2025 Audi e-tron GT
The Audi e-tron GT is one of our favorite electric cars. Its low, wide, and sleek body is gorgeous to look at; it is a dream to drive with exceptional handling and a smooth ride; and it has enough performance to keep supercars honest. The e-tron GT still looks and drives so well that it seems brand-new, but it’s been on sale for close to four years now. In that time, other high-end electric sedans have come along, offering more range, efficiency, and charging speed. With a comprehensive new update for the 2025 model year, Audi is addressing all of those items, and is also refreshing the look of the e-tron GT inside and out.
Three e-tron GT Models to Choose From
Previously, the e-tron GT was available in two models: a standard and RS model. The new e-tron GT lineup offers three distinct models: S e-tron GT, which combines sportiness and elegance; the sportier RS e-tron GT; and the top model, the RS e-tron GT Performance, which offers a huge power boost and lightweight, performance-enhancing features for the most driving excitement.
All of the new e-tron GT models now feature a fully-enclosed “singleframe” design that replaces a gasoline car’s traditional grille with an embossed, solid panel and body-color paint. New air curtain openings at the corners of the front bumper are more aggressive than before, while a new aerodynamic diffuser with vertical fins dominates the rear end of the car.
The RS e-tron GT is distinguished by a black “mask” on the front end embossed with a 3-D honeycomb structure and body-color aerodynamic blades on the bumpers. The RS e-tron GT Performance has special features in carbon-fiber, including a carbon roof and even optional “carbon camouflage” elements on the bumpers, door trim, diffuser, and side mirrors. New wheel designs, in 20- and 21-inch sizes, complete the package; racing fans will recognize the forged 21-inch wheels of the RS e-tron GT Performance as being evocative of the original Avus quattro design study.
Audi e-tron GT: Range and Charging
Beyond the instantly-recognizable design changes, the new e-tron GT models all feature a significantly improved battery. Despite more capacity than before – the battery now has 105 kW of capacity, 97 kW usable – the new battery is actually lighter, contributing to greater efficiency. It’s lighter than the old battery by 5 kilograms, and now features 33 cell modules, each of which has 12 pouches within. Cooling is improved thanks to a two-level cooling plate, which means the battery performs better in a wider range of temperatures.
Audi has also worked hard to improve the e-tron GT’s regenerative braking, increasing it from 290 to 400 kW – meaning the new car captures more energy and extends the range even further. On the European WLTP cycle, the maximum estimated range for the S e-tron GT is now 378 miles – a substantial increase over the previous model, which was rated by the EPA at 238 miles. Even factoring in the more generous range estimates of the European authorities, the new e-tron GT models should easily go 100 miles further on a charge.
When you do stop to charge on a road trip, the new e-tron GT models will fill up much faster than before. Maximum charging power has risen by 50 kW to 320 kW, meaning that under ideal conditions, the new e-tron GT can charge from 10 to 80 percent in under 20 minutes on a compatible charger. In just 10 minutes, they can take on enough range to drive almost 175 miles at a high-speed charger. Of course, most owners will, for daily use, charge at home or work the majority of the time – and the new models can now take on electrons from a Level 2 charger at 22 kW, double the speed of most EVs on the market.
Audi e-tron GT: Interior Upgrades
Inside, drivers and passengers will find an updated cabin with better tech and more features than before. The e-tron GT’s steering wheel and entry sills have all been redesigned to be more attractive as well as more comfortable. A new light projection emanates from the doors when they are opened, featuring a white diamond with a red shadow; new trim options include a new linear birch wood, vanadium metallic inserts, as well as matte carbon camouflage. The new S e-tron GT model features 14-way seats, while RS e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT Performance models feature 18-way seats with an optional massage function.
Digital features abound, of course. Audi’s virtual cockpit is endlessly configurable, and now displays information on battery temperature and maximum charging speed in real time, to help drivers pre-condition the battery before charging stops. RS e-tron GT models get additional performance displays, including an all-white power and speedometer display, a tribute to the original 1994 Audi RS2 Avant. There is also a new panoramic glass roof that can turn clear or opaque at the touch of a button, thanks to polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) technology. Four different “digital curtain” designs are available through the infotainment system.
Finally, new, sustainable materials feature heavily throughout the interior. Dinamica microfiber, which looks and feels like suede, and Cascade fabric, consist of recycled polyester made from fabric scraps. The carpeting and floor mats are made of Econyl, made from 100 percent recycled nylon fibers, carpet scraps, and old fishing nets.
2025 Audi e-tron GT Driving Experience
All three e-tron GT models feature dual motors and standard, electric quattro all-wheel drive. The S e-tron GT’s combined system output is a staggering 679 hp, while the RS e-tron GT delivers 856 hp, and the RS e-tron GT Performance produces a monstrous 925 hp, making it the most powerful production car Audi has ever made. Acceleration is accordingly rapid – even the “base” S e-tron GT will get to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds, while the RS e-tron GT dips under 3 seconds, and the RS e-tron GT performance to less than 2.5 seconds. Top speed for all models is 155 mph.
With all that performance, braking has been upgraded as well. Both RS e-tron GT models use tungsten carbide-coated brake discs for increased longevity and strength, with the option of lightweight, higher-performance carbon ceramic discs with 10-piston calipers.
Air suspension is standard across all models, using new two-chamber technology that improves the handling of the e-tron GT without compromising comfort. An active suspension system, available as an option, gives drivers a huge range of options from limousine-like comfort to racetrack dynamics.
During smooth driving, the active suspension completely neutralizes any vibrations, making it more comfortable; in curves, it can actually lean into corners, improving cornering grip and stability. It can also quickly raise the car when the doors are opened to make it easier to get in and out.
In addition to efficiency, comfort, and dynamic driving modes, user-configurable modes (one on the S e-tron GT, two on the RS e-tron GT models) allow drivers to mix and match their favorite settings, and store them for easy retrieval. Rear-wheel steering turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels at lower speeds to tighten the turning circle; at higher speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the fronts for greater stability.
New Audi e-tron GT: The Verdict
It’s no surprise, given that Porsche has recently upgraded the related Taycan, that Audi would release some pretty significant upgrades to its flagship luxury sport sedan. The new e-tron GT’s battery, charging equipment, and other tech significantly improve both the performance and efficiency. We always loved the design and the driving experience of the first e-tron GT, even if it came with a decidedly premium price; the new models give up none of the style and none of the drive, while keeping pace with increasing competition.
Audi has yet to announce prices for the new e-tron GT models, though in Europe, they are now available to order with a starting MSRP of 126,000 euro for the S e-tron GT, 147,500 euro for the RS e-tron GT, and 160,500 euro for the RS e-tron GT Performance. Expect to see them arrive in American showrooms at the end of 2024.
