Audi’s RS e-tron GT delivers a shock to the system

This rapid machine represents the first of its kind, serving up revolutionary thrust in an eye-catching package.

Familiar surroundings don’t match the silent film playing through the windscreen of Audi’s RS e-tron GT.

A carbon fibre dash, flat-bottomed steering wheel, honeycomb quilted sports seats and wide-screen digital dash represent home territory for Audi’s fastest cars.

The Audi RS e-tron GT looks like a concept car for the road.

As do the unflappable all-wheel-drive traction and ferocious acceleration.

But mountain scenes flashing past the glass aren’t accompanied by the soundtrack of a howling V10 or thumping V8. Instead, there’s a distant hum from the tyres and whisper of wind as we reel in the horizon.

A low stance and wide tyres help establish the car’s appeal.

While this Audi RS e-tron GT isn’t the first electric car with a four-ringed emblem, it is the first to wear the brand’s “RS” badge.

Conceding the car arrived “a bit later than we wanted to get it”, Audi product planner Peter Strudwicke insists the car is worth the two years Australian customers have waited.

Audi’s interior is a strong point.

The e-tron certainly doesn’t look dated.

Low and sleek, the four-door coupe could have rolled straight off a motor show stand. And it continues to impress when you drop into a low-slung cabin.

The suede-trimmed flat-bottomed steering wheel with metallic paddles is a tactile triumph, as is Audi’s decision to put physical buttons on the wheel and dash.

Swerving around the over-reliance on touchscreens for basic features such as air conditioning, the e-tron is easier to live with than a Tesla Model S or Porsche Taycan.

The e-tron shares its hardware with Porsche’s Taycan.

Audi spokespeople don’t like to talk about the Porsche.

But it’s hard to avoid comparing the e-tron GT with its genre-defining cousin as they are fundamentally the same car, built on the same platform, with the same battery, high-voltage electric architecture and enormously powerful motors.

Audi’s alternative is more affordable and better-equipped than the Porsche.

Why buy the Audi?

It represents better value, has a warranty that spans five years rather than Porsche’s three, plus six years of free servicing, roadside assistance and rapid recharging through Chargefox.

The Volkswagen Group carefully managed space between Audi and Porsche models so that there isn’t a direct clash. The range-topping Audi costs $248,200 plus on-road costs (about $275,000 drive-away), while making up to 475kW and sprinting to 100km/h in 3.3 seconds.

The Audi RS e-tron GT’s swooping roofline compromises rear headroom.

The equivalent Taycan Turbo costs $280,300 plus on-roads, delivers 500kW and dispatches the speed limit in 3.2 seconds.

Porsche also charges big money for stuff like 21-inch wheels ($6770), rear-wheel steering ($4300), a sunroof ($3370), and ventilated seats ($2100) with red stitching ($7250) that Audi includes as standard.

The e-tron’s performance is worthy of Audi’s RS badge.

You also get incredible laser augmented matrix LED headlights, a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, and adaptive air suspension.

The fastest Audi makes 440kW and 830Nm most of the time, though you can access 475kW for two seconds when using a special “boost mode” from a standing start.

Both cars use a two-speed transmission on the rear motor to maximise the ferocity of launches before kicking into a high gear for cruising.

Shift paddles on the Audi adjust the amount of brake regeneration feeding energy into the battery when you lift off the throttle.

It feels like a high-performance Audi.

Planted and capable, the e-tron inspires confidence.

Customers enjoy the synaptic steering response of the Audi R8 supercar, the expertly damped ride of an RS6 wagon on air suspension, and the rear-biased Quattro traction of an RS5 coupe.

Incredibly capable when pushed, the e-tron’s motors can’t match the theatre of a high-performance petrol engine.

Bring a podcast or playlist - there’s no music from the motor.

It’s like watching an action movie with the sound on mute.

And enthusiasts might be caught out by the way the e-tron shrinks straights in the blink of an eye, before announcing the full effect of its 2.4-tonne mass as you arrive at a tight corner.

Thank goodness for the awesome stopping power of optional carbon ceramic brakes (yours for $12,500).

High-voltage hardware returns fast charging times.

The e-tron’s weight problem stems from a 93.4kWh battery with 83.7kWh of usable storage that translates to 472km of range.

Able to charge from 5 to 80 per cent in 22.5 minutes, the e-tron can be replenished quickly – as long as you plan trips around sporadic rapid charging stations that represent unfamiliar territory for Audi Sport customers.

The Audi RS e-tron GT is on sale now.

VERDICT

Stunning to behold, sensationally quick and cheaper than the competition, Audi’s e-tron is impressive. But it doesn’t redefine electric performance in the same way as Porsche’s Taycan.

4 stars

Audi RS e-tron GT

PRICE About $275,000 drive-away

MOTOR Front and rear electric motors, 440kW and 830Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICE 5-yr/u’ltd, free for 6 yrs

SAFETY 7 airbags, front and rear auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert

RANGE 472km

SPARE Repair kit

BOOT 350 litres