Previewed: Audi e-tron GT Line-up – 3 Variants, Up to 501 KM Range, From RM559K*

Audi Malaysia, under the stewardship of PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM), are now accepting orders for the new and fully electric Audi e-tron GT sports saloon. Previewed earlier this week, this alternative to the Porsche Taycan is set to woo prospects seeking a slightly different flavour from its Porsche cousin.

A total of three variations are now offered starting with a base Audi e-tron GT quattro, followed by an up-specced Audi e-tron GT quattro with Dynamic Package, whilst the Audi RS e-tron GT performance flagship sits at the very top. Each are tentatively priced at RM559,000, RM643,000, and between RM749,000 and RM769,000, respectively.

All three underpin the same J1 800-volt chassis architecture as its made-in-Stuttgart cousin, which features a dual-motor setup – one over each axle – and an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery pack juicing it. The latter can be charged via both regular AC and rapid DC charging, with the latter accepting inputs as high as 270 kW to allow 5-80% charges in just 22.5 minutes.

Through the latter rapid charging method, Audi says a five-minute charge should grant at least 100 KM of travel. The firm adds that a full charge should grant a total travel range of up to 501 KM as well.

As for outputs, both non-RS variants serve up 469 HP (or 350 kW) and 630 NM of twist, but the latter can raise up to 523 HP (or 390 kW) momentarily in Boost mode. The RS-badged flagship, on the other hand, offers higher outputs of 590 HP (or 440 kW) and 830 NM instead, the former also able to be raised up to 523 HP (or 390 kW) momentarily in Boost mode.

The result of which is blistering performance, evident through the e-tron GT quattro’s ability to despatch 0-100 KM/H in just 4.1 seconds whilst enroute towards an electronically governed V-max of 245 KM/H. The RS e-tron GT flagship, on the other hand, betters things with its 3.3 seconds century sprint time and higher limited V-max of 250 KM/H.

On board, the interior’s styling is rather ‘conventional’, but there’s plenty of high-end trim materials plus high-tech kit in the mix. Upholstery choices are also varied, though the Dynamic Package will offer Nappa/Dinamica upholstery. The standard leather-free design package, on the other hand, sees greater use of recycled materials as well.

As for tech, highlights include the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch digital instrument panel plus a 10.1-inch central touchscreen display primed with MMI Navigation Plus. Other standard kit include tri-zone climate control.

Opt for the Dynamic Package and the cabin is primed further with a premium Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system on board. As for the exterior, this package also primed the e-tron GT with a carbon roof plus red-finished brake calipers to elevate its stance further.

The flagship RS e-tron GT, on the other hand, features decorative inserts primed in the cabin finished in matte carbon twill. This comes on top of other additions such as gloss carbon fibre exterior trims package, adaptive air suspension, as well as both all-wheel steering and quattro e-AWD with rear differential lock to heighten its agility and handling further.

On the safety and driver assistance front, Audi pre sense systems as standard across the board. It includes the usual tech such as lane departure warning and mitigation, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, amongst many other things.

According to PHSAM, the e-tron GT range will officially launch in the second quarter (Q2) of this year. Adding to that, the firm also reiterates that specially-tailored after-sales coverage programs are being developed specifically for the brand’s entire e-tron EV range – Q8 e-tron SUVs included. Details of which should surface closer towards said launch.