RS e-tron GT

The south of the island is made to be listened to: the wind on the panoramic road between Chia and Teulada, the flamingos in the lagoons of Nora, the hush of the coves at first light. The RS e-tron GT is the only car in our fleet that never interrupts any of it. The Cagliari–Chia–Villasimius grand tourer itinerary might have been written for it: short distances, unbroken views, wide corners to be taken in one fluid line.

There is a practical advantage too: Sardinian distances are ideal for an electric car. Cagliari to Chia is under fifty kilometres, and the car recharges while you dine or sleep. Guests starting from the capital often choose Audi delivery directly in Cagliari, at the airport or at the hotel, and build the southern loop from there.

The numbers say nearly 600 hp and 0–100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, but it is the how that stays with you: the torque from the two motors arrives whole in the very instant you brush the pedal, without a tenth of a second's hesitation. At the rear axle works a two-speed gearbox — a rarity in the electric world: first gear is dedicated to the pure launch, and second cuts in with a small kick that gives the surge an almost mechanical flavour.

Nor is it mute: the e-tron sport sound underscores acceleration with a deep, futuristic signature, audible inside and outside the cabin. The battery in the floor drops the centre of gravity below that of many petrol sports cars: through direction changes the GT stays planted, the steering is dense with feel, and ride comfort — courtesy of the air suspension — is pure flagship. Four adults travel as if in armchairs.

The 800-volt architecture allows rapid charging at the high-power stations along the island's main arteries: the time it takes to drink a coffee, and you set off again with a great deal more road in the battery. For typical holiday use — beaches, dinners, day trips — an overnight charge wherever you are staying is usually all it takes. At handover we give you an overview of the useful charging points along your route.

Our example is finished in Tactical Green, a matte, military-chic shade that — on bodywork sculpted by the wind, one of the most aerodynamic designs Audi has ever signed — quite literally stops passers-by. It is the right choice for standing apart from the usual sports cars: you will find it alongside the other luxury sedans for rent in Sardinia. Check availability via the WhatsApp concierge.