As an enthusiast looking to upgrade from my 2022 RS e-tron GT lease in 2025, the focus remains sharply on exhilarating performance and sophisticated electric vehicles. Having enhanced my current RS e-tron GT with a 10mm lowering kit, Michelin Pilot Sport 4Ss tires, and an impressive 800hp upgrade, the benchmark for my next car is exceptionally high. The allure of custom paint finishes and bespoke interior details, like deviated stitching and color-matched seatbelts, are also crucial aspects in my next automotive choice.
Initially, the Lucid Air Grand Touring was a strong contender. However, the absence of attractive lease options led me to the e-tron GT. Now, with compelling lease terms and the burgeoning 1000hp standard in the hyper-EV segment, the Lucid Sapphire has captured my attention. A test drive in the 800hp mode would be essential to evaluate its handling and suspension, as unleashing its full power might overshadow the nuances of other vehicles. Driving dynamics are paramount – horsepower alone is not the sole determinant.
The new Performance e-tron GT, boasting 925hp (and potentially unlockable 1100hp with aftermarket enhancements), presents a particularly appealing lease prospect. Audi’s extensive customization program, including a carbon fiber roof, bespoke leather colors, and a wide array of exterior paint choices, allows for a highly personalized vehicle. A meticulously configured Performance e-tron GT can reach a price point of around $212,000, offering a blend of luxury and performance. When considering the e-tron GT 0-60 time, it’s crucial to acknowledge its impressive acceleration figures right from the factory, even before considering any power upgrades.
The Porsche Taycan model range, from the Turbo to the Turbo GT, is another compelling avenue. Delving into the J1 platform reveals that the current GTS, Turbo, Turbo S, and Audi RS e-tron GT share fundamental underpinnings, primarily differentiated by software tuning. The Taycan Turbo, in theory, could achieve comparable horsepower to a Turbo GT, albeit possibly sacrificing top speed – a less critical factor for my driving preferences. However, navigating the Porsche ordering process and dealer network can be challenging, particularly with Paint-to-Sample (PTS) allocations and often inflated pricing. Current market dynamics, however, are presenting surprisingly favorable deals. While the Turbo GT offers fewer customization options, potentially capping its price around $240,000, the depreciation on a highly optioned Turbo S (easily reaching the high $200,000s) can be substantial. Porsche’s undeniable strength lies in its steering and driving dynamics, setting an unmatched benchmark in the EV sector. The e-tron GT 0-60 is certainly quick, but the Taycan’s handling prowess is often cited as superior.
The Lucid Sapphire, conversely, arrives in a comprehensive specification, leaving little room for additional options to complicate the decision. Optimistically, Lucid will introduce more enticing leasing programs by 2025. Speculation suggests Lucid has sold only about half of its initial 150 Sapphire allocations, which might incentivize more attractive lease offerings.
Seeking insights and perspectives on these compelling electric supercar options as I approach my next car purchase in 2025.
