The e-Tron nomenclature signalled Audi’s entry into the age of electromobility. Since then, the lineup has been setting standards in the electric luxury-class segment. The new Audi Q8 e-Tron is now building on the success story of this electric pioneer. The top-of-the-line electric SUV and crossover impress with their improved aerodynamics, higher charging performance, battery capacity and increased range.
As a prestigious electric SUV model from Audi, the Q8 e-Tron ushers in the new corporate identity with a two-dimensional design onto the exterior. To elevate the family logo as a central element, Audi highlights the vehicle’s face with the projection light Singleframe. Additionally, the Q8 is the first model to feature the new model badge with Audi lettering being place on the B-pillar.
The Q8 e-Tron will be available as both a regular SUV and in a more aerodynamic coupe SUV format as the Q8 e-Tron Sportback. With its imposing size, a dominating front grille and thin LED lights that stretch the full width of the car, there’s no mistaking it as anything other than the flagship of Audi’s electric SUV range. Audi’s lineup of electric vehicles has grown to include the smaller Q4 e-Tron crossover, electric Sportback models, the E-Tron GT and RS E-Tron GT sport.
For both body shapes, three drivetrain variants with electric all-wheel drive can be selected. With their two motors, the base models of the Q8 e-Tron and the Sportback e-Tron generate 250 kW in boost mode and 664 N.m of torque. The SUV will get a range of up to 491 km while the Sportback will get up to 505 Km. The higher-end 55 e-Tron models get a larger battery with 106 kW of usable capacity for an official range of up to 582 km for the SUV and up to 600 km for the Sportback
Beneath the updated design are improved aerodynamic bits, the new turbulence-reducing wheel spoilers and aero-design wheels are tucked beneath the Q8 e-Tron’s body, netting the E-SUV a more slippery drag coefficient. A tweaked version of the previous air suspension system comes as standard, allowing the car to smooth out the worst lumps and bumps on the surface it traverses on.
The Q8 e-Tron optionally comes with digital Matrix LED headlights. While driving on the highway, the orientation light marks the car’s position in the lane and helps the driver remain securely in the centre in narrow spaces. Three other new features are available as well, enhanced traffic information, the lane light with a direction indicator and the orientation light on country roads.
Inside, Audi’s electric SUVs receive new recycled upholstery and trim options, and new sports seats that include heated, ventilated and massaging features covered in Dinamica microfiber or traditional leather. Additions for 2023 include light brown walnut wood and recycled bottle-derived ‘technical’ dashboard inlay options and a greater focus on sustainable materials. The revised cabin also boasts an updated multimedia interface. Like all luxury-class Audi models, the Q8 e-Tron uses the MMI touch response operating system featuring two large high-resolution displays, measuring 10,1-inch and 8,6-inch respectively.
Among the e-Tron’s suite of driver assistance technology is a new self-parking system that Audi says should allow the car to manoeuvre itself into the tightest of spaces from a smartphone app. Audi says putting ‘Q8’ in front of the e-Tron’s name makes a clear statement that this is the top dog in the company’s electric crossover portfolio.
