Audi RS e-tron GT gets big improvements and welcome changes

The Audi e-tron GT is an impressive car, but the high-spec RS model always seemed to fall short in driving dynamics and desirability. However, as part of Audi’s 2024 updates to the e-tron GT, the RS e-tron GT has received a significant overhaul in capability and performance. 

On the surface, things look promising. While most of the work has been done under the bodywork, we can notice certain visual changes under the camouflage livery of the late-stage prototype that we had the opportunity to drive. Exterior updates are subtle but the Audi RS e-tron GT is marked out by a slight front bumper redesign and rear diffuser inserts. 

Efforts have been concentrated in improving the RS e-tron GT’s electric drivetrain and overall drivability. Taking its lead from its sister car, the recently updated Porsche Taycan, we suspect the RS model could be in for a serious increase in power. The RS e-tron GT won’t have quite the dizzying 950bhp performance of the Taycan Turbo S on overboost, but it should come close and the RS might gain the ‘Performance’ moniker seen on the fastest RS 6 and RS 7 models.

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Battery efficiency and range has seen an upgrade, too. The previous car initially had a respectable 93kWh battery, which could return up to 298 miles from a single charge. But such is the speed of EV progression, and in an attempt to keep pace with rivals, the revised Audi RS e-tron GT is expected to get the same 97kWh battery layout as seen in the latest Taycan, increasing both range and charging speeds.

Drastic changes have also been made to the suspension set-up. Moving away from traditional anti-roll bars used on the last-gen car, the new RS e-tron GT will get a sophisticated set-up of active dampers with dual-valves, faster-acting air springs and a clever management system tying it all together. Simply put, this system can react independently at each corner and at any moment, increasing support at higher speeds and reducing body roll. The same setup is found on the latest Porsche Taycan, but it gets greater focus on the comfort in the RS to suit the GT remit of the Audi. 

Steering software calibration for the rear-wheel steering has also been altered, as has the braking system to improve resilience and feel in the transition between the friction and regenerative braking systems. This should result in the car being more responsive and engaging to drive.

The Audi RS e-tron GT isn’t due to be unveiled in full until the third quarter of this year, so we still have a little while to go before we find out exact details and what other upgrades are in store.

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Audi RS e-tron GT prototype driving impressions

We had the opportunity to test a prototype version of the new Audi RS e-tron GT in Oman. Initial impressions were positive, with the overhauled RS e-tron GT appearing to be a significant improvement over the previous-generation car. 

We felt the outgoing RS e-tron GT had too much of a focus on comfort for a car which has ‘RS’ written on the bootlid, but the changes made to the suspension help make the car feel more composed at higher speed and more controlled on roads with undulating surfaces. 

The steering software overhaul has better integrated the rear-wheel steering, with input from the rear-axle remaining subtle. The steering ratio feels quicker, heavier in the hands and more direct than on the outgoing model; representing a marked improvement over the previous Audi RS e-tron GT. It still isn’t quite as dynamic as the performance-based Porsche Taycans, but the RS e-tron GT blends comfort and performance much better than the old car, which often felt lacking in these areas.