2023 Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT previewed in Malaysia - Launching mid-2023, from RM 559k

Roughly a month after opening their registration books, PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM), the official distributor of Audi cars in Malaysia, has pulled the covers off the company’s flagship EV model, the 2023 Audi e-tron GT.

Touted as the EV that will spearhead Audi and Audi Sport's EV model salvo globally, three variants of the e-tron GT model have been announced for the Malaysian market, before their official launch in the Q2 of 2023.

For now though, the order books are officially opened for the following e-tron GT variants at the following estimated prices:

• e-tron GT quattro and e-tron GT quattro with Dynamic Package: RM 559k to RM 643k
• RS e-tron GT: RM749k to RM 769k

However, the range-topping RS e-tron GT was made available during the preview. Alongside PHSAM has also announced order taking for four variants of the Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback. 

If the e-tron GT models bear some semblance to the Porsche Taycan, well that is because the e-tron GT models share the same purpose-built EV platform, as well as the former's 800 V electrical architecture and sophisticated (4-circuit cooling) thermal management system. 

Also read: Launching in Malaysia soon - ROI open for Audi Q8 e-tron and e-tron GT

The e-tron GT models are powered by two PSM motors (permanently excited synchronous motors), one on each axle that output 476 PS and 530 Nm in the e-tron GT variant and 598 PS and a whopping 830 Nm of torque RS e-tron GT range-topper. Like the Taycan also, the e-tron GT models also feature a 2-speed transmission on the rear axle.

In both cases an overboost function is available which bumps power to 530 PS and 640 Nm in the e-tron GT and 646 PS (torque unchanged) in the RS e-tron GT. The boost function lasts for 2.5 seconds.

Put the hammer down and the RS e-tron GT will complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.3 seconds, and keep accelerating to a top speed of 250 km/h.  

Powering both the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT is an 84 kWh (93 kWh gross) lithium-ion battery located between the front and rear axles. With the battery fully charged the e-tron GT models claimed to have a driving range of up to 501 km.

Also read: Thinking man's Lambo Urus is here - Audi RS Q8 launched in Malaysia, RM 1.69m

The following are the equipment highlights of the e-tron GT variants:

e-tron GT quattro

• Sports seats pro
• 20-inch wheels 
• quattro e-AWD with open rear differential
• Active damper control
• Active Cruise Control

e-tron GT quattro with Dynamic Package

• Carbon roof
• 22 kW onboard AC charger
• Steel brakes with tungsten carbide coating
• Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with 3D sound
• Head Up Display

RS e-tron GT

• glossy carbon package
• Adaptive air suspenion
• All-wheel steering
• quattro e-AWD with rear differential lock

The car can achieve a peak charging rate of up to 270 kW at a sufficiently powerful DC terminal. The RS e-tron GT is also capable of a maximum brake recuperation of up to 265 kW.

In terms of design, the e-tron GT highlights a new design language that combines modern lines and proportions with traditional Audi styling cues. An example of this is the unique (inverted) Singleframe grille which reinterprets the classic honeycomb pattern grille, contrasting the blistered wheel arches, a characteristic design element of the original Audi Quattro. 

According to Audi, the RS e-tron GT's wide and low body achieves an overall drag coefficient of just 0.24. 

On the inside, the RS e-tron GT is designed to exude a spacious, driver-focussed, yet comfortable cockpit. In terms of equipment, the RS e-tron GT features a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit instrument display and a 10.1-inch MMI touch display as standard.  

For now at least, the e-tron GT's Over-The-Air (OTA) feature, which allows the e-tron GT to receive periodic software and equipment updates through the myAudi application is not enabled for Malaysian market vehicles. 

Ahead of the official e-tron range launch, PHSAM will be developing aftersales and warranty programs specifically catered for its electric range. The e-tron GT range arrives fully imported from Audi's Neckarsulm plant in Germany. Following the preview, PHSAM expects the earliest deliveries to begin in mid-2023.