Audi e‑tron takes the KL‑Singapore road trip by storm—zap, crackle, and electrifying adventure.

Electric Vehicles: Singapore’s New Ride Rush

While the pandemic itself didn’t spark the surge, the Covid years did align perfectly with a surge in electric car sales.

Why the lockdowns helped

People were stuck at home, so the desire for cleaner, smarter transport grew.
Brands seized the moment, rolling out electric models even in Singapore for the first time.

What’s on the road now

Within just 24 months, a handful of automakers have either launched their very first EVs in Singapore or added new electric options to their lineup. Every click of the accelerator is a thumbs-up for greener roads.

Future outlook

The trend is only heading higher. With nation‑wide incentives and a bright future for battery tech, Singapore’s streets are bound to become a more electrified, electrifying experience.

Revving Up for a Road‑Trip Revolution

Electric cars have been winning the hearts of road‑trippers thanks to a steady stream of new models, battery breakthroughs, and the promise of “no more hustle” for long-distance drives.

The Ultimate Test: Back to the City

Picture this: I spotted a chance for an electric Audi adventure that I just couldn’t pass up. Instead of the usual Singapore‑to‑Kuala‑Lumpur detour, we flipped the script—flying into KL and revving out the other way.

Night‑Time Prep

Before the big day, seizing the calm of the Four Seasons was the key. We caught some zzz’s and gave our batteries a quick recharge—because tired drivers and tired batteries just don’t make a great pair.

Charging the Gurgle

The three electric Audis were ready to hit the road the next afternoon. While their humans spun down the cabin, the cars themselves were scrolling swap‑shops in the underground lot at KLCC.
No complaints from the cars—they got the VIP treatment all the same. Picture a comfy high‑end parking spot, full‑size AC charging stations parked like those rooted in luxury.
With an 11kW charger, eight hours powered up the cars to “ready” health, matching our own refueled energy levels.

Rolling Out

So with batteries recharged and the atmosphere set, it was time to hit the streets. Stay tuned for the adventure; electric cars are proving that absence of exhaust does not mean absence of gravitas.

Chosen steeds

Welcome to the KL‑to‑Singapore Roadshow

We’re rolling out a trio of gearheads for this epic trip, and it just couldn’t leave the Audi e‑tron Sportback behind. It’s the first electric SUV that looks like a coupe—yes, a “Sportback” that won’t shoo you away with its quiet engine.

The Three‑Motor Marvel

What’s really wild? The Sportback’s powertrain isn’t your ordinary electric setup. Audi packed three motors into this beast—think of it as a mini army inside the chassis.

Front Motor – Fires up when you need a little extra oomph or grip.
Rear Motors (two) – These are on standby 24/7 and can instantly take the wheel.

How It Works

The front wheels get their power split through an epicyclic differential, while each rear wheel has its own direct drive thanks to a single reduction-gearbox. Basically, the car can tease out torque like a cat on a yarn ball, giving you crisp, lightning‑fast lateral control.

Why That Matters

Instant torque at each rear wheel gives tighter handling.
The front motor activates only when the dashboard says “more power, please!”
All three motors together churn out a grand total of 429 horsepower and 808 Nm of torque.

Bottom line: the e‑tron Sportback isn’t just a quiet, green SUV—it’s a fun‑to‑drive, tech‑packed ride that turns every turn into a soft, precise dance.

Zooming in a Heavy SUV

When the clock is ticking, this 2.6‑tonne SUV can unleash a mind‑blowing 496 hp and a whopping 973 Nm for a punchy 8 seconds. That’s enough to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a lightning‑fast 4.5 s—faster than a coffee on a turbo‑charged espresso machine.

Think a loaded SUV is just a comfy travel bag? Think again. This beast carries passengers and luggage while still doing the accelerator dance like a kangaroo on a trampoline.

The Stylish e‑tron GT

Next up in the lineup is Audi’s first four‑door “super saloon,” fully electric and ready to turn heads. It packs both a front and rear motor, and the rear wheel even sports a two‑speed transmission for those extra‑quick take‑offs straight from zero.

Zero‑emission drive for a cleaner, cooler ride.
Two‑speed rear gearbox gives that “whoosh” boost from the very start.
Elegant four‑door layout that still feels like a high‑performance showstopper.

GT GT: The Power Even a Student Car Can’t Resist

Meet the Entry‑Level GT

Think of the entry‑level GT model as a small‑scale supercar that refuses to be ignored. With two motors pushing 469 hp (and a whopping 523 hp when it gets a boost), it’s like having a secret extra battery behind the curtain.

Why It Turns Heads (Even When Stopped)

Torque that’s a riot: 630 Nm on the road, jumping to 640 Nm in boost mode. That’s the kind of grip that makes your co‑driver wonder if you’re pulling a rope.
Fast as a dolphin: 0‑100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds. The car’s acceleration is so smooth, you’ll think the engine is gliding on a magic carpet.
Looks that could win awards: Its sleek silhouette screams speed even when parked—camera operators will have a field day.

