Audi Q8 e-tron: same recipe, better ingredients

face lift

Audi is taking advantage of the name change to Q8 e-tron to make some changes on the model. This starts at the front with the grille, which – depending on the chosen version – is partially finished in body color or silver color and whose upper part is a flat panel. Above that panel is an LED strip that serves as a kind of additional spotlight for the Audi logo up front.

Incidentally, that Audi logo deserves to be in the spotlight for a moment, as it is the first time the brand has applied its new two-dimensional logo to the exterior of a model. At the rear of the Q8 e-tron, more remains the same, aside from a slightly modified insert in the rear bumper and the font of the model designation. Indeed, Audi is switching to a new, sleeker font for all its models, and the Q8 e-tron gets to kick off the process.

More range for Audi Q8 e-tron

Much has changed in the EV market since the introduction of the first e-tron. Especially in the top end, with a range of about 400 kilometers, you really don’t compete anymore. Fortunately, the base model, the Q8 e-tron 50, is already improving nicely. Namely, it gets a battery pack with a net capacity of 89 kWh in the bottom and two more powerful electric motors with a system output of 340 hp. As a result, the Q8 e-tron 50 will henceforth travel 491 kilometers on a single battery charge; the Sportback, thanks to its more streamlined body, is even slightly more efficient, achieving 505 kilometers from the same battery pack. By comparison, previously that range was barely 300 kilometers.

Above the Q8 e-tron 50 are two more versions: the Q8 e-tron 55 and the SQ8 e-tron. The Q8 e-tron 55 has an output of 408 hp and a battery pack with a net capacity of 106 kWh, which should enable it to reach 582 kilometers on a single battery charge. The Sportback even kicks it up to 600 kilometers. For the SQ8 e-tron, thanks to its three electric motors (503 hp), the range is a bit lower, though. Indeed, that is at 494 kilometers for the SUV and 513 kilometers for the Sportback.

Other improvements

The increased range is due not only to a larger battery pack, but also to improved aerodynamics. Thus, the Q8 e-tron has a cW value of 0.27 (was: 0.28) and the Sportback is even smoother (0.24 vs. 0.26). That improvement is due to additional air guides around the wheel arches and lockable shutters in the grille. Audi also improved the efficiency of the electric motors, making them consume less power.

Market launch Audi Q8 e-tron

The market launch of the Audi Q8 e-tron is scheduled for February 2023. Later this month, the new Q8 e-tron models can already be ordered. Prices will be announced by then.