As my lease on my 2022 RS e-tron GT nears its end in early 2025, the search for my next car begins, and the bar is set incredibly high. My experience with the RS e-tron GT has been nothing short of exceptional. Lowering it by 10mm, upgrading to Michelin Pilot Sport 4Ss tires, and boosting the horsepower to 800hp transformed it into a truly personalized performance machine. The attention to detail, from the custom paint to the deviated stitching in the interior, has made it a car I deeply appreciate. The E Tron Gt 0-60 mph time in its enhanced state is breathtaking, making every drive an exhilarating experience.
Before settling on the e-tron GT, the Lucid Air Grand Touring was a strong contender, but the absence of attractive lease options at the time steered me towards Audi. Now, with more appealing lease terms and the benchmark for power seemingly shifting towards the 1000hp mark, the Lucid Air Sapphire has emerged as a frontrunner. However, my focus isn’t solely on raw power. Driving dynamics and handling are paramount. Therefore, any test drive of the Sapphire would be deliberately limited to the 800hp mode to genuinely assess its agility and suspension, ensuring it’s not just about brute force. Unleashing the full 1000hp beast might simply overshadow the nuances of the driving experience I value.
The allure of a lease on the new Performance e-tron GT model is undeniable, especially with its impressive 925hp right out of the factory. The prospect of unlocking a full-time 1100hp with aftermarket enhancements, similar to my current RS e-tron GT upgrade, is incredibly tempting. Audi’s extensive customization options, including a carbon fiber roof, bespoke leather colors, and a wide array of unique exterior paint choices, allow for creating a truly personalized vehicle. I’ve already configured a potential build reaching $212,000, showcasing the breadth of personalization available.
The Porsche Taycan, particularly the Turbo to Turbo GT variants, remains a strong contender in this high-performance EV arena. Delving into the J1 platform shared by the current GTS, Turbo, Turbo S, and Audi RS e-tron GT reveals a common foundation, primarily differentiated by software tuning. The Taycan Turbo, I believe, possesses the potential to achieve similar horsepower figures to the Turbo GT with some adjustments, perhaps sacrificing top speed – a trade-off I’m willing to consider given my priorities. Porsche’s challenge lies in their less flexible ordering process and dealer interactions, often complicated by PTS allocations and inflated pricing. However, the current market dynamics might present some compelling deals. While the Turbo GT offers fewer customization options, potentially capping the price around $240,000, the Taycan Turbo S, when fully optioned, can reach similar figures yet suffer significant depreciation. Where Porsche unequivocally excels is in steering and driving dynamics, a crucial aspect for my next vehicle.
The Lucid Air Sapphire, in contrast, arrives in a near-perfect, fully-optioned state, eliminating the temptation for endless customization. The hope is that by 2025, Lucid will offer more enticing leasing programs. Rumors suggest that Lucid might have only sold about half of their initial 150 Sapphire allocation, potentially indicating a greater willingness to negotiate lease terms in the future.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on balancing power, handling, customization, and lease terms. Each of these EVs presents a compelling package, and the next couple of years will be crucial in observing how these models evolve and how manufacturers adjust their offerings in the competitive EV landscape.
