New Audi Q8 e-tron: name change and more range for the electric SUV

Although it is still essentially a facelift of the e-tron Audi e-tron launched in 2018, the new Audi Q8 e-tron brings many new features, starting with the name change. But what is most likely to interest potential buyers is the adoption of a battery with greater capacity, which allows this luxury SUV to come close to 600 km of range. Let’s look at it in more detail.

New name, more sophisticated design

To position it as the top model in its range of electric SUVs and crossovers, above the current Audi Q4 e-tron -and whatever comes in the future-, the Audi e-tron adopts the name Q8 e-tron in the SUV version, and Q8 e-tron Sportback for the version with coupé-style bodywork. Along the way, some design elements are introduced with which the brand inaugurates a new corporate identity, such as the two-dimensional look of the four-ring logo, or the lettering used to identify the models.

But the most relevant design change is the improvement in the drag coefficient, which goes from 0.26 to 0.24 on the SUV, and from 0.28 to 0.27 on the Sportback. This improvement is mainly due to the underbody spoilers that improve airflow around the wheels, and to the system of electric louvres that open and close depending on how much air needs to be directed to the radiator. The new closed grille, the redesigned bumpers and the headlights also stand out, which can optionally feature digital Matrix LED technology.

The dimensions remain practically unchanged: 4.91 metres in length, 1.94 metres in width and 1.63 metres in height for the SUV, with the Sportback one centimetre lower.

Space, luxury and comfort for the interior

Inside, the changes are minor compared with the exterior redesign. An exquisite presentation is therefore maintained, in a cabin where the screens of the MMI touch response system (an upper one of 10.1 inches and a lower one of 8.6 inches) take centre stage. Yes, new upholstery arrives, and recycled materials are used in elements such as insulation and floor mats.

It also boasts the first use in series production of a safety-related component partly made from plastics obtained through a chemical recycling process. We are talking about the protective covers of the seat belt buckles. A new feature in the equipment is the availability of a remote parking system, operable from the smartphone.

The boot capacity varies slightly: it is now 569 litres for the Q8 e-tron and 529 litres for the Q8 Sportback e-tron, in both cases with another 62 litres available under the front bonnet, which come in very handy, for example, for carrying charging cables.

Three mechanical options, up to 595 km of range

The Q8 range lets you choose between three versions for the two body styles, repeating the configuration of the previous Audi e-tron and its maximum power figures, while improving range, thanks to improvements in the battery, the aerodynamics and the efficiency, with asynchronous motors on the rear axle that incorporate a greater number of coils. The chassis and steering settings have also been modified to gain precision in driving without losing comfort.

The entry variant is the 50 e-tron, with an electric motor on each axle, a system output of 250 kW (340 CV) and a maximum torque of 664 Nm. It uses an 89 kWh battery with a net capacity (95 kWh gross) that allows a homologated range of up to 486 km for the SUV, and up to 501 km for the Sportback. The maximum charging power for this version is 150 kW. With AC power and an 11 kW charger, the battery can be recharged in just over 9 hours, a time that drops to less than 5 hours with a 22 kW charger.

The Q8 55 e-tron, also with two motors, keep the same maximum torque figure but raise the power to 300 kW (408 CV). In this case the battery does increase its capacity, to 106 kWh net (114 kWh gross, compared with the 95 kWh of the previous 55 e-tron), so the WLTP range reaches up to 575 km for the SUV, and up to 595 km for the Sportback. In these two versions the top speed is limited to 200 km/h.

At the top of the range are the S versions, which, following the same logic, are now named Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron. Here three motors are used, one on the front axle and two on the rear, for a system output of 370 kW (503 CV) and a maximum torque of 973 Nm. With the same battery as the 55 e-tron, the range is 465 km for the SUV, and up to 483 km for the Sportback. The top speed limit is raised to 210 km/h for these sportier versions, and the two rear motors allow torque to be distributed independently to the wheels on that axle, taking advantage of the benefits of electric torque vectoring.

For the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron, the maximum charging power rises to 170 kW. On all models, using fast charging, the battery can go from 10 to 80 per cent of its capacity in half an hour. All versions come as standard with the Plug & Charge function, which simplifies the charging process at compatible stations by identifying the vehicle without the need for cards or apps.

Price and equipment of the Audi Q8 e-tron for the Spanish market

Audi is accepting orders for the new Q8 e-tron from mid-November, with first deliveries scheduled for February. The SQ8 e-tron versions will arrive a little later.

The price of the Q8 e-tron 50 is 84,610 euros, and 94,610 euros for the Q8 e-tron 55 in the entry-level Advanced trim. The Sportback versions carry a surcharge of 2,500 euros. These versions include the compact charging system with up to 11 kW, the mode 3 cable for public charging at AC stations of up to 22 kW, adaptive air suspension, memory electric seats, 19-inch wheels and the pre sense basic and front safety systems, as well as the unintended lane departure warning.

For an additional 5,500 euros over the Advanced, the S line versions add the S line interior package, sport suspension, a leather sports steering wheel, Aero design wheels and the City assistants package, which includes lane change warning, cross-traffic and side-traffic warning, intersection assist and pre sense 360. In addition to these two equipment levels, Audi offers the Confort, Premium and Black Line personalisation packages.

Audi Q8 e-tron – Image gallery