Launched: Audi e-tron GT Line-Up – 488 KM Range, From RM587,990

Audi e-tron GT quattro with Dynamic Package.

After an initial preview held earlier this year, the Audi e-tron GT all-electric sports saloon has officially entered the local market today alongside its SUV-bodied Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron cousins. This sees Malaysia standing as the first ASEAN market to have these Audi e-tron offerings on sale officially.

For Malaysia, importers and distributors PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) is offering both the e-tron GT quattro and sporty RS e-tron GT quattro flagship. As noted prior, both underpin an 800-volt chassis architecture that’s not too dissimilar from its cousin the Porsche Taycan.

Malaysia now stands as the first in ASEAN to have both the e-tron GT and Q8 e-tron models on sale.

The sleek design in both is intentional, with Audi touting drag coefficiency as low as 0.24. Aiding which are advanced active aerodynamics elements including controllable inlets for the brakes, Air Curtains guiding airflow around the vehicle minimising turbulence and boosting thermal management, as well as a rear spoiler that extends to two positions for optimum airflow depending on the driving situation.

Both harness similar dual-motor and all-wheel-drive (AWD) setups – with different states of tune – juiced by an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. PHSAM says a full charge should grant at least 488 KM of travel in the e-tron GT quattro. Besides regular AC charging, both also accepts rapid DC charging inputs as high as 270 kW, the latter allowing 0-80% recharges in just 22.5 minutes too according to Audi.

Audi RS e-tron GT stands as the peppiest and quickest in the line-up, offering 646 PS and 820 NM in boost mode.

Both the RS-badged flagship and Dyanmic Package-equipped e-tron GT share a sporty cabin lined with Nappa leather Dinamica upholstety, as well as trims in gloss carbon and matte carbon twill.

In full boost mode, which lasts just 2.5 seconds, the base e-tron GT quattro model sees its motors output as high as 530 PS and 640 NM combined, thus allowing rapid 0-100 KM/H sprints in just 4.1 seconds. The sportier flagship RS e-tron GT quattro, on the other hand, betters things with up to 646 PS and 820 NM available in boost mode, thus allowing for an even quicker century sprint time of 3.3 seconds instead.

Besides performance, what sets both the base e-tron GT quattro and sporty RS e-tron GT quattro variants apart are several key features and kit. For instance, the sportier RS model gets a rear-axle diff-lock feature instead of an open diff found in the base e-tron GT. The sportier flagship also sees rear-wheel-steering primed as standard, as is an adaptive air suspension suit that can raise and lower the ride height rapidly.

84 kWh battery in both accepts rapid DC charging inputs as high 270 kW, which enables 0-80% charges in just 22.5 minutes.

Another key difference lie in the front brakes, whereby the peppier RS-badged flagship benefits with six-pot calipers and 410 mm cast-iron rotors with a tungsten carbide coating for increased braking ability and lower wear as opposed to the base e-tron GT’s use of 360 MM traditional steel rotors and six-pot calipers. Said higher-end brakes can however be optioned in the e-tron GT via the optional Dynamic Package.

Speaking of which, the Dynamic Package option allows customers to spec out the e-tron GT with a number of additional goodies. Besides the beefier brakes mentioned, it also adds intelligent Audi laser lights, lightweight carbon roof, red-painted brake callipers, Nappa leather and Dinamica upholstery and trim for the cabin, glossy carbon appearance package with decorative inserts in matte carbon twill, a Bang & Olufsen premium 3D audio hi-fi system, , and a Head-Up Display (HUD).

Base e-tron GT doesn't get a sporty cabin, but does feature the high-tech Audi live cockpit layout and display setup featuring a 12.3-inch hi-res driver's display.

At the rear, the e-tron GT's all-LED rear lights also feature Audi's striking new signal
repeater sequence.

What’s shared in both though is the novel e-tron sports sound. This sees a series of high-quality digital sounds generated by speakers inside and outside the car. Tied into the Audi drive select system, drivers can select the type of sound they want the e-tron GT to exude. This ranges from an almost inaudible in efficiency profile to a powerful, sporty and voluminous expression.

Also shared  is the Audi virtual cockpit plus layout featuring a configurable 12.3-inch hi-res driver’s display, 18-way power-adjustable sports seats with built-in ventilation, Audi LED matrix forward lighting (e-tron GT quattro), and the distinct LED rear lighting with Audi’s signature new signal repeater sequence.

RS e-tron GT is also exclusively primed with an adaptive air suspension system.

Available in Kemora Gray, Suzuka Gray, Tango Red, Mythos Black, Daytona Gray, Ascari Blue, Floret Silver, Ibis White and Tactical Green, both the Audi e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT quattro are now available for orders through PHSAM and its network of authorised dealers.

As for prices, the base Audi e-tron GT quattro commands RM597,990 sans insurance and on-road-costs. Said figure raises to RM661,990 with the Dynamic Package option included. The sportier RS e-tron GT quattro flagship, on the other hand, sits at the very top with its figure of RM787,990.

Included in said prices are a 2-year, unlimited mileage warranty plus a separate 8-year or 160,000 KM EV warranty.  Customers can opt to extend coverage through the Audi Assurance Package option that adds 3-year vehicle warranty and a RM1,000 JomCharge complimentary voucher.