Audi e-tron Review

In recent years, the choices in Malaysia's high-end all-electric SUV market have gradually expanded. Consumers not only desire the texture of luxury brands but also have clear requirements for performance and range. E-segment all-electric SUVs have become the target for many mid-to-high-end users. The 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron (including the Sportback version), as a core model in the brand's electrification lineup, directly targets this market. It not only continues Audi's luxury DNA but is also equipped with a dual-motor system that delivers 503 horsepower, offers an official range of 471km, and comes standard with numerous intelligent features. The main purpose of this test drive is to verify whether the luxurious texture of this vehicle is realized, whether its performance aligns with the sporty orientation of the "SQ" series, and whether its practicality can meet the needs of families in daily use.

From the exterior, the 2024 SQ8 e-tron maintains Audi's family-style steady design while incorporating some details that reflect its electric identity. The front end features a signature octagonal closed grille, with chrome trim around the grille adding to its refined feel. The LED headlights on both sides have sharp designs, with daytime running lights utilizing Audi's classic segmented design, offering high recognition. The vehicle's side profile is sleek, with the standard version retaining the traditional SUV silhouette, while the Sportback version is equipped with a coupe-style sloping rear end, appearing more sporty. With a length of 4,915mm and a wheelbase of 2,928mm, its dimensions fall into the mainstream range within its segment. At the rear, the LED tail lights adopt a through-type design, creating a striking effect when lit, while the diffuser-like design below the rear bumper enhances the sporty vibe. The overall design aligns with the character of a luxury brand and emphasizes the identity of an electric vehicle through detailed elements.

Stepping inside, the interior's sense of luxury and technology is immediately apparent. The dashboard adopts a layered design, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display on the top and some physical buttons retained below for clear operation logic, making it easy for first-time users to get started. The interior materials mainly consist of soft leather and piano black finishes, complemented by metal trim. The texture feels exquisite, meeting its high-end positioning. The instrument cluster is fully digital and allows for different display modes, showing EV-specific information such as range and power output in real-time. In terms of features, the front seats offer electric adjustments, and the Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker sound system provides excellent audio performance. Standard safety and convenience features include a 360-degree panoramic camera, ACC adaptive cruise control, and lane change assist, ensuring convenience and safety for daily use.

In terms of interior spacing, the 2,928mm wheelbase ensures ample room in both the front and rear seating areas. The front seats offer good support and wrapping. Passengers up to 180cm tall can sit comfortably with sufficient headroom and legroom. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding configuration, and even with three adults seated in the back, legroom does not feel cramped. However, headroom can vary due to the roofline design—the standard version provides more headroom, while the Sportback version feels slightly tighter due to its sloping design, though it remains within acceptable limits. Regarding storage space, the trunk offers enough capacity for daily shopping or short trips. Folding the rear seats can further expand the cargo space. Additionally, the interior includes multiple storage compartments, such as the central armrest box and door panel storage bins, adding practical utility.

The highlight of dynamic driving is the power output brought by the dual-motor system. The system delivers a combined power of 370kW (503PS) and torque up to 973 Nm, achieving an official 0-100km/h acceleration in just 4.5 seconds. During actual driving, the power response is very direct at the start, with a noticeable sense of thrust when stepping hard on the accelerator. Overtaking is clean and efficient, and even during high-speed acceleration, the power reserves are still abundant. The driving modes offer multiple options. Switching to Sport mode makes the throttle response more sensitive, and the steering wheel feels heavier, aligning with the sporty positioning. On the other hand, Comfort mode leans more towards everyday driving, with smoother power delivery, making it suitable for city commuting.

As for the chassis, the front and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned for comfort, while retaining a certain level of support. When handling bumps or speed bumps on urban roads, the suspension effectively filters out vibrations, ensuring passengers inside the car don’t feel significant discomfort. When cornering at high speeds, body roll is well-controlled, maintaining a high level of stability. The steering wheel is precise, with minimal slack, making it very easy to handle while driving. Regarding noise control, since this is a pure electric vehicle, there is virtually no engine noise during driving. Tire and wind noise can be slightly noticeable at high speeds, but overall, they stay within an acceptable range and don't affect conversations or listening to music inside the car.

In terms of range and energy efficiency, the official claimed range is 471km. Based on real-world testing, the power consumption on urban roads is around 26-28kWh per 100km, while highway driving increases this to about 30kWh. The combined range can reach over 400km, which can generally meet a week's daily commuting needs. For charging, although fast-charging speed was not tested during this test drive, considering its 114kWh battery capacity, it is estimated that with a high-power fast charging station, charging from 30% to 80% would take about 30-40 minutes, offering decent convenience.

To sum up, the core strengths of the 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron lie in three aspects: First, its luxurious interior quality and comprehensive features, which perfectly match its high-end positioning. Second, its powerful performance output meets the needs of users seeking high performance. Third, its relatively balanced space and range performance ensure practicality. Compared to other luxury pure electric SUVs in the same class, it has certain advantages in terms of performance and feature richness. In terms of pricing, the SQ8 e-tron is priced at RM 519,990, and the Sportback version is RM 529,990, which positions it within a reasonable range in the high-end electric SUV market.

The target audience for this car is very clear: mid-to-high-end users who value luxurious quality and brand appeal, while also having certain performance requirements. Whether it's for daily city commuting or short weekend trips, it performs well. For family users, the standard version’s space is more practical, while the Sportback version is a better choice for those who prioritize a sporty design.

In conclusion, the 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron is a well-balanced high-end pure electric SUV that combines luxury, performance, and practicality. It is a worthwhile option to consider in the high-end pure electric SUV market.