Audi e-tron GT

The Audi e-tron GT has officially broken cover in Malaysia, unveiled ahead of its range’s planned introduction in Q2 of 2023.

Sharing a strand of DNA with the Porsche Taycan, it underpins the same J1 Performance platform, 800-V electrical architecture and thermal management system (4-circuit cooling).

Order books are opened, and PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) is offering the all-electric four-door coupe in two variants.

Audi e-tron GT quattro (MYR 559,000 to MYR 569,000) with Dynamic Package (MYR 633,000 to MYR 643,000), and Audi RS e-tron GT (MYR 749,000 to MYR 769,000).

Nine exterior colours available. Ibis White, Ascari Blue, Floret Silver, Kemora Gray, Mythos Black, Suzuka Gray, Tactical Green, Tango Red and Daytona Grey.

Refined, Sculpted and three-dimensional, the new e-tron GT has a driver centric and borderline performance-oriented cockpit. 

Standard is a two-toned black and brown dashboard that sees the upper section in leatherette, and the remaining surfaces accentuated in fine paint finish.

The e-tron GT quattro with Dynamic Package upgrades to Nappa leather and Dinamica microfiber combo, and the RS e-tron GT furthers it with Matte Carbon Twill inserts.

It gets a 12.3-Inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus digital instrument cluster with Classic, Sport, and e-tron displays as standard. 

The e-tron GT quattro with Dynamic Package and the RS e-tron GT add on a Heads-Up Display (HUD).

The standard upholstery is dark brown perforated leatherette combination with honeycomb stitching. 

For the e-tron GT quattro with Dynamic Package and RS e-tron GT, they upgrade to Nappa leather and Dinamica microfiber combination with honeycomb stitching.

Also standard, the front gets the Sports Seats Pro with 18-way electric adjustment, pneumatic side bolsters, climate control and driver side memory function, and the rear gets a 40:20:40 split-folding configuration.

Front and rear occupants have enough space, snug and comfortable. Considering it to have a compact build, it offers sufficient head, leg and shoulder room.

Fitted as standard is a sports-contoured 3-spoke, flat-bottomed leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters. The RS e-tron GT adds a heating function.

It has practical spaces like a centre console storage box, compartmentalised spaces, medium sized glove box, seat back and side door pockets.

Load capacity is 405-Litres (e-tron GT quattro), and 350-Litres (RS e-tron GT). For extra loading, standard is a front trunk (frunk – 81-Litres), and also a roof storage (75 KG).

Weighing in at 2,276 KG, the new e-tron GT stands at 4,989 MM long, 1,964 MM wide, 1,413 MM (e-tron GT quattro), 1,414 MM (RS e-tron GT) tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,900 MM.

Highlighting a new design language, the front end combines modern lines and proportions with traditional Audi styling cues. 

Unique is the inverted and closed-off single frame grille, which reinterprets the classic honeycomb pattern grille of the original Audi Quattro. 

Then, it’s decked with the Black Appearance Package (e-tron GT quattro) getting piano black accents, and with Glossy Carbon Fibre Package (RS e-tron GT) getting carbon fibre accents.

Overall, the front end exudes a sporty and rugged exterior that is aggressive and commanding looking.

Complementing the front, its rear further provides the athletic appeal with sharp, minimalistic and seamless contours. 

Exuding a jointless design, the bumper extends to the sides giving the body a muscular shoulder section.

Apart from the sporty black bumper integrated diffuser, the main highlight is the retractable spoiler, which can electronically extend to two positions. 

At speeds of 90 KM/H, it extends to the first position (Eco), and at 170 KM/H, it shifts to the second position (Performance).

Forming a seamless one-piece layout with the surrounding black elements, the head lamps are angularly shaped and slanted inwards, projecting a very focused set of eyes.

Standard fitments are full LED units. The e-tron GT quattro (Dynamic Package) and RS e-tron GT upgrade to Matrix LED units with Audi laser light.

A one-piece design, the arrow-esque style tail lamps stretch from left to right, connected by a slim lightbar across the tailgate.

Standard fitments are LED combination units with dynamic turn signals. The e-tron GT quattro (Dynamic Package) and RS e-tron GT add on a unique lighting scheme.

For the e-tron GT quattro, a set of 20-Inch black five-spoke aerodynamic module style, diamond-turned alloy rims, wrapped in 245/45 R20 (front) and 285/40 R20 (rear) tyres. 

Whereas, for the RS e-tron GT, a set of 21-Inch black five-twin-spoke concave module style alloy rims, wrapped in 265/35 R21 (front) and 305/30 R21 (rear) tyres.

Installed is a 10.1-Inch central touchscreen display, supporting the Audi Connect Navigation and Infotainment System, Audi Smartphone Interface with Audi Phone Box Light and MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch. 

It rides standard with an electric all-wheel drive system, featuring a quattro with open rear differential (e-tron GT quattro), and quattro with controlled rear differential lock and all-wheel steering (RS e-tron GT).

Juicing up the e-motors is a 93.4-KWH Lithium-Ion battery, consisting of 396 pouch-cells arranged in 33 modules.

It provides up to 458 KM of driving range and 21.6-KWH/100 KM combined consumption for the e-tron GT quattro, and 447 KM and 22.1-KWH/100 KM for the RS e-tron GT.

With an 800-V system, it supports DC fast charging up to 270-KW, at which a five-minute charge time will provide up to 100 KM of range.

Meanwhile, AC charging (Type 2) up to 22-KW, takes just 22.5 minutes to complete a 5% to 80% state of charge (SoC).

As for accessibility, it comes with charging ports on both sides of the body. The left is for AC charging and the right side for DC.

The new Audi e-tron GT exudes an all-around sporty and energy filled build, a perfect embodiment of Audi's mastery in design and engineering.

Although special in their own ways, both the variants offer supercar performance and handling, absolute luxury appointment and state-of-the-art technology.

Overall, inside and out the build quality is excellent, and with its distinctive outlook and energising powertrain, the new e-tron GT is definitely an Audi to have.