City Rides: Experience the future of driving with the Audi RS e-tron GT

FACT takes to the streets of Dubai in Audi’s latest high-performance electric vehicle.

Team FACT recently had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the exhilarating world of high-performance electric cars, enjoying a five-day test drive of the Audi RS e-tron GT on the streets of Dubai.

As part of Audi’s e-tron lineup, the RS e-tron GT represents a new era of fully electric models from the Bavarian automaker. While it shares the same architecture and J1 Performance as its corporate cousin from VW Group, the Porsche Taycan, it offers a completely different driving experience.

Striking Design with Unmistakable Charisma

Made by the same skilled technicians that brought us the legendary R8, the RS e-tron GT is a testament to Audi’s ambition to redefine the concept of a car, inspired by aerodynamic performance and progressive luxury that intensifies the driving experience, evoking a surge of emotion. 

At first glance, the RS e-tron GT offers a mesmerising fusion of the dynamic proportions of a Gran Turismo and the distinct traits of an Audi RS model. Its sculpted lines gracefully flow across its body, while the gently sloping carbon roofline (optional) extends seamlessly into the rear, exuding a sense of urgency and purpose, even when stationary. These design elements, together with its wide wheel arches and detailed air intakes, signify the RS e-tron GT’s sporting DNA and powerful performance capabilities, underscoring its commanding presence. 

As darkness falls, the matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light illuminate the road with unparalleled clarity. Its unique light signature, distinguished by a blue X element, evokes a sense of motion, as if a wave of light was spreading horizontally. Audi’s new matrix LED technology resembles video projectors, utilising a million micro-mirrors to precisely steer the LED illumination, achieving both efficient illumination and whimsical animations that delighted us as we approached our destinations. 

Venturing towards the rear, an animated light strip spanned the entire width, and captivates with converging arrows that leave a dramatic impression from behind. This innovative feature, framed by individual V-shaped LED segments, seamlessly integrates the double reversing light and indicator function, a first for Audi, ensuring both safety and a distinctive visual presence.

Futuristic Cockpit of Luxury and Convenience

Once inside, the interior of the RS e-tron GT felt snug and cocooning, and the ergonomic design ensured that all the controls and displays were oriented towards me. Getting in and out of the vehicle might require a bit of manoeuvring, especially for taller individuals, but once settled, the experience is worth it. There is no shortage of luxury amenities, from ambient interior lighting to a head-up display and heated-and-cooled front seats with massage functions.

The seating arrangement provides a sporty driving position, with front-seat passengers sitting low to the ground. The rear outboard seats offered ample legroom, although headroom was slightly compromised. The middle seat in the back was more suitable for short journeys or as a courtesy seat rather than extended comfort. As for storage, while RS e-tron GT comes with a front trunk (frunk), its boot could use some improvement when compared to its competitors.

The infotainment system is visually exciting and user-friendly. While it was not as touchscreen-heavy as some other Audi models, the 10.1-inch central touchscreen, steering-wheel-mounted controls, and voice recognition software made operating the system a breeze. Additional features, such as wireless charging and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, enhanced the overall driving experience.

One standout feature was the Audi virtual cockpit plus, a customisable digital instrument cluster that presented key information on a stunning 12.3-inch HD display with GT-exclusive design elements, which added to the overall aesthetic appeal.

Overall, the Audi RS e-tron GT interior impressed with its combination of gorgeous style, excellent quality, and good infotainment. The attention to detail in the design, the use of high-quality materials, and the driver-centric layout contributed to the overall appeal. While there were some drawbacks, such as limited rear seat space and storage, the RS e-tron GT’s strengths far outweighed these shortcomings. It offered a luxurious and technologically advanced driving environment that would satisfy even the most discerning driver.

Electrifying Performance Redefined

The RS e-tron GT delivered an exceptional driving experience that combined impressive performance with cutting-edge technology, powered by a fully electric Quattro all-wheel drive system, which delivered the perfect blend of sportiness and progressive luxury.

