Audi’s bringing nine new cars here in 2021, half of them are electrified. Regular cars include facelifted Q2 and Q5, new R8, RS 7 Sportback

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Photos: Audi

SINGAPORE

Audi has announced its product plans for Singapore in 2021, with nine new or updated models scheduled to arrive on our shores over the coming year. Of those, nearly half of them will be e-tron electrified models in various guises.

Other highlights included an updated version of their R8 supercar, the introduction of the RS 7 Sportback in Singapore for the first time ever, and enhanced versions of their Q2 and Q5 crossover SUVs.

The full list of Audis to be launched in 2021 are as follows, in chronological/alphabetical order:

First half of 2021

Revised Audi e-tron

The e-tron gets a technical update, with improvements in areas like the thermal management and coasting recuperation, resulting in better efficiency and up to 25km more range (although figures may change slightly for Singapore). The revised version of Audi’s first mass-production electric car is currently undergoing homologation, and more details will be revealed closer to the car’s release, but read our review of the current version to check out what it’s like to drive.

Audi e-tron Sportback

As has been the trend now with Audi’s line-up, the e-tron will also get a Sportback variant, to cater to the growing demand for coupe-like SUVs. The drivetrain will mimic the regular e-tron SUV model, but wrapped up in a sleeker styling package to appeal to the style-conscious crowd.

Updated Audi R8

Audi’s supercar will receive a mid-life update, with slight styling tweaks, slightly more power, and revised suspension setup. More excitingly though, Singapore will also get rear-wheel-drive variants of the R8 for the first time, with previous versions only available with Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system here.

Audi RS 7 Sportback

The first RS 7 Sportback never officially made it to Singapore, but Audi has promised that the latest second-generation model will be here in the first half of 2021. Packing in a colossal 600hp from its 4.0-litre V8, the RS 7 Sportback will offer a very stylish way to go very fast indeed. The A7 Sportback is currently available here in 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre guises, and offers a good blend of elegant style with usable performance.

Second half of 2021

Audi e-tron GT

Essentially a twin to the Porsche Taycan, the e-tron GT is a four-door, four-seater sports grand tourer that will be manufactured on the same production line as the R8 supercar, and be the halo model for Audi’s burgeoning e-tron electric car range. Details are still scarce for now, but expect supercar-matching performance, just like its Taycan cousin.

Audi e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback

Audi’s performance arm gets its hands on the e-tron models, and will work their magic on Audi’s electrified models for the first time. The e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback will feature three electric motors, as well as enhanced suspension to create a high performance electric SUV, along with the usual aggressive styling elements to distinguish them from the regular models. As noted in our debut news story, the 500hp/1,000Nm performance BEV ought to electrify jaded drivers a little.

Facelifted Audi Q2

Audi’s compact crossover SUV gets a facelift, with sharpened looks to keep it refreshed and fend off competitors such as the recently-launched Mercedes-Benz GLA. The updated Q2 will also get a new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 150hp, and feature cylinder-deactivation technology. Want something similar for less dosh? VW just launched the similarly sized T-Cross here in Singapore.

Updated Audi Q5

The other Audi SUV to get a facelift next year is the Q5, and the changes are fairly extensive for a mid-life update. Key highlights include sharper styling, an updated infotainment system, and the addition of new mild hybrid drivetrains to the line-up. Details will be revealed later but the Q5 is expected to be offered here with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. Read our debut news story for more info on the Q5 update.

Audi Q5 Sportback

Joining the Q3 and e-tron models, the Q5 Sportback will be the third Sportback SUV in the line-up. Audi’s rival to the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is expected to carry over most the drivetrain and features of the regular Q5, meaning mild hybrid powertrains and the latest version of Audi’s MMI infotainment system.

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