Audi’s big show at Marina Bay Sands this weekend debuts four new models in Singapore, showcases future technology, current model range and more

Photos: Audi, Derryn Wong
SINGAPORE

The Audi Brand Experience Singapore 2018 kicks off its first full public day today at Marina Bay Sands.


As covered in our pre-event story: The event is, as the name suggests, a brand showcase of more than 8,000 square meters, that covers present and future models, concepts, features of the brand with the four rings.


Headlining the event are four new models that are launching in Singapore, namely the A6, A7, A8, and Q8,  plus a preview of Audi’s first fully-electric vehicle, the e-tron.

The other big draws are a 30-minute live show that delves into the current model range, various concept cars that display Audi’s efforts in electrification, future mobility, and artificial intelligence.

The other-other big draw is literal: there’s a grand draw to win an Audi A5 Sportback.
The event runs from October 10 to 14, 2018, opening hours at 10am to 10pm on Fri to Sun. It costs $9 for myAudiworld members, $11 for early-birds (buy three get one free), and $14 at the door (buy three get one free). More details and book your tickets here at the official website.


New Models At The Show
Audi Q8 TFSI 3.0 quattro $369,300 with COE
3.0-litre V6 turbocharged, 340hp, 500Nm
0-100km/h TBC, top speed TBC, 8.0L/100km


As reported previously on CarBuyer.com.sg the Q8 is Audi’s answer to the likes of the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, that is the new breed of coupe-like, large-sport utility vehicles (SUVs).


It’s similar to the current Q7 mechanically, but has more obvious coupe-touch points, such as the more slender roofline, a lower and wider stance, the shapely rear end with a full-width light bar and black insert referencing the original Audi quattro.




Audi A6 3.0 TFSI quattro $TBC
3.0-litre V6 turbocharged, 340hp, 500Nm
0-100km/h 5.1 seconds, top speed 250km/h, 6.9L/100km


The A6 sedan has always had a tough struggle against the established Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series, but the eighth-gen A6 packs much of the techno-firepower of its brother, the A8.

We drove the car earlier this year at its international debut in Portugal and came away impressed saying “Such a vastly competent car could spell  eighth-time lucky for Audi in the big sedan leagues.”

Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TFSI quattro $370,500 with COE
3.0-litre V6 turbocharged, 340hp, 500Nm
0-100km/h 5.3 seconds, top speed 250km/h, 7.3L/100km


 
Before the Q8 appeared, Audi already had a great ‘coupe-that’s-not-a-coupe’ in the form of the A7 Sportback. By now you know the drill: We’ve tested the A7 overseas, the new version runs on the MLB Evo platform, with the latest 3.0 V6, dual touchscreens for the new MMI Touch Response system, and capable driving dynamics.

Audi A8 3.0 TFSI quattro $437,479 with COE
3.0-litre V6 turbocharged, 340hp, 500Nm
0-100km/h 5.7 seconds, top speed 250km/h, 8.2L/100km


The flagship of Ingolstadt packs high technology, so much so that its abilities can appear almost magical at times.

We’ve test driven the A8 locally though, and as expected it does lack the AI functions previewed, but it still is a very capable luxury limousine. Audi also says that its AI suspension, which basically makes bumps of any sort non-existent, will be offered as an option in 2019.


Concept and Preview Cars

Audi e-tron
400hp, 664Nm
0-100km/h 5.7 seconds, top speed 200km/h
Electric range 400km


The brand’s first full-production battery electric vehicle (BEV) – already launched in the USA and Europe, it should cost at least $300k when it comes to Singapore next year.



We’ve already previewed the car on CarBuyer.com.sg, attended the international debut, and reported on why you might actually want to buy one here in Singapore.
Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo
The video game Gran Turismo worked with almost every major car brand, asking them to come up with their ideal sports car that’s drivable in-game.

The thing is, Audi built a real-life version of their e-tron Vision GT, and flew it to Singapore. We had a chance to ride in it with Audi’s factory racing driver, Rahel Frey.
Watch our video on www.facebook.com/CarBuyer for the whole electrifying thing!  



Audi Elaine

An autonomous tech demonstrator and part of the 30-minute brand show, Elaine shows how cars of the future will be able to do the most irksome tasks – like parking and going for a wash, but sadly no renewal of road tax – of driving totally without human input.  
 
Audi Aicon

Audi’s idea of a lounge on wheels – if cars do all the driving in future, what’ll you do? Aicon shows giant interior room, lovely ambience, as well as a Personalised Intelligent Assistant to help you through the day as you emulate a mindless jellyfish.