Audi Q8 E-Tron is the new name for the updated E-Tron. The revised moniker allows customers to understand that this is the brand’s flagship electric SUV. It comes in standard, box body and Sportback with a more rounded exterior.
Fresh style
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The Q8 E-Tron has updated its styling that includes a fresh nose. The area around the grille now has a self-sealing system and an electric shutter that closes around the radiator. The headlights have the signature new headlights, and there is an illuminated grille section.
Audi also changed the wheel spoiler at the bottom of the car. The one in front of the standard Q8 E-Tron is larger. In addition, the Q8 Sportback E-Tron now has these aero elements on the front and rear. The SQ8 Sportback E-Tron only has a wheel spoiler at the rear.
Compared to the E-Tron, the Q8 E-Tron has a drag coefficient of 0.27 instead of the previous 0.28. The Sportback figure fell to 0.24 from 0.26 for the previous model.
Powertrain and Battery
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The Q8 E-Tron is available with two battery capacities and three powertrain options. The Q8 50 E-Tron and Sportback have motors that rotate each axle which produces a total of 335 horsepower (250 kilowatts) in Boost mode and 490 pound-feet (664 Newton-meters).
The battery has a capacity of 89 kilowatt-hours (95 kWh gross). In WLTP tests, this setup provided 305 miles (491 kilometers) for the box body and 314 miles (505 kilometers) for the Sportback.
The Q8 55 E-Tron and Sportback produce 402 hp (300 kW) in Boost mode and 490 lb-ft. They get a battery with 104 kWh net (114 kWh gross). This delivers 362 miles (582 kilometers) for the more angular body or 373 miles (600 kilometers) for the Sportback.
Lastly, the SQ8 E-Tron and its Sportback counterpart have three electric motors – one on the front axle and two on the rear. This setup produces 496 hp (370 kW) and 718 lb-ft (973 Nm). The vehicle uses a 104-kWh battery. The box model version can cover 267 miles (494 kilometers) on a single charge, and the Sportback pushes the distance up to 319 miles (513 kilometers).
In terms of performance, the 50 model hits 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 6.0 seconds. 55 cuts that time down to 5.6 seconds, and the SQ8 E-Tron drops the figure down to 4.5 seconds.
The 50 and 55 variants have a limited top speed of 124-mph (200-kph). The SQ8 pushes a maximum speed of up to 131 mph (210 kph).
The table below shows these numbers in a handy table:
| Model | Q8 50 E-Tron | Q8 55 E-Tron | SQ8 E-Tron |
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 402 hp | 496 hp |
| Torque | 490 lb-ft | 490 lb-ft | 718 lb-ft |
| Acceleration 0-62 MPH | 6.0 seconds | 5.6 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 124 mph | 124 mph | 131 mph |
| Battery Capacity (Net) | 89 kWh | 104 kWh | 104 kWh |
| Reach | 305 miles / 314 miles Sportback | 362 miles / 373 miles Sportback | 267 miles / 319 miles Sportback |
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The Q8 50 E-Tron model can charge up to 150 kW from a DC fast charger. The 55 and SQ8 variants increase this figure to 170 kW. The larger one can cover 261 miles (420 kilometers) after plugging in for 31 minutes.
As standard, the vehicle can charge 11 kW on AC power. The 22-kW capacity is an optional upgrade.
The Q8 E-Tron uses air suspension. Depending on the situation, the ride height may vary by 2,992 inches (76 millimeters). Audi has also changed the steering ratio for a faster response when the driver turns the steering wheel.
Cabin
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Inside, the front passenger sees several high-resolution screens. The driver gets a digital instrument cluster. In the center stack, there is a 10.1-inch diagonal infotainment monitor and an 8.6-inch diagonal monitor for HVAC control. The heads-up view is optional. In markets that allow it, there are rear-facing side cameras instead of the rearview mirror, and displays for them are on each side of the cabin.
The interior includes an opening, panoramic glass roof with dark blinds. Two-zone automatic climate control is standard, but buyers can upgrade to a four-zone setting. Massaging the front seats is another option.
The Q8 E-Tron will have net-carbon-neutral certification in Europe and the US. The cabin uses recycled materials for insulation, soundproofing and carpeting. The decoration above the center stack display is partly from the PET bottle.
The E-Tron Q8 driver assistance technology suite includes a new remote parking system. Customers can control the technology from their smartphone without being in the car.
The Q8 E-Tron and Sportback will launch in Europe in February 2024. Prices in Germany will start at €74,400. US deliveries will begin in late April, but Audi will reveal pricing closer to launch.
