Review of the Audi RS e-tron GT Saloon

If the Audi RS e-tron GT Saloon is an example of the future of motoring, we can't wait. An all-electric luxury saloon car that combines gorgeous looks with rapid performance, the RS e-tron GT Saloon is one of the most exciting cars on the market. 

Rivals to the RS e-tron GT Saloon include the Porsche Taycan Saloon, Mercedes-Benz EQS, Tesla Model S and BMW i7. 

Our Audi RS e-tron GT Saloon review covers:

• Aggressive and eye-catching exterior design 
• Luxurious interior 
• 366-litre boot
• Dual electric motors powered by a 93kWh battery 
• Three trim levels 

Pros:

• Excellent on-the-road performance 
• Comfortable and luxurious interior 
• Rapid 

Cons:

• Interior space is a little tight 
• Range falls short of Tesla 
• Expensive 

The RS e-tron GT Saloon looks fantastic; it's both classy and aggressive. At the front, a menacing front grille is complemented by sharp LED headlights, while the rear end is rounded with a full-length light bar. The wheels are equally as aggressive, whether you've got the ten or five-spoke versions. 

Climb inside the RS e-tron GT Saloon, and there's enough room for five passengers. Two adults can fit in the front with ease thanks to ample head and legroom, however, the rear is more suited towards children. A couple of adults will fit in the back, but add a third, and things get a bit claustrophobic. 

Boot space comes in at 366 litres, which is a little disappointing for a saloon car. Although there is enough space to accommodate luggage for a weekend away, it falls way short of the Tesla Model S and Mercedes-Benz EQS. 

It's an Audi, electric, and a saloon, so of course it has one of the best interiors money can buy. The dashboard is excellently built and features a range of high-quality materials, and the use of dark materials makes for a nice ambience while driving. 

In the middle of the dashboard is a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a DAB radio, smartphone mirroring, Bluetooth, and MMI navigation. Sitting just below is a traditional setup for the climate controls, which is straightforward to use. 

You also get a 12-inch digital instrument display behind the steering wheel, which shows all the required driver information. It can be configured to your taste, which is a nice touch. 

Three trim levels are available for the RS e-tron GT Saloon: Standard, Carbon Black, and Carbon Vorsprung. 

Standard has 21-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, matrix LED lights with Audi laser light, a black styling pack, adaptive air suspension, a head-up display, and a park assist package. 

Carbon Black has 21-inch five-spoke alloy wheels in black and silver, a gloss carbon styling package, RS interior design in red, and carbon twill inlays. 

Carbon Vorsprung adds front seats with ventilation and massage function, rear heated seats, night vision assist, parking assist with remote parking pilot, and a city assist pack. 

The RS e-tron GT Saloon is powered by two electric motors, one for the front wheels and one for the rear. They're paired to a 93kWh battery that returns up to 293 miles of range, which is significantly less than the Tesla Model S (400 miles). 

The two motors produce a whopping 598hp as standard, which propels the car from 0 to 62mph in just 3.6 seconds. 

For charging, the RS e-tron GT Saloon comes standard with an 11kW AC charger that can fully charge the battery in nine and a half hours. However, if needs must, it can charge at speeds up to 270kW using a rapid charger, going from empty to 80% in just 30 minutes. 

On the road, the RS e-tron GT Saloon is superb. Although a heavy car on paper, it handles like a nimble sports car when around town. You'll have no issues navigating tight city streets, and parking is a breeze thanks to the range of driver assistance systems. The air suspension also means the ride comfort is amazing, even on the worst that British roads have to offer. 

Increase to motorway speeds, and the RS e-tron GT Saloon is a wonderful cruiser. Its suspension is yet again extremely comfortable, and there's limited road and wind noise, allowing you to rack up the miles with few issues. 

On a country lane is where the RS e-tron GT Saloon earns its stripes. It feels incredibly light, which is impressive for a two-tonne car, and you can zip through corners like a sports car. It's also incredibly fast, so it provides a fantastic experience.  

Prices for the new Audi RS e-tron GT Saloon start from £125,500.00 OTR* or to lease from £1,547.75 per month.

Looking to get behind the wheel of the Audi RS e-tron GT Saloon? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.

Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase, thanks to a low initial deposit and fixed monthly rentals.

*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change; always check with your nearest retailer.