The RS e-tron GT boasts up to 646 horsepower, making it Audi’s quickest EV. This power translates into an exhilarating acceleration, propelling the car from 0 to 100 Km/k in just 2.9 seconds, reminding me of the emotions the Ferrari Rosa ride (the world’s fastest rollercoaster) at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The two-speed transmission and aerodynamic features played a significant role in achieving this impressive acceleration while optimising efficiency and range.

But the performance isn’t just about acceleration. The RS e-tron GT proved its prowess in handling and agility. The four-wheel drive, rear limited-slip differential and the batteries positioned on the floor provided a low centre of gravity, resulting in a strong grip and confident cornering even at high speed. However, the initial feel of the brakes felt slightly artificial and took some time to get used to.

One of the standout features of the RS e-tron GT is its intelligent thermal management system. This ensures performance remains consistent even during multiple sprints in succession. The rear spoiler and front cooling air inlets can be actively adjusted to optimise aerodynamics based on driving conditions, and for the best experience, we recommend the dynamic mode. These features contribute to the car’s sporty appearance, which is further accentuated by the 21-inch alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke concave module design.

When it comes to driving in Dubai, the RS e-tron GT proves its versatility. The rear-wheel steering system makes it surprisingly nimble and easy to manoeuvre through tight spaces, mall parking and peak traffic. The high-definition surround-view camera system and 3D projection on the central screen offer great support during parking, given its low spoilers and reduced visibility. 

On the highway to Abu Dhabi, the RS e-tron GT truly shined. The air suspension delivered a smooth and composed ride, effectively absorbing bumps on the road while maintaining a sense of control. The car’s fast acceleration made long slip roads a joy, but the road noise was noticeable due to the large wheels and low-profile R21 tires. However, the wind noise was minimal thanks to the double-glazed side windows, which allowed us to enjoy the artificial noise of the engine through the speakers.

In terms of comfort, the RS e-tron GT impressed us with its three-chamber air suspension and well-tuned dampers. The comfortable front seats, with ventilation, massage and air springs, effectively absorbed impacts, delivering a mostly smooth and comfortable ride. However, an electric shade on the roof, would’ve been welcomed during Dubai summer days. 

Safety 

When it comes to safety, the RS e-tron GT takes no shortcuts and its features include standard forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. Its pre-sense front and rear system, equipped with an array of sensors, constantly monitor your surroundings and assists in responding to unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, the Audi RS E-Tron GT goes above and beyond with its remote parking assist plus, allowing autonomous parking using a smartphone app. 

Intelligent Charging and Exceptional Battery Performance

Charging is a crucial aspect of any electric vehicle, and the Audi RS e-tron GT excels in this department. The vehicle boasts an 800-volt lithium-ion battery, ingeniously integrated flat into the underbody to optimise weight distribution and handling. In terms of range, the RS e-tron GT offers up to 472 km (WLTP in km) in normal driving conditions.

What sets the RS e-tron GT apart is its rapid charging capability from 5% to 80% in just 22.5 minutes, making it one of the fastest-charging electric vehicles on the market. For this to be achieved, you will need access to a 270 kW supercharger (not as many as we’d hoped for available in Dubai). Moreover, the vehicle’s intelligent battery management system ensures the longevity and protection of the lithium-ion cells, providing peace of mind for the long term.

Final Verdict: The Perfect Blend of Performance and Sustainability

The Audi RS e-tron GT presents a compelling vision of the future of driving in Dubai. With its striking design, the RS e-tron GT commands attention and showcases Audi’s commitment to aerodynamic performance and luxury. Regarding performance, the RS e-tron GT impresses with its exceptional acceleration, handling, and intelligent thermal management system. The car’s versatility shines on Dubai’s roads, while the highway driving experience is smooth and composed. Safety features and charging capabilities enhance the overall package, making the RS e-tron GT a worthy contender in the electric vehicle market. With its combination of style, performance, and cutting-edge technology, the Audi RS e-tron GT delivers an exhilarating and futuristic driving experience that embodies the spirit of Dubai’s innovation and luxury.

GO: Visit www.audi-ad.com for more information.