Though we may take it for granted; at any one time, an internal combustion vehicle has over 2,000 moving parts spinning, whirring or banging about as it goes down the road. In comparison, an EV has approximately 18.

About half a tonne (or more) of metal, rubber and plastic all come together at the twist of a key to create a symphony of movement that generates sound, heat, vibration and energy. With air and fluids coursing through them, how these components come together (or lack thereof), creates an unmistakable experience. The howl of an Alfa Romeo 'Busso' V6, the gasp of a Honda VTEC engine at high revs, or the raucous pops of an Audi 2.5-litre five-pot at full boost.

However, neither of the above can hold a candle to the efficiency of an EV; internal combustion engines are noisy, unruly, and inefficient. But, as flawed as they are, you can bet they have character. Having sampled the current Audi e-tron EV range, one may wonder if Audi has done something no other carmaker has – engineered EVs with character and perhaps even soul embedded in them. Let’s get into it.

Overview - Audi is going all in on EVs

Following a preview earlier this year, the full Audi e-tron range launch came full circle in June 2023, with official distributor PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) introducing seven variants across four models.

Also read: Audi Malaysia's e-tron range launched; e-tron GT from RM 601k, Q8 e-tron from RM 398k, Sportback from RM 404k

Trust us, it gets confusing given Audi's naming convention, so here’s a handy list for you:

• Q8 e-Tron advanced 50 quattro: RM 397,790
• Q8 e-Tron S Line 55 quattro: RM 488,790
• Q8 Sportback e-tron advanced 50 quattro: RM 403,790
• Q8 Sportback e-tron S Line 55 quattro: RM 498,790
• e-tron GT quattro: RM 600,790
• e-tron GT quattro with Dynamic Package: RM 679,790
• RS e-tron GT: RM 808,790

All listed prices are OTR, sans insurance, inclusive of the extended Audi Assurance Package (AAP). Moving forward, the PHSAM will be introducing its flagship SQ8, and the Q6 e-tron in due course.

Also read: Audi Malaysia's product offensive to continue with 2 more EV launches: SQ8 e-tron, Q6 e-tron

As for the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback E-Tron, they are offered in two variants, the advanced 50 quattro which outputs 340 PS and 664 Nm from two electric motors (AWD) that are juiced up by an 89 kWh battery. The driving range is pegged at 410 km.

The Q8 e-tron S line 55 offers more power, at 408 PS and 664 Nm and is juiced by a larger 106 kWh battery. The claimed range is 481 km.

The e-tron GT, which shares its J1 platform with the Porsche Taycan, is powered by two PSM motors, one on each axle delivering 476 PS and 530 Nm. In the RS e-tron variant, the wick is turned up to 598 PS and a whopping 830 Nm of torque. In both cases, the e-tron GT models 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.

Powering both the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT is a 93.4 kWh lithium-ion battery located between the front and rear axles. With the battery fully charged the e-tron GT claims a max driving range of 501 km, whilst the RS e-tron GT will cover a maximum of 495 km.

Audi is going in big on EVs, and given the current tax incentives structure, for the first time, they're on a level playing field with its immediate competitors, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. At least until the end of 2025; even though they don’t have confirmed CKD plans in the immediate future.

In fact, Audi Malaysia expect EV sales to make up 65 percent of sales in 2023; so, as the saying goes, it’s best to make hay while the sun shines.

The short introductory drive would give us a taste of what the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer has in store for the premium EV segment. However, as a caveat, given the relatively short distance of the test drive route, limited time was spent behind the wheel of each vehicle. During the drive, we got to sample the flagship RS e-tron GT, the ‘regular’ e-tron GT, and the Q8 e-tron.

Also read: Audi Malaysia: EV to make up 65 percent of sales in 2023, no CKD plans for now

Audi Q8 E-Tron – Spacious and beautifully engineered all-rounder EV SUV

Perhaps the most important model to spur Audi’s resurgence in Malaysia is the Q8 e-tron, given it is a mid-sized premium SUV, it goes up against the likes of the BMW iX xDrive40 and recently launched Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.

Measuring in at 4,915 mm (length), 1,937 mm (width) and 1,633 mm height, the Q8 e-tron is marginally smaller than the ICE-powered Q8 – at 4,986 mm (length), 1,995 mm (height) and 1,705 mm width) – similar to Merc EQ models, the e-tron EV models are smaller than their ICE counterparts despite sharing the same naming convention.

However, both are underpinned by the same VW Group's MLB Evo platform. With that said, you wouldn’t exactly call the Q8 e-tron small. With a wide stance, nice proportions and sharp styling, the Q8 e-tron and likewise the e-tron Sportback pass off less as EVs and more so like other conventional Audi models.

This may split opinions, with the more edgy EV owners usually preferring more futuristic styling. However, personally, I find the Q8 e-tron SUV duo to be very good-looking; subtle, and sophisticated with a touch of futurism, arguably, it’s also a design that will age gracefully.

Also read: Review: 2023 Audi Q2 in Malaysia - Is it nuts to pay RM 275k? Perhaps there's more to it than just value

On the flip side though, it’s pretty difficult to tell the Q8 e-tron from an e-tron Sportback, unless you have them side by side. With little difference besides the sloped roof and different C-Pillar and rear hatch designs, the two are more or less identical from every other angle.

However, in brief, our first impressions of the Q8 e-tron 50 were superb. Sat behind the wheel, the interior build quality (in typical Audi fashion) is sublime, offering it as much seating comfort as refinement at speed.

The seats are supple yet supportive both at the front and back, whilst the driving position gives you a nicely elevated view of your surroundings.

