Audi have improved efficiency and redesigned the exterior of its new Q8 e-tron electric vehicle (EV) that also offers higher charging performance and is on sale in the UK priced from £67,800.
The model range comprises of electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) and Sportback body styles with three powertrain options. This includes the Q8 50 e-tron, Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron. All feature considerable improvements in electric range and increased battery capacity. First UK deliveries are due April 2023
The new version of Audi’s flagship electric SUV also brings with it a new name; the Q8 e-tron. This positions the model as the flagship offering in Audi’s electric model portfolio. The redesign is now visible at the front and rear end as a flush, two-dimensional logo, while the model designation is also now visible on the b-pillar.
Andrew Doyle, Audi UK director, said: “Audi established the premium market for electric SUVs back in 2018 with the e-tron and since then customer appetite for the model has grown year-on-year.
“The introduction of the new and improved Q8 e-tron family heralds a new era for Audi, one that prioritises customer’s wants and needs. It’s the first of a variety of incredible new products Audi will be bringing to market in the coming years that will continue to set the standard in the world of premium electric mobility.”
Three Drivetrain Variants
For both body shapes, three drivetrain variants with electric all-wheel drive are available. Driven by two motors, the base models of the Audi Q8 50 e-tron and the Audi Q8 Sportback 50 e-tron generate 250kW (340PS) in boost mode and 664Nm of torque, and they get a WLTP range of up to 281 miles (SUV) and up to 290 miles (Sportback) in UK versions.
Sitting above in the lineup is the Audi Q8 55 e-tron and Audi Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron, which are also driven by two electric motors. The models generate 300kW (408PS) in boost mode and 664Nm of torque. Their ranges are up to 330 miles for the SUV and up to 343 miles for the Sportback in the UK. The top speed, and that of the Q8 50 e-tron, is limited to 124mph.
The top-end Audi SQ8 e-tron and Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron are driven by three motors. Their boost performance amounts to 370 kW (503PS) and 973 Nm of torque. The range of the S models is up to 284 miles for the SUV and up to 295 miles for the Sportback. The top speed is limited to 130mph.
More Battery Capacity and Higher Charging Performance
The battery of the Q8 50 e-tron has a storage capacity of 89kWh (95kWh gross), while the more powerful versions of the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron boast a battery storage capacity of 106kWh (114kWh gross). Thanks to an adjustment to the battery management system, the battery capacity usable for customers has increased as well.
At a high-powered charging station, the Audi Q8 50 e-tron reaches a maximum charging performance of 150kW. With the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron, the maximum charging performance increases to up to 170kW. The larger battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent during a 31-minute charging stop – under ideal conditions, this corresponds to a range of up to 240 miles.
At an AC charging station or wallbox, the Audi Q8 e-tron charges at up to 11kW. Audi offers an optional AC charging upgrade of up to 22kW. Under ideal conditions, the Audi Q8 50 e-tron can completely charge in around nine hours and 15 minutes on a 11kW power source and in around four hours and 45 minutes on a 22kW power source. The Q8 55 e-tron’s larger battery will charge in around 11 hours and 30 minutes at 11kW and six hours at 22kW.
Improved Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics have been a focus on the Q8 resulting in a reduction of the drag coefficient from 0.26 to 0.24cw for the Q8 Sportback e-tron and from 0.28 to 0.26 cw for the Q8 e-tron.
The wheel spoilers mounted on the underbody help divert airflow around the wheels. The spoilers on the front axle were enlarged, and the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron now has spoilers on the rear wheels as well.
With the SQ8 Sportback e-tron, spoilers are only mounted on the rear axle. In the area around the grille, this is the first time an Audi model has had a self-sealing system in addition to the electric shutters that automatically close the radiator. This system further optimises the airflow at the front of the car and prevents undesired losses.
Recycled Materials
The Audi Q8 e-tron will be certified as net carbon-neutral for customers in Europe and the USA. Audi also uses recycled materials for some components in the Audi Q8 e-tron.
These materials, treated through a recycling process, reduce the number of resources used and ensure a closed, efficient and sustainable material loop. In the interior of the Audi Q8 e-tron, Audi uses recycled materials for insulation and damping, as well as for carpeting.
The decorative inlay above the display, called the Tech Layer, is available with a new anthracite-coloured technical material that’s partially composed of recycled PET bottles.
On certain specifications, the sport seats are upholstered in synthetic leather and the microfibre material Dinamica. Dinamica is made from up to 45 per cent polyester fibres that are manufactured from recycled PET bottles, used textiles and fibre residue.
UK PRICES
Q8 50 e-tron (Sportback model +£2,500)
Q8 50 e-tron quattro Sport £67,800
Q8 50 e-tron quattro S line £72,800
Q8 50 e-tron quattro Black Edition £75,150
Q8 50 e-tron quattro Vorsprung £89,800
Q8 55 e-tron (Sportback model +£2,500)
Q8