Does the newly-launched Audi SQ8 e-tron bring some real competition to the BMW iX M60? Let’s find out.
The Audi SQ8 e-tron is the first electric vehicle to be launched in Malaysia for 2024 and it’s also a clear rival to established BMW M’s electric entry, the iX M60. This will be the first time since the Audi A6 Hybrid where the brand with the four rings has no real price disadvantage over its two German rivals, so we’re keen to see where this model lies in terms of its value proposition.
The Audi SQ8 e-tron Versus the BMW iX M60
Variants
Right off the bat, Audi Malaysia takes a small win here, offering the Audi SQ8 in traditional SUV form and Sportback form as well. The iX comes in a singular bodystyle.
Pricing
This is a clear win for Audi. The SQ8 e-tron comes in at RM519,990 and the SQ8 e-tron Sportback comes in at RM529,990 while the BMW iX M60 is priced at RM612,430.
The difference in price is so large you could almost fit a Dolphin in that gap.
Performance
These are all top-tier performance electric vehicles with more power and torque than you’ll know what to deal with, but we have to be objective with the numbers here and it’s clear that BMW’s higher asking price also comes with more performance. The Audi SQ8 e-tron vehicles have the advantage of being the first triple-motor EVs to be officially sold in Malaysia. That being said, they’re out-done by the iX M60 in terms of raw figures. The M60 also comes with rear-wheel steering.
The SQ8 e-tron models offer 496hp and 973 Nm of torque while the iX M60 puts out 610hp and 1,100Nm of torque. 0-100km/h takes the Audis 4.5 seconds where the BMW only needs 3.8 seconds to get to that speed.
Battery & Range
The Audis come with larger 114kWh battery packs (vs 111.5kWh on the iX M60) but they’re outdone in terms of range with just 458-471km versus the M60’s 561km on the WLTP test cycle. They’re largely matched in terms of charging speed, but the iX has a small lead in DC charging with 195kW DC Fast charging versus the Audi’s 170kW DC Fast charging.
Price to Performance
The two cars trade blows here. The BMW iX M60 wins in terms of RM per PS with RM990 per PS versus the Audi’s RM1,034-1,054 per PS. That being said, the Audi’s offer more torque per Ringgit at RM534-545 versus BMW’s RM557 per Nm.
That being said, thanks to the iX’s much longer range, the BMW wins with RM1,092 per KM versus Audi’s RM1,125-1,135 per KM value proposition.
Dimensions
In terms of size, they’re pretty closely matched and trade blows. The BMW is slightly longer and taller with a larger wheelbase, but the Audi is wider with a larger boot, even on the Sportback model. The Audi models even come with a space saver spare. Both BMW and Audi give you 22″ wheels.
Warranties and Service Packages
The Audi SQ8 e-tron models comes with a 2 year warranty as standard and an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty, but you can extend this to a 5 year warranty with free scheduled maintenance for first 3 years and 5 years of roadside assistance with the RM13,000 Audi Assurance Package. This brings the total price to RM532,990 to RM542,990, depending on variant.
BMW iX M60 also comes with a 2 year warranty for free with an 8-year/100,000km battery warranty. If you want to extend this to a 5 year warranty and include a 6 year service package, you have to pay RM18,370, bringing the total price to RM630,800.
Factoring in BMW’s larger service network and longer 6 year service package, we’d say their extended package could be slightly more appealing, but Audi does charge RM5,000 less and EVs generally have lower servicing requirements so you’ll have to weigh these factors for yourself.
Conclusion
Overall, the iX M60 does edge out the Audi SQ8 e-tron models but the difference is pretty marginal. We see customers either taking advantage of the Audi’s lower price point or using it get a discount out of BMW dealers.
Audi came out pretty strong with two competitive performance electric SUVs here and will probably trigger a price war in the premium EV segment. We would have loved to see the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV 53 with its 950Nm of torque and 625PS and 3.7s acceleration time in Malaysia but it has yet to be launched in Malaysia.
The real winner in this particular category, I think, is the RM578K Lotus Eletre, which offers similar performance metrics while also being a super-SUV in terms of looks and brand equity. Most Audis share a similar look and the iX M60 has variants hundreds of thousands of Ringgit cheaper to stand out against… The Eletre looks like nothing else and is more of a statement car than either. The biggest issue would be the lack of service centres nationwide for the Lotus.
