5 degrees of separation between the Audi RS and e-tron

Are sporty electric vehicles so far removed from internal combustion-powered ones? 

Audi Philippines believes otherwise, boasting that the German carmaker's high-performance RS range and fully electric e-tron models share five exciting features. 

The RS range is developed by Audi Sport at the legendary Nurbürgring track. These vehicles are "defined by distinct designs that are matched by everyday functionality and sporting capabilities," Audi Philippines stated.

The local RS bunch is currently composed of the Audi RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Coupe and Sportback, RS 6 Avant and RS Q3 Sportback, RS Q8, and the flagship R8 supercar — with several more scheduled to be added soon, the local Audi company announced. 

Meanwhile, the recently launched e-tron range underscores the carmaker's push to make "sustainability as the new luxury." The e-tron SUV, e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT are plugged to be as green as they are dynamic. 

And so, how are the racetrack-bred RS models and the zero-emission e-tron range — particularly with the RS e-tron GT — similar, despite having different power plants?

Let's go through the five features that make these cars similar. 

1. Permanent all-wheel drive

First released over 40 years ago — and with which Audi dominated World Rally and countless other motorsports series — Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system is said to still provide excellent handling and traction. 

The quattro system delivers power to all four wheels, while varying to amount each wheel or axle receives. Every RS model is fitted with quattro, and the technology is adapted in the Audi e-tron EVs via an electric all-wheel drive system with electric torque vectoring.

2. Adaptive suspension

In Audi RS cars, the RS adaptive suspension uses various control mechanisms that adjusts the suspension’s characteristics, ride height via preset modes, and, well, adapt to road conditions and even the driver’s preferences.

In certain e-tron models, their adaptive suspension system also offers that kind of adjustability to ensure a smooth ride. During more dynamic drives, the suspension also reduces the movement of the car’s body, resulting in a controlled and stable ride.

3. Driving modes

Through the Audi drive select, certain RS models can offer any of three suspension and performance settings — Comfort, Auto and Dynamic. Drivers can also configure their own settings. 

 

The Audi e-tron models are allowed this same flexibility.  Drivers are able to tune  how the fully electric vehicles’ motors, transmission, and dampers respond to situations. Four driving modes are available in the Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT — Comfort, Efficiency, Dynamic, and Individual.

4. Intelligent lighting technologies

Both Audi RS and e-tron models boast of Audi’s LED matrix headlights. These high-tech lights change their pattern so that oncoming drivers are not blinded, while continuing to illuminate the road ahead.

Also offered in e-tron models are digital LED matrix headlights that illuminate in high resolution, and can even project signature light patterns on the ground, or on a wall facing the vehicle.

As if that isn't advanced enough, there's Audi laser light, standard on the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT. The system doubles the range of the high beam — it projects light up to a kilometer ahead — but will automatically reduce the distance if it detects other road users.

5. Advanced infotainment and connectivity

Central to the cabins of the RS and e-tron models are the MMI touch response operating concept and Audi Virtual Cockpit.

The MMI touch response allows access to infotainment and convenience functions, including advanced parking assistance. The system also displays functions in high-resolution graphics, and carries menu structure and an interface identical to smartphones for ease of use. The MMI touch response also haptic feedback and voice command operation. 

Complementing this is the Audi Virtual Cockpit, another high-resolution touchscreen display serving as the vehicle’s fully digital instrument cluster. It shows speed, navigation maps, and other driver assistance systems, in different views selectable through the multifunction steering wheel. 

Indeed, there's only five degrees of separation between the RS and e-tron range. 

Photos from Audi