Audi packages are nothing new, but their growing electric car division has seen some new options introduced. On their flagship electric model, the e-tron GT, Audi has added the Performance Package. Available on both the e-tron GT and the RS e-tron GT, this options pack combines some impressive visual and mechanical upgrades with a couple of surprises.
But what exactly is included in the performance package, and how much does it cost? In this article, we’ve broken down what features you get with the pack in detail to show you exactly what you’re getting for your money. Finally, we’ve given our own thoughts on whether the performance package is worth the cost.
Let’s get started!
What’s included in the Audi Performance package?
E-tron GT
- 20″ 5-double-spoke design wheels, bi-color black finish w/ summer tires
- HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi laser light
- Animation for headlights and taillights
- Matte carbon atlas inlays
- Black exterior elements and mirror housings
- Power steering plus
- e-torque vectoring plus
- Rear-wheel steering
RS e-tron GT
- Animation for headlights and taillights
- HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi laser light
- Black Audi rings and badges
- Power steering plus
- Carbon fiber door sill inlays, illuminated
- Rear-wheel steering
- Carbon fiber exterior side sill inlays
As you can see from the features available on each model, the Performance package improves a few key areas:
Bi-Color Design Wheels
With the performance package on the e-tron GT model, the standard alloy wheels are upgraded to bi-color designs with black features. This isn’t a major upgrade; the tires are the same, but the different designs might appeal more.
We always look at aftermarket options alongside the manufacturer’s selection for upgraded wheels. There are a lot of features in the performance pack, but if your main focus is improved alloys, it might be best to look at options once you have your Audi.
Overall though, we do prefer the design of these allow wheels against the standard versions, so it’s an incentive to choose the performance package.
Matrix Headlights with Audi Laser Light
In the past few years, the automotive industry has gone mad with upgraded lights, and almost every brand has its own name for headlight technology. Audi’s offerings are Matrix headlights, which incorporates improved LED technology, with an automated detection system to ‘direct’ the light where it’s needed.
The Matrix system allows your Audi to detect what is on the road ahead, and shut off parts of the headlights to avoid interfering with other vehicles. This means you’ll be able to see the whole road, but the car in front won’t be blinded.
The most impressive part is that this tech actually works exactly as Audi states. Many of these automotive ‘upgrades’ tend to be fancy names with small improvements, but the Matrix system is the real deal.
This system is combined with the latest Audi laser light technology, which increases light intensity and helps massively with visibility. Overall, this feature is one we’d love to see on more of the Audi range in the future.
Headlight and Taillight Animation
Sticking with the theme of the headlights here, the next performance pack upgrade is animated lights. We’ve seen the practical improvements with the Matrix system, but if you ask most drivers what the most recognizable part of Audi’s lighting is, they would probably say the animations.
The video below will show you some of the animations available on the e-tron GT models, and the system comes with more setups than this. It’s hard to see the purpose of this feature, but it’s still going to impress friends and onlookers when you need to.
Rear-Wheel Steering
Rear-wheel steering is probably the feature of the performance pack that’ll make the most difference for drivers. Rear wheel steering setups assist at both low-speed maneuvers and high-speed stability.
Rear wheel steering (RWS) systems work by allowing the rear wheels to make small turns depending on your situation. At lower speeds when you’re reversing into a parking space, the RWS turns in an opposite direction to the front wheels, to help steer into the space easier. At higher speeds, the RWS turns slightly with the front wheels when cornering to help stabilize the car.
How much does the Performance package cost?
The current Performance Package is only available on two Audi models; the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT. Costs are different as the features change between models, but the current cost for the Performance Package in the US is:
E-tron GT: $5,900
RS e-tron GT: $6,450
Is the Performance package worth it?
For over $5,000, this pack’s true value must be the Matrix headlights and the rear wheel steering. There are some solid visual upgrades; the alloy wheels are a welcome change, and the carbon fiber always adds something to the cabin. These are minor details, though, and we’d be surprised to see many owners desperate for illuminated door sills.
Overall, the lighting technology and the RWS definitely make us stop and think about the performance package. It’s a lot of money, but these are expensive Audis, so you should expect to pay a premium. The e-tron is already a fantastic car, and if we had to make that decision, we’d probably choose the performance pack on our Audi e-tron GT.
If you liked this post and want to find out more about Audi, and packages from other Manufacturers, check out the links below:
The Audi Warm Weather Package Explained
BMW Dynamic Handling Package Explained
Mercedes Driver Assistance Package Explained
Audi Black Optic Package Explained