Step Up to the RS: Supercharged Performance

The Real Powerhouse

Horsepower on steroids: 590 hp, surging to a staggering 637 hp when boosted. It’s the kind of yank that makes snails look slow.
Torque that’s a boom: 830 Nm—think of it as giving the throttle a high‑five.
Zero to 100 km/h in a blink: An eye‑watering 3.3 seconds. It’s redistributing the speed‑perception curve, letting you watch the world blur while still following the road.

Both models prove that size doesn’t mean less power. Whether you’re packing the small GT or rocket‑jumping into the RS, these EVs are engineered for thrill while keeping that electric charm that keeps everyone smiling.

The RS Bonus: A Tiny Yet Mighty Upgrade

Picture this: the GT already sports a two‑speed rear gearbox, giving it a solid foundation. But the RS thinks, “Why stop at that?”

What’s Dropped Into the RS?

Electronic Magic: An electronically controlled multi‑plate locking differential sits in the rear.
Traction on Demand: Keeps the wheels glued when the road gets tricky.
Whole New Feeling: Adds a punch that makes every turn feel like a high‑score moment in a video game.

So while the GT’s gearbox is a solid champ, the RS takes it up a notch with that slick differential that feels almost—just almost—like pure racing bliss.

Electrons unleashed

Audi RS e‑tron GT: Power, Range, & Adrenaline

Three Audis, three batteries. The Sportback packs a 95 kWh cell, while the GTs carry a 93.4 kWh one. In the end, only about 91 % of that energy does the heavy lifting for the motors – the rest is earmarked for cooling and other essentials.

Starting Off From KLCC

We hit the road in the RS e‑tron GT with an optimistic range reading of 401 km on the onboard display. That would comfortably get us back to Singapore with room for a roadside snack.

But Driving Style Matters

The GT’s smooth power delivery, high‑speed stability, and ridiculous acceleration make it a speed lover’s dream. Naturally, it tempts us to push the limits. After just 115 km of enthusiastic driving, the advertised range shrank to a mere 245 km – a dramatic slide!

Instant Thrills Ahead

It’s hard to keep the throttle down when you can:

Back up from traffic and then blast forward in seconds.
Feel the surge of power like a superhero’s cape.
Experience a racing pulse that says, “Who’s going to race you?”

So, while the RS e‑tron GT promises a best‑in‑class range, the real adventure is all about how much you dare to push its mighty engine. Enjoy the ride, but watch your miles!

Riding the RS e-tron GT: A High‑Voltage Highway Adventure

Fuel verdict: The RS e‑tron GT guzzled an average of 26 kWh per 100 km – that’s like sipping a latte on a full‑throttle sprint. Pretty snazzy for a car that’s always pushing its limits.

Southbound Stop‑and‑Go

Instead of easing down the road and drifting back to Singapore in leisurely style, we decided to stop and recharge. That’s life for an electric car: pop into a charge station, grab a coffee (or a snack), and hit the road again.

Charging Stations along the KL–Singapore Corridor

About four charging spots between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Capacities range from 22 kW to 180 kW.
Only two are DC fast chargers: a 50 kW spot at Caltex in Ayer Keroh, and a 180 kW station in Tangkak.
Our ride‑powered Audis can soak up to 270 kW, so we hit the 180 kW station for an optimal charge.

Why the 180 kW?

We wanted the quickest recharge that the car can actually handle. The 180 kW charger at Tangkak gave us a quick power boost, keeping the hype alive without draining the batteries too slow.

Plug‑in Power‑Play: Audi’s Electric Trip to the Top

We took three shiny Audi E‑Models—each got a quick 20‑minute charge that cost people RMb>80 each.

What Happens When You Plug It In?

That 20‑minute burst delivered roughly 60 kWh of juice.
If you kept the same pace, that would translate to more than 200 km of extra range on the e‑Tron GTs.

The Heavy‑Hitman, the e‑Tron S Sportback

This model’s heavier frame and a less aerodynamic “cd” (0.26 vs the GT’s 0.24) means it gulps energy faster.

At speeds above 140 km/h it was a real energy hog—averaging a whopping 35.6 kWh per 100 km. The sweet spot? Somewhere between 110 km/h and 130 km/h.

But 130 km/h is already past the legal limit on any Malaysian highway, so you’re better off with a more leisurely cruise.

Full‑Charge Capable: KL to Singapore?

With a full battery, all three Audis could drive from Kuala Lumpur straight to Singapore without a pitstop. Of course, that depends on how much you push those “delectable” performance wheels.

Take the Scenic Route on Your Next Road Trip

Think of road‑tripping as a full‑spectrum experience, not just a call‑and‑drive on the highway. The real magic happens when you trade the straightaway for a series of winding B‑roads.

Why the twisty roads steal the spotlight

Chromatic panoramas that you’ll snap a thousand photos of
Unpredictable turns that keep the excitement alive
Hidden gems you’d miss on the main route

Next time you hit the road, consider taking a detour that’ll make the journey unforgettable—and perfect for those who crave a bit of adventure.

— This article originally appeared in Torque.