PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) officially launches seven fully-electric Audi e-tron models to the Malaysian market - Variants of the Q8 e-tron variants, the e-tron GT & the RS e-tron GT

Yesterday, PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) launched seven fully-electric Audi e-tron models to the Malaysian market.  This is the largest fleet of all-new fully electric vehicles premiering in Malaysia, and is priced from RM383,990 The Audi e-tron range comprises of a family of SUVs, sportbacks and four door coupé. Audi states that the e-tron range is purpose-built in terms of design and performance in mind

Going through the vehicles launched, the Audi Q8 e-tron SUV features a highly efficient aerodynamic form (for a SUV), optimised drivetrain with stronger charging performance and higher battery capacity, providing a range of up to 582 km. The interior of the Q8 e-tron advanced 50 quattro and Q8 e-tron S line 55 quattro provides a first-class seating experience that you'd expect from an Audi SUV. With the rear passenger seats folded, it provides a storage area of up to 1,725 litres.

Also check out the side mirrors that are now camera based with a screen on the door cards.

As for the Q8 e-tron Sportback variants. The fastback or more sloping rear end on the sportier Q8 variant presents a sportier image for the SUV, with an elegant, streamlined silhouette designed for superior aerodynamic efficiency. You still get all the luxury and range like the Q8 e-tron but with a little less space in the glasshouse area of course.

For the e-tron GT Range,  the award-winning e-tron GT coupé reinterprets the classic idea of the gran turismo in the 4 door but still low slung form. The e-tron GT variant consists of the iconic RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT quattro with Dynamic Package and e-tron GT quattro, guaranteeing dynamic driving performance thanks to its revolutionary electric quattro all-wheel drive technology. In terms of how it looks, think R8 front end until the A-pillar then add another 2 doors to the coupe body.

The recommended retail prices for the range of luxury performance all-electric Audi models are as below:

● Q8 e-tron advanced 50 quattro – RM 383,990 to RM 396,990

● Q8 Sportback e-tron advanced 50 quattro – RM 389,990 to RM 402,990

● Q8 e-tron S line 55 quattro – RM 474,990 to RM 487,990

● Q8 Sportback e-tron S line 55 quattro – RM 484,990 to RM 497,990

● e-tron GT quattro – RM 587,990 to RM 599,990

● e-tron GT quattro with Dynamic Package – RM 666,990 to RM 678,990

● RS e-tron GT – RM 792,990 to RM 807,990

Erik Winter, Managing Director of PHSAM remarked that response for the Audi e-tron has been overwhelming from dealers and customers alike. “This is the largest product release for Audi in Malaysia, and we are elated to be the first country in the region to launch the Q8 e-tron. These top-of- range, high performance luxury vehicles have been highly anticipated, and are now set to captivate the hearts and imagination of Malaysians seeking a sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility option,” said Erik.

"What’s more, I am pleased to announce that this is only the beginning, as we are already working to bring in more e-tron models here, including the flagship SQ8, and the Q6 e-tron, which will make its global debut later this year," added Erik.

Momentum for EVs in Malaysia has been fuelled by government incentives (tax breaks in terms of excise duty has been removed for the time being) and industry collaborations to achieve the government’s target of having 1.5 million EVs in Malaysia by 2040. Audi believes uptake for electric vehicles will continue as electro-mobility becomes increasingly mainstream in the years to come.

In terms of actual response, we have been told that this year's allocation for all the cars launched has been filled. This, according to what we have found out during the small talk amounted to about 400 over units of the various e-tron vehicles launched above. The pricing for all luxury EVs seem to hit a note among well heeled buyers here and it looks like Audi in Malaysia could have a niche in selling their battery electric vehicles as a start to their journey to bring their brand awareness here in Malaysia ever since PHSAM had taken over distributorship of the brand.

PHSAM has also annouced Complimentary e-tron Compact Chargers and RM1,000 JomCharge Credits for e-tron Owners

To further enhance the ownership experience, all models come with the mobile e-tron Charging System Compact, to provide charging convenience, no matter the location. The system consists of an intelligent compact charger and power cables – one that plugs into the vehicle and the other to the standard household power socket with an output of 1.8kW to 2.3 kW, or via a three-phase power supply with an output of 11 kW. Charging can be set to 100 and 50 percent charging power on the charging unit to avoid potentially overloading the home’s electrical system.

As an additional benefit, owners will also receive complimentary RM1,000 JomCharge credits with a validity period of one year.

Introduction of MOON POWER into Malaysia - Porsche Salzberg's own charging/energy solution brand for a more complete in-group solution to charging needs

PHSAM has partnered with European energy solutions provider, MOON POWER to further support charging solutions for e-tron owners in the country. MOON POWER is a subsidiary of Porsche Holdings Salzburg (PHS), and this marks the brand’s first entry in a country out of Europe.

Customers will be given the added option of purchasing MOON POWER wallbox chargers in 11 kW and 22 kW variants, beginning September 2023. Each MOON POWER unit undergoes strict quality control to meet the charging and safety requirements of Audi.

In preparation for the launch, all three Audi Centres in Glenmarie, Setia Alam and Juru have been fitted with MOON POWER, with each Centre providing three AC 22 kW chargers and one DC 180 kW charger. These Centres will offer charging, exclusively for Audi e-tron owners.

All Audi e-tron models come standard with 2 years unlimited mileage warranty, 8 years or 160,000 km battery warranty, and 5 years complimentary roadside assistance. Customers may opt for the Audi Assurance Package (AAP) which offers 3 additional years of warranty and 3 years maintenance at 15,000km service intervals.

If you want to know more about the e-tron range, visit the nearest Audi Centre or www.audi.com.my.