Audi Malaysia has made a grand entrance into the electric vehicle (EV) market, unveiling 4 SUV variants and 3 4-door coupe variants. The priciest EV in Audi Malaysia’s lineup is the Audi RS e-tron GT, a sleek 4-door coupe that shares its underpinnings with another German electric counterpart. I recently had the opportunity to review this top-of-the-line e-tron GT and experience how Audi’s electric vehicle performs on the road.

Right from the start, I was captivated by the e-tron GT’s aesthetics. The vehicle boasts a sleek and handsome fascia, turning heads wherever you go. Its low and wide profile gives the electric car an exotic feel. The surprisingly long front end adds to the traditional sports car driving experience, though estimating the front’s dimensions requires some guesswork.

As part of the RS package, the variant features matrix LED headlights that illuminate the road well in the dark. The front’s sharp design necessitated relocating the radar sensors to the front bumper, which sits quite low. While this may not affect detecting vehicles in front, it might make the sensors susceptible to stone chips if not handled with care. Moving to the rear, the e-tron GT showcases a bulbous yet sexy rear end, exuding an aggressive aura even when stationary.

Beyond the aesthetics, the e-tron GT’s rear sports full LED tail lights connected by a light strip. The taillights, especially at night, resemble a distant spaceship. An intriguing feature is the “dance” the headlights and taillights perform when the vehicle is locked or unlocked. The e-tron GT’s aerodynamic design incorporates features like vents behind the front wheels, a carbon fiber rear diffuser, and a retractable rear wing.

Speaking of carbon fiber, the RS e-tron GT boasts a carbon fiber roof, enhancing weight reduction while maintaining rigidity. Carbon fiber elements extend to the wing mirrors, contributing to the car’s distinctive appearance. The sporty look is further complemented by 21-inch rims with staggered tire sizes—265/35 R21 upfront and a wider 305/30 R21 in the rear.

Stepping inside, the interior, familiar to Audi owners, stands out. It strikes a balance between complexity and ease of navigation. Piano black trims on the dashboard exude a classy vibe, enhanced by the RS package’s addition of carbon fiber trims. The alcantara roof liner and door cards, along with carbon fiber accents, provide a premium and tactile feel.

The dashboard features a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen. The operating system aligns with other Audi models and supports An droid Auto and Apple Carplay. A Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system adds to the top-tier entertainment experience. Ambient lighting enhances the vehicle’s ambience, and the gear lever lights up in an elegant and unique manner. The flat-bottom steering wheel, part of the RS package, adds a sporty touch.

Like other Audi models, the RS e-tron GT offers plush Nappa leather seats. The front bucket seats are snug and comfortable, with multiple adjustment options for the driver. The low seating position provides a cocoon-like feel, and the ergonomic design ensures easy access to the infotainment screen.

The rear seats, while not overly spacious, are acceptable for a sporty vehicle. Designed for two occupants, the rear seat’s central position is challenging for an additional occupant. Legroom is generous, but the upright seat back and sloping roofline limit headroom for taller passengers. The small rear windows may also limit natural light in the cabin. The 350L boot seems small, but its depth creates an illusion of more space. The rear seat can be folded down for added convenience, and a storage compartment under the hood replaces the absence of an engine.

As the most powerful e-tron GT variant, the RS e-tron GT is equipped with two electric motors—one on the front axle and one on the rear. The rear motor even features a 2-speed transmission for a higher top speed. The vehicle is powered by a 93.4 kWh battery with an estimated range of 495 km. Generating 590 hp and 830 Nm of torque, the RS e-tron GT can reach 637 hp on boost. Accelerating from 0-100 km/h takes 3.6 seconds, but on boost, it achieves it in just 3.3 seconds. The 2-speed transmission enables a top speed of 250 km/h.

In terms of performance, the RS e-tron GT rivals supercars with its 3.6-second 0-100 km/h acceleration. Its ability to smoothly navigate lower speeds sets it apart from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The stiff throttle pedal allows precise control, preventing accidental power surges.

In real-world conditions, the RS e-tron GT achieves approximately 380 km on a full charge—a decent range for such a powerful vehicle. Energy consumption averages around 24.4 kWh/100 km, which is considered efficient. The RS e-tron GT is equipped with two charging ports—one for CCS 2 DC charging on the left side and another for AC charging on the right side. Despite having an 800V architecture, the charging speed reaches a maximum of about 150 kW with a 350 kW charger.

Surprisingly, despite its weight, the RS e-tron GT’s ride and handling defy expectations. The air suspension delivers a plush ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections. The vehicle’s low profile can be adjusted to clear road humps. The soft suspension does not compromise stability in corners, thanks to all-wheel steering and all-wheel drive. The cornering limit is impressively high, though the steering’s light feel might benefit from added weight for increased confidence.

Equipped with tungsten carbide-coated brakes, the RS e-tron GT exhibits strong braking power for its weight. However, at lower speeds, modulation can be challenging due to the transition between regenerative and physical brakes. Safety features include a full suite of driver assistance systems, an 8-airbag system, Audi pre sense front and rear, adaptive cruise control, efficiency assist, swerve assist, turn assist, lane departure warning, and front and rear cross-traffic assist.

Priced at RM 808,790.00 with the Audi Assurance Package, the RS e-tron GT may seem steep, but considering current tax structures, it remains a relative bargain. Without tax relief, the RS e-tron GT would exceed RM1 million. Despite the absence of an exhaust note, the RS e-tron GT still attracts attention, turning heads wherever it goes. Driving the e-tron GT can make you feel like you’re living out your Ironman dream, especially if you’re a fan.’

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