The wait is over, Audi has finally unveiled the Q8 e-tron SUV. This is more of a facelifted version of the outgoing e-tron, which was Audi’s first electric SUV.
What Is The Q8 e-tron?
Design Highlights
When compared to the predecessor, the Q8 e-tron and its Sportback version have also received significant exterior and interior styling changes. For the styling changes, the Audi Q8 and Sportback e-tron now get a dual-tone trapezoidal grille. We can also see the brand’s new two-dimensional ring emblem on it.
Other changes include a reworked front bumper, slightly different headlights, and new ‘Audi’ badging on the B-pillar. Coming to the rear, one can see the Q8 and Sportback e-tron with new LED tail-light clusters and a revised bumper. There’s also a new spoiler within the underbody. This addition will enhance the airflow around the wheels. Thus reducing the drag coefficient from 0.26 to 0.24cD for the Q8 Sportback e-tron and from 0.28 to 0.27cD for the Q8 e-tron.
Interiors
Now for the interiors, Audi’s electric SUVs have new recycled upholstery and trim options. Not much has changed, but there are subtle new touches in a slightly revised cabin as well. The most prominent change is the multimedia interface (MMI). Both the Q8 e-tron and the Sportback version carry forward the 10.1-inch touchscreen screen at the top and the 8.6-inch screen at the bottom.
Powertrain Options And Mechanicals
Customers can have the Q8 e-tron range in either 50, 55 or the top-spec S variants. The 50 and 55 versions of the EV will get dual motors, of which one sits at the front, one at the rear. On the contrary, the S versions get a twin-motor set-up at the rear.
The Q8 e-tron 50 models; power figures read as 340 HP and 664Nm. Whereas the 55 models produce 408 HP and 664Nm. The top-spec Q8 e-tron S models make a total output of 503 HP and 973 Nm of torque.
Battery And Charging
Battery and charging are where Audi has done most of the work. The batteries now use more advanced cells and a new management system. The result of this has increased the battery pack’s energy density by up to 20 per cent. Thus the updated 89kWh lithium-ion battery, for the 50 version of the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron can now achieve a range of 491km and 505km on the WLTP cycle, respectively. Meanwhile, the larger 104kWh battery pack in the Q8 e-tron 55 and e-tron Sportback 55 comes with a claimed range of 582 km and 600 km on the WLTP cycle, respectively.
The S versions of the Q8 e-tron and Sportback use the same 104kWh battery pack that comes with a WLTP range of 494km and 513 km, respectively. Audi now claims that the Q8 e-tron 50 models can be fully charged in 9 hours and 15 minutes with an 11kW AC charger. And with a 150kW DC fast charger, this will take 28 minutes. Talking of the larger battery pack in the Q8 e-tron 55 and S models, the charging time from 10 per cent to 80 percent via a 170kW DC fast charger is a claimed 31 minutes.
India Launch Plans
Audi will launch the Q8 e-tron in international markets starting sometime in February 2023. Chances are pretty high that we will get the Q8 e-tron for India as well. We expect the SUV to arrive sometime in July-August next year.
Also Read: Audi has installed 100+ chargers across 60+ cities in India.
