our list of the best electric cars, but once we've driven the new one, that may well change.

The Performance takes the crown as Audi’s most powerful car ever, just as the Taycan Turbo GT did for Porsche. And ‘Performance’ is an apt name - it’ll smash the 0-62mph sprint in just 2.5 seconds, going on to a top speed of 155mph. The ‘boggo’ RS-Etron GT isn't that far behind, doing the deed in 2.8 seconds and topping out at the same point.

Really, you don’t need all that power, so if you have a modicum of common sense, you’ll save yourself many thousands of pounds by sticking with the new entry point of the range, the S E-Tron GT, which is hardly a slouch with 671bhp to its name. That’s actually a smidge more than the old RS, and it makes a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds possible, plus a top speed of 153mph. Plenty fast.

You get the same permanent-magnet synchronous motor front motor regardless of which E-Tron GT you pick, with the RS models getting a more one at the back, in theory making for a bit more oversteer. Audi has managed to cut 10kg from each of the motors, but that’s a drop in the ocean when we’re talking about a car that weighs somewhere around 2.4 tonnes.

The useable capacity of the battery has gone up, too, from 84 to 97kWh. The range is now up to 375 miles (expect that to amount to more like 300 away in real-world driving conditions), and it’ll charge quicker than before when you need a top-up.

The charging capacity has gone from 270kW to 320kW, so with a fast enough charger and optimal conditions, you can take the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 18 minutes. In 10 minutes, Audi says you can add 174 miles of range. Meanwhile, the regenerative braking system should do a better job of adding extra range, with its output rising from 290 to 400 kW.

The actual facelift bit of the equation is fairly subtle, but to be fair, one of the best things about the outgoing E-Tron GT was the way it looked, which was barely different from the LA Auto Show concept that spawned it. There’s a rejigged ‘Singleframe’ grille, and more has been done this time to differentiate the RS models, which get a “3D honeycomb structure” grille and L-shaped elements to the outer edges of the front bumper.

The interior hasn’t been played about with much either, although there is a new steering wheel with a flat bottom and a flat top with extra buttons acting as drive mode shortcuts on RS models.

UK pricing hasn’t yet been revealed, but the German price list converts to about £106,500 for an S E-Tron GT, £124,500 for an RS E-Tron GT and a chunky £135,500 for the Performance.