The best electric SUV for off-road use arrives endorsed by Carlos Sainz, although only 8 units are available for Spain

Audi launches a limited edition of 99 units of its top-of-the-range electric SUV, the Audi Q8 e-tron specially prepared for off-road use, whose name alone is a statement of intent: Q8 e-tron edition Dakar. As is the fact that no less than Carlos Sainz, a Audi Sport driver with the RS Q e-tron in the legendary desert race, took part in its development. Without a doubt, a guarantee and an additional draw for those thinking of getting one of these units. However, there is some bad news in this regard, and it is not precisely its high price: only 8 units have been allocated to the Spanish market.

Speaking of price, it amounts to 130,800 euros, which means… about 33,000 euros more than a Q8 e-tron advanced, the model taken as the starting point for this special edition. But what changes in the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar to go from being an SUV clearly designed for asphalt to daring the toughest obstacles? Let’s see…

Raised ground clearance and specific 4×4 tyres

To begin with, and although the standard Q8 e-tron already has its “off-road” modes that raise the ride height when it’s time to leave the asphalt, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar receives an extra dose of millimetres that free up even more space between the body and the ground, specifically 31 mm additional. Ground clearance in the standard position is 206 mm, and on the motorway it gradually and automatically lowers as speed increases, down to a total of 46 mm from 120 km/h. The approach and departure angles are 29 and 26 degrees respectively, with a 19-degree breakover angle and a wading depth of 300 mm.

But what undoubtedly makes the biggest difference when facing difficult terrain are the tyres, General Grabber AT3s, which guarantee the best possible grip on surfaces such as gravel, stone, mud or snow. These come fitted as standard, although the Q8 e-tron Dakar includes a second set of wheels and summer tyres.

As for the propulsion system, it keeps that of the Q8 55 e-tron quattro, with two electric motors delivering a maximum power of 300 kW and a maximum torque of 664 Nm. Performance does change compared with the base model, mainly due to the optimisation of the suspension. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 5.8 seconds, with top speed limited to 200 km/h. Consumption also rises, which affects range, which stands at 487 km. The battery keeps its net capacity of 106 kWh.

Exclusive styling and equipment

On paper, there don’t appear to be many changes to justify the price difference between the Dakar edition and a standard Q8. But as with any limited edition, the exclusivity goes further in the form of distinctive styling and more standard equipment. Among other elements, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar stands out for its widened wheel arches, the “edition Dakar” light projection on the ground when the doors are opened, and the key casing. Optionally, and only for the 99 units of the numbered limited series, a livery inspired by the prototype with which Carlos Sainz competes in the Dakar can be fitted, using a special vinyl treatment, featuring the series number on the rear pillar.

As standard equipment, in addition to the S line interior trim and the Matrix LED headlights, it also features a black interior roof, stainless steel pedals, brushed aluminium decorative inserts and black synthetic leather finishes on the dashboard. Also standard are the head-up display instrumentation, the specific 4×4 driving information screens in the MMI, the boot organisation package, and sturdy roof rails that can act as a roof rack with a load capacity of up to 40 kg.

Depending on the reception this special edition receives, and as Fermín Soneira, Vice President of the e-tron product line in the A, B and C segments of Audi, explains, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is the first of a series of special electric editions prepared for off-road use, so we could soon see similar editions of the Q4 e-tron, or the imminent Audi Q6 e-tron… and what is yet to come.

Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar – Image gallery