RS e-tron GT

Heralding a new era in electric mobility for the four-ringed marque, Audi's RS e-tron GT delivers an electric powerhouse with dynamism, style and an all-important long range. This is the new age of gran turismo automotive design and of course, Audi are keen to show off their design expertise and technological knowhow in a way few others can.

The result is this, the new flagship of electrification for the brand that continues the emotive, aggressive and angular design ethos we have come to love from the rest of the RS stable. Despite featuring the convenience of four doors, this low, wide and sleek coupé has it all when it comes to packing an aesthetic punch. Heavily designed with aerodynamics at the fore - as with all performance vehicles, but especially electric ones - the profile lends itself to a high performance appearance and the features only add to the visual masterpiece.

Slender headlights rest under the bonnet lip and move angularly down in to the recognisable front grille - which in this case isn't so much needed for cooling purposes as to continue brand identity across all of their cars - which is supported by vast side vents completing the front profile. From here, a number of lines begin their journey back along the sides of the car as well as across the bonnet. All of which aid in the aerodynamic efficiency of the RS e-tron GT, but also add to the stylish aesthetic of the car.

The roofline not only sweeps down to the sleek rear of the car, but also tapers in to the rear revealing bulging rear wheel arches giving a considerable hint to this car's capabilities. Paired with huge wheels and an athletic rear complete with rear light strip that connects the rear light clusters, this is a car that is instantly recognisable as a performance machine and one that will turn heads in any situation. audi.co.uk

With such a visual impact, there needs to be some serious engineering underneath to live up to its appearance. Fortunately Audi's history in electric technology through both existing production vehicles and a rich modern motorsport heritage means they are perfectly placed to engineer a machine suited to its outer shell.

As a result, the two electric motors on the front and rear axles provide a dynamic touring sports car drive that is both comfortable and exciting. Packing 598PS the RS e-tron GT's power can briefly increase to 646PS when in overboost for an even more dynamic launch which will propel you from standing to sixty-two miles per hour in just 3.3 seconds. A torque figure of 630Nm aids in the completion of a swift sprint. When the driver fully depresses the accelerator pedal from a standstill, the two-speed transmission on the rear axle engages first gear and utilises the support from the impressive, lightning fast, electric all-wheel drive for maximum stability and traction.

It's not all take, take. take however as the drive system also performs energy recuperation under braking and will shift into coasting mode when the right foot is raised from the accelerator extending the potential range. And its range is not to be scoffed at. Boasting a maximum range of up to 283 miles - depending on your choice of trim and options - it packs a high-voltage battery which integrates flexible pouch cell technology allowing a net capacity of 84kWh. Thanks to its 800 volts, you can utilise fast direct current (DC) charging up to a maximum of 270 kW. Under ideal conditions, it would take just five minutes to charge for a distance of around 62 miles, and with the e-tron Charging Service, you can charge with alternating and direct current at around 200,000 charging points across Europe using just a single card.

The key component in ensuring a comfortable yet dynamic gran turismo character is of course the suspension. Designed as a sporty double wishbone construction, the wheel suspension has a classic design on the front axle, while the upper wishbones in the rear are divided into individual links with almost all parts being forged or cast from aluminium.

Adaptive air suspension comes as standard on the RS model, activating and deactivating the three-chamber suspension on both front and rear axles depending on the driving situation to accommodate comfort and stability during both smooth and dynamic driving, reducing body movement.

The air suspension can also adjust the body to different heights, lowering it by up to 10 millimeters at a speed of 56mph, and by another 12 millimeters at 112mph. It also works in the opposite direction when driving at a speed below 18.6 mph, whereby you can set a lift mode that raises the body by 20 millimeters, ideal for those larger speed bumps or raised driveways.

Supporting all of this is the electromechanical steering which delivers a sporty and direct ratio of 15.4:1 but without any excessive sharpness to ensure a responsive yet relaxed drive that you can enjoy as a driver. You can also utilise all-wheel steering which is available as an option.

Braking on the RS e-tron GT comes in the shape of six-piston calipers, which are available in red or orange as an option, with 410 millimeter cast-iron disks with a tungsten carbide coating. This Audi carbide brake system increases the braking performance and reduces wear and therefore brake dust. At the same time it prevents flash rust, a typical phenomenon seen in many electric cars that do not use their wheel brakes very often. The optional top-of-theline offering includes brake disks made of carbon fibre ceramic, which are especially lightweight, powerful, and durable with a diameter of 420 millimeters on the front axle and their ten-piston calipers which are painted in grey as standard, or in red or blue as an option.

What makes this car that much more impressive is all of the technology behind how it operates. The controlled rear-axle differential lock for example, which comes as standard with the RS, has a multi-plate clutch at its core which can be actuated audi.co.uk fully variably with the locking range extending from zero to 100 percent. You can perceive this on slippery road surfaces and during maximum full-stop braking in particular, where the lock opens up completely, allowing the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) to brake each wheel with incredible precision. Improving traction and stability, while increasing lateral acceleration and reducing unwanted movement. The rear wheel on the inside of the bend is braked in a targeted manner as the car enters a sharp corner - resulting in the car turning slightly into the bend.

Inside, as we've come to expect from Audi, you will find a huge touchscreen from which you can operate every function imaginable on the car while it does also feature tactile switchgear for a number of options commonly used such as climate control, seat heating and ventilation - a very welcome addition for those warmer days - and parking features including the camera system to assist you at the touch of a button when you find yourself in a tight spot.

This is an engineering masterpiece that blends the electrical with the mechanical in perfect harmony, making the most of Audi's extensive history in automotive design. Delivering a driving experience that can be enjoyed regardless of the trip you are taking and how long it might be, it is a fun on the inside as it is from the outside. Just make sure you know where the next charging point is in case you get a little pedal happy. We won't blame you.