Split between the two central screens, it’s rather easy to get used to it’s easy to, even the unique gearshifter, which requires you to pivot the shifter mechanism front and back to select gears.

Also read: Review: 2023 Audi A3 Sedan S Line - Ahead of the curve but out of its depth

With 340 PS and 664 Nm of torque, the Q8 e-tron 50 makes light work of cruising at highway speeds. There are ample reserves of power and all it takes is a quick prod of the pedal – which offers ample modulation – to overtake or speed up.

Given it’s smooth and nicely geared for highway cruising, plus additionally, very easy to get to grips with in terms of throttle and brake control, you sometimes forget you are driving an EV in the Q8 e-tron.

Thus, in the same vein as the BMW iX, the Q8 e-tron makes for a beautiful vehicle to transition into for a first-time EV buyer.

Completing the circa-200 km journey from KL to Ipoh, the Q8 e-tron finishes the trip without about 38 percent of juice left in the batteries. This is impressive given the Q8 e-tron wasn’t exactly driven gently.

With most of the drive time limited to highways, we’d have to wait until we can put the Q8 e-tron through its paces on regular roads, stay tuned for a more comprehensive review.

Audi e-tron GT – Love at first sight, which grows once you drive it

From the Q8 e-tron SUV we move on to Audi’s flagship EV, the achingly beautiful Audi e-tron GT. Heck, if it’s good enough for the Ironman, who are we to argue?

For reference, at the RS e-tron GT’s RM 800k pricetag, these are its closest competitors:

• BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport (544 PS/795 Nm): RM 729,800
• Porsche Taycan GTS (598 PS/850 Nm): RM 765,000
• Mercedes-Benz EQS 53 4Matic+ (761 PS/1,020 Nm): RM 798,888

In the case of the ‘regular’ e-tron GT, there are lower-powered and less expensive variants of the above models to contend with as well. For brevity, this report will cover the driven RS and non-RS e-tron GT in general, however, if you’d like to delve deeper, read our comprehensive review of the RS e-tron GT below.

Also read: Review: 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT - The thinking man's Taycan Turbo?

Now of course, given it shares its underpinnings and powertrain with the equally talented Porsche Taycan, it’s difficult to talk about one without mentioning the other, especially now when both are on sale in the Malaysian market.

Having said that, if you have tested both the e-tron GT and Taycan, you’d understand there's where most similarities end.

Whilst the Taycan is a stellar piece of engineering which is brutally quick, the e-tron GT is first and foremost a composed and comfort-orientated four-door GT, and all the better for it.

The seating position is excellent, offering a low posture with legs stretched out, akin to a sports car. Build quality is impeccable too with virtually every surface offering nice tactility and premium quality.

Courtesy of its elevated window line muscular proportions, visibility out the front (and back) isn't as impressive as it is in the Taycan but it’s something you get used to after a while, given the availability of the 360-degree camera.

Once on the move though, the e-tron GT subconsciously shrinks around you, and you hardly notice its size or its weight in normal driving situations. The sense of cohesiveness from the Taycan is present, but the calibration, and more importantly the overall poise - is identifiably Audi.

The steering is light yet quick and precise such that you can guide it through a series of bends with ease. The Taycan still offers more sharpness and feedback compared to the e-tron GT but unless you’re blasting down a track, it won’t make much difference on a daily basis.

However, once you engage Dynamic Mode, the real fun starts, every input and corresponding output are heightened, and the suspension sharpens up whilst the powertrain is tuned to respond to every movement of your right foot.

The overall stability and grip levels are stellar in the e-tron GT, coupled with a pure masterclass of suspension tuning, which makes the e-tron slither through corners with staggering pace and control, despite weighing approximately 2.2 tonnes.

Admittedly, the e-tron GT isn’t as razor-sharp as Taycan, but there is a sporty yet organic demeanour from behind the wheel which ties in with the overarching premise of this article – the e-tron GT almost feels and drives like a conventional car.

Like the Q8 e-tron, the RS e-tron GT and e-tron GT both managed the circa 200 km trip from KL to Ipoh without recharging, which also included a salvo of full-bore launch control starts as an exercise during the drive.

Conclusion

I suppose we live in an era where buying a car means less and less about chassis engineering, steering feedback or powertrains that give a car its striking ability. These days, especially in the realm of EVs, buyers are more concerned with range, battery size and how many screens a manufacturer can stick on a dashboard.

Whilst yes, that should ultimately determine whether a particular model is the right one for you, any car regardless if it's an EV or cheap runabout, should still be able to make you want to get in and drive.

Here's where I believe Audi has truly set itself apart from the competition.

The Q8 e-tron is sophisticated, practical and comfortable, and offers ample performance on any given road. Whilst it contends in a far more competitive segment, it's on par with the competition in terms of its overall pricing and value offering, even with the entry-level Q8 e-tron 50 variant. Also, given it offers good driving range and is easy to get in and drive, it makes for a perfect EV for a first-time buyer.

The e-tron GT likewise builds on this and then some, for its circa RM 600k starting price, you would expect nothing less, but, it's more than just an achingly handsome and powerful EV. This comes down to how the whole package comes together.

Though it isn't without its flaws; it doesn't offer the most power, or the longest range, and arguably isn't as fast as the Taycan. However, where it excels is how it deliberately delivers an addictive yet organic driving experience that is so reminiscent of four-door sports sedans from years gone by.

In many ways, it is the combined culmination of its abilities (and limitations) that give it a sense of character... perhaps even soul! This is why, personally, I would go beyond saying it is a great car, it's perhaps the most charming EV on sale today.