New Audi RS e-tron GT Performance launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

German luxury carmaker Audi has announced that the all-new RS e-tron GT Performance has arrived in South Africa.

The first fully electric RS performance model is also the most powerful production vehicle in the brand’s history and serves as its new flagship model.

“Developed as the ultimate expression of the RS philosophy, the RS e-tron GT Performance brings together decades of Audi Sport expertise in the most powerful production vehicle ever to wear the Four Rings,” said the carmaker.

“Every major component has been developed or refined with a singular objective: to deliver uncompromising capability with the precision, control and everyday usability expected of Audi’s flagship Gran Turismo.”

The Audi RS e-tron GT Performance is available in a single derivative with a starting price tag of R4,906,100.

This price includes a 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway maintenance and service plan, an 8-year/160,000km high-voltage battery warranty, and access to Audi Financial Services.

All-electric performance

The electric supercar is fitted with two electric motors, mounted on each axle, producing a maximum electrical output of 550kW, or 680kW in Launch Control mode.

Thanks to its Quattro all-wheel-drive drivetrain, which produces 409Nm at the front axle and 590Nm at the rear, the flagship RS model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds.

With Launch Control on, it manages this in 2.5 seconds instead, yet is electronically limited to a top speed of 250km/h either way.

Energy is provided by a 105kWh battery with a 97kWh net capacity, giving the GT a maximum driving range of 533 to 592km.

The Audi is fitted with an 11kW onboard AC charger and supports DC charging at up to 320kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10 to 80% in around 18 minutes.

Adaptive air suspension is fitted to the performance GT as standard, which uses an electronically controlled two-chamber, two-valve system with continuously variable damping on all four wheels.

Using Audi Drive Select, drivers can adapt the vehicle’s ride height and suspension characteristics for a range of driving conditions, while at higher speeds, the system automatically lowers the ride height to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Exclusive to this model is RS Performance mode, developed to unlock the vehicle’s full potential by coordinating the powertrain, suspension, torque distribution, aerodynamics and thermal management.

The Push-to-Pass function adds another level to the GT’s performance, temporarily unlocking an additional 70kW of power for up to ten seconds at the touch of a button. 

Features

In terms of styling, Audi designed the RS e-tron GT Performance with carefully considered lines and aerodynamic elements to balance striking visual presence with functional performance.

The German carmaker also offers an extensive range of personalisation options that allow customers to tailor the vehicle’s appearance to their individual tastes, including exterior and interior finishes.

Local customers can choose from nine exterior paint finishes, including the new Arkona White, Bedford Green Metallic, Progressive Red Metallic and Nimbus Grey Pearl.

Beyond these, the standard exterior features a body-coloured Singleframe grille, body-coloured front side air ducts and exterior mirror housings, black window trims and Audi rings finished in Polar White.

The optional Black Styling package improves this with gloss-black front side air ducts and rear diffuser aero channels, Anthracite Grey Audi rings, and a choice of gloss black, gloss carbon or matte carbon camouflage mirror housings.

Another optional package, the Gloss Carbon, replaces exterior elements with gloss carbon, including the front side air ducts, rear diffuser aero channels, door trim inlays, and a range of mirror housing finishes.

The Matte Carbon Camouflage package is also available on an Audi for the very first time, and introduces a finish inspired by the supercar segment.

This option utilises crushed carbon fibres sealed within a resin matrix, so every component displays a unique pattern, extending this material to the front-side air ducts, rear diffuser aero channels and door trim inlays.

Standard on all packages are Audi’s 21-inch Sport alloy wheels, paired with carbon-fibre reinforced ceramic brakes featuring gloss red brake callipers, customisable to Anthracite Grey.

The GT Performance features matrix LED headlights with automatic adaptive Audi laser light to improve visibility on open roads while reinforcing the vehicle’s characteristic blue lighting element and X motif.

Other standard features include a panoramic tinted glass roof, fine Nappa leather, Dinamica microfibre, Graphite Grey inlays, stainless steel pedals, ambient lighting, and a driver-focused interior layout.

All models are fitted with Audi’s Sport Seats Pro, featuring integrated head restraints with illuminated RS emblems, extensive electric adjustment, pneumatic side bolsters, seat heating and ventilation, and memory functionality for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and exterior mirrors.

The cabin features Audi virtual cockpit plus with an exclusive RS layout, a head-up display, Audi connect emergency call and service, the Audi phone box and smartphone interface, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System.

For driver comfort, the RS e-tron GT Performance features a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including Remote Park Assist Plus, which enables the vehicle to manoeuvre into and out of parking spaces without the driver being seated inside.

Further safety enhancements include Surround View Cameras, Power Steering Plus, Lane Departure Warning, Side Assist with Exit Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Assist, tyre pressure monitoring and a comprehensive airbag system.

Audi RS e-tron GT Performance