Audi e-tron 2024 Review

In 2024, Malaysia's luxury electric SUV market is becoming increasingly competitive, with consumers seeking both the quality associated with brands and the performance and practicality of electric vehicles. The Audi SQ8 e-tron, positioned as a mid-to-large electric SUV under the brand, delivers a combined power output of 503PS and nearly 1,000Nm of torque, clearly defining its performance credentials among competitors in the same segment. During this test drive, we mainly evaluated its daily driving performance, spatial practicality, and whether its luxurious features meet the needs of local users, to see if this vehicle can hold its ground against numerous rivals.

The SQ8 e-tron's exterior continues Audi's family-style design, but electrification elements make it appear more composed. The front features a closed octagonal grille flanked by sharp LED headlights, with highly recognizable signature light strips for daytime running. The side profile is sleek, with a length of 4,915mm and a width of 1,976mm, creating a broad stance. The 22-inch wheels paired with 285/35 R22 tires further enhance its sporty appeal. At the rear, the LED tail lights are designed in a through-line arrangement, offering clear visuals when illuminated, while the diffuser-style lower section underscores its performance-oriented positioning. Overall, the appearance avoids excessive flamboyance yet conveys a balance of luxury and sportiness through its details.

Sitting inside, the interior materials and layout uphold Audi's consistent standards. The dashboard features a layered design, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen on the upper section and some physical buttons retained below for clear operational logic. Large areas covered with soft-touch materials and metallic accents enhance the cabin's sense of quality. The front seats come with electric adjustments, offering commendable support and comfort for long drives without causing fatigue. The rear space is on par with its mid-to-large SUV classification, with a 2,928mm wheelbase providing abundant legroom — a passenger up to 180cm tall will still have more than a fist's width of space. In terms of storage, the front central armrest box and door panel compartments are spacious, and the trunk offers sufficient capacity for daily family outings. The rear seats can be split 60:40, further extending cargo flexibility.

Performance is one of the standout features of the SQ8 e-tron. The front and rear dual permanent magnet synchronous motors provide a combined power output of 503PS and a peak torque of 973Nm, achieving an officially rated 0-100km/h acceleration of just 4.5 seconds. In real-world driving, the power delivery is quick and linear during takeoff, with a pronounced thrust when the accelerator pedal is pressed deeply, ensuring swift and smooth overtaking. The vehicle offers multiple driving modes, and selecting sport mode results in more aggressive power output and heavier steering feel. The suspension features front and rear multi-link independent setups, tuned for comfort without losing firmness. It effectively absorbs small road bumps and maintains vehicle stability over speed bumps without excessive rebound. At higher speeds, the vehicle demonstrates excellent stability, showing no noticeable sway even when encountering crosswinds.

In terms of range, the 114kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides an official range of 471km. During our tests under mixed driving conditions — roughly 40% in congested city traffic and 60% on highways — the vehicle achieved approximately 85% of its stated range, with an energy consumption of 26-28kWh per 100 kilometers, meeting expectations. The vehicle supports fast charging, capable of going from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes, catering to long-distance travel needs. Noise control is well executed, with minimal wind and tire noise during highway driving, ensuring a relatively quiet cabin environment. The energy recovery system offers adjustable levels, and at the highest setting, the deceleration feel upon releasing the accelerator is not abrupt, making daily driving easy to adapt to.

In terms of safety configuration, the SQ8 e-tron is equipped with a series of driver assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and active braking as standard. The ACC adaptive cruise control performs steadily on highways, enabling automatic following and maintaining a safe distance; the 360-degree panoramic camera makes parking much easier. These features not only enhance driving safety but also reduce the stress of daily vehicle use.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron lie in its balanced performance: powerful driving dynamics, ample space, solid chassis tuning, and a wealth of luxury features. Compared to other electric SUVs in the same class, its brand influence and driving quality are significant competitive advantages. Although its price is slightly higher than some competitors, its advantages in configuration and performance support its market positioning. This vehicle is suitable for families who value driving experience and luxury quality, or consumers who need to balance business and daily use. If you are looking for a luxury electric SUV that meets daily commuting needs while offering reliable performance for occasional long-distance trips, the SQ8 e-tron is worth considering.