Audi RS E-Tron GT: Stuck Between a Rock and a Porsche Place

Quick Overview

The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT facelift, despite being significantly more expensive than the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, offers a superior real-world driving experience due to its active ride suspension and generally better ergonomics, though it loses the Taycan's rear seat usability.

Key Points: The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT produces 912 horsepower and 757 lb-ft of torque with Dual Motor AWD, achieving 0-60 mph in 2.4 seconds. The tested RS e-tron GT costs $191,190 USD as tested, significantly more than the comparable Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. The Audi features new physical air vents and an active ride suspension system which the reviewer finds superior for real-world driving comfort compared to the Taycan's setup. Interior elements like the carbon fiber trim on the dash/doors and the suede steering wheel are noted as superior to the Taycan's interior design. The Audi's charging port is manually opened, unlike the Porsche's power-sliding version, and the trunk space is adequate but lacks features like underfloor storage. Rear seat legroom is limited, especially for a 6'3" driver, due to the aggressive sculpting of the front seat backs, making the back seat less practical than the Taycan's. The infotainment system is functional but not considered the best software available, and the HUD does not integrate navigation instructions well.

Context: The video presents a detailed comparison review between the facelifted 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT and its mechanical sibling, the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, focusing on performance, interior design, and real-world usability differences despite their shared platform. The reviewer evaluates specific features of the Audi, such as its active suspension, interior material choices (like forged carbon fiber), and practicality aspects like trunk space and rear-seat comfort, to determine if the significant price increase over the Porsche is justified for the driving experience it offers.

Detailed Analysis

The reviewer finds the facelifted 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT to be a very compelling electric grand tourer, despite its $191,190 price tag (which is significantly higher than the Taycan Turbo GT). Key specifications include 912 HP, 757 lb-ft of torque, a 97 kWh battery pack, and a 0-60 mph time of 2.4 seconds. The reviewer praises the Audi's active ride suspension, noting it provides a remarkably smooth ride even on cold, winding roads with snow on the shoulders, making it feel just as fast as the Taycan but more comfortable. Interior highlights include extensive use of leather and Alcantara, unique forged carbon fiber trim throughout the dash and doors, and a suede steering wheel with metal paddle shifters used for regeneration control. However, the reviewer points out several practical shortcomings compared to the Taycan: the charging port opens manually, the trunk space is adequate but basic, and the rear seat headroom/legroom is compromised by the aggressively sculpted front seats, making it feel slightly claustrophobic for a tall passenger. The infotainment system is functional, featuring built-in Alexa and navigation, but the navigation instructions do not integrate well with the Head-Up Display (HUD). Ultimately, the reviewer suggests that while the Taycan might be the better overall car for practicality, the Audi's unique aesthetic touches and superior ride quality in performance modes might justify its higher cost for some buyers.