Audi is renaming its model Q8 e-tron on the occasion of its restyling. The brand is making some changes to the aerodynamics, motors and batteries of this premium electric SUV.
Audi has just announced, on November 9, a new model called Q8 e-tron. It is in fact only an update, with a new name, of its first 100% electric model. Like the old e-tron, the Audi Q8 e-tron will come in two different body styles. It will be available from spring 2023, both in an SUV version and in an SUV Coupé version, called “Sportback” at Audi. It is available in 3 engines, including a sporty one, and incorporates batteries with larger net capacities.
A new name to harmonize the designations of the range
Audi e-tron was the German brand’s first 100% model in 2018. Audi is taking advantage of its restyling to associate it with the “Q8” code, to better situate it in the brand’s growing electric family. On the other hand, make no mistake, this Q8 e-tron does not come as a variation of the hybrid Q8, available in the thermal range of the manufacturer.
Unlike other manufacturers who have chosen very different names between thermal and electric models, at Audi, it is still not easy to understand the structuring of the range between thermal and electric with fairly similar names. This new name of Q8 e-tron should, however, make it easier to understand that the model is part of the top of the range of the German manufacturer.
Few aesthetic changes, but aerodynamic improvements
On the occasion of this small facelift, the Audi Q8 lowers its drag coefficient from 0.26 to 0.24 of cx on the Sportback version. The gain is a little less on the SUV version, going from a cx of 0.28 to 0.27. It’s not really the slight aesthetic changes that contribute to this, but more an optimized air management in the wheel arches and underbody.
The new Q8 e-tron stands out from the older generation with its new grille. The front optics are also better integrated. At the rear, too, the changes are slight and mainly revolve around the light signature.
The interior of the Audi Q8 e-tron is not revolutionized with this model update. However, the brand offers new materials, and always more recycled materials.
Larger batteries of 89 and 106 kWh and new engines
The smallest 89 kWh battery is reserved for the entry-level engine, while the two upper engines will have the 106 kWh battery. Previously, the basic version had to make do with a 71 kWh battery, which also limited the range of this large 4.91 m SUV.
| Audi Q8 50 e-tron | Audi Q8 55 e-tron | Audi SQ8 e-tron | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerful | Audi Q8 50 e-tron 250kW | Audi Q8 55 e-tron 300kW | Audi SQ8 e-tron 370kW |
| Couple | Audi Q8 50 e-tron 664 Nm | Audi Q8 55 e-tron 664 Nm | Audi SQ8 e-tron 973 Nm |
| Battery capacity | Audi Q8 50 e-tron 89 kWh | Audi Q8 55 e-tron 106 kWh | Audi SQ8 e-tron 106 kWh |
| Charging power | Audi Q8 50 e-tron 150kW | Audi Q8 55 e-tron 170kW | Audi SQ8 e-tron 170kW |
The two Q8 50 e-tron and Q8 55 e-tron engines are equipped with two motors to ensure all-wheel drive. The sportiest version, SQ8 e-tron, has three electric motors, which allow it to display an output of 503 hp (370 kW) and 973 Nm of torque. With the vectoring torque system, the three motors can separately manage the torque sent to the rear wheels. This is an asset to enable more dynamic driving in all conditions.
Audi can announce up to 600 km of autonomy, but …
With better energy density of the battery cells and a more consistent charging curve, the new Q8 e-tron should fare much better than the older generation for long distances on the highway.
Autonomy has been improved compared to the first version of the Audi e-tron, but the new size of the battery packs and their new technology play a major role in these good results:
| Autonomy (wltp) | SUV | Sportsback |
|---|---|---|
| Audi Q8 50 e-tron | 491km | 505km |
| Audi Q8 55 e-tron | 582km | 600km |
| Audi SQ8 e-tron | 494km | 513km |
When we look more closely, the consumption of the different models does not really seem to have progressed in 4 years. We will have to see more concretely what this new generation is capable of doing in real traffic conditions.
Standard equipment and interesting options to remember
The Audi Q8 e-tron has an 11 kW AC on-board charger, but a 22 kW version is available as an option. To stay within the theme of recharging, the Q8 e-tron equipped with the Plug & Charge function, which allows it to be recognized on Ionity terminals (for example) and not needing a badge to start the recharge.
Air suspension is standard on the model. In addition to the comfort provided by this suspension, Audi has also worked on the steering and on the stability control, the Audi Q8 e-tron must offer better road feel than the older generation.
The model also keeps the camera exterior mirrors as an option, with, alas, still the same integration of the control screens inside. If there was something to improve inside this 2022 evolution, it was probably the position of the control screens of these electronic mirrors in the passenger compartment, in order to make their use more comfortable and safer.
A function may prove useful with the size of the machine, it is the Remote Park Assist plus. This option should help the customer to maneuver in the tightest parking spaces from the application installed on their smartphone. However, this function will only be available to order from 2023.
The Audi Q8 e-tron is optionally equipped with the latest generation Digital Matrix LED headlights. These headlights, always more technological, give ever clearer indications to the driver with special projections.
This model can also be equipped with many driving aids, which will unfortunately quickly increase the bill.
The price also changes
No surprise, prices are also taking advantage of this to increase. Prices in France will start from 86,700 euros for the Q8 50 e-tron, for deliveries scheduled for the end of the first quarter of 2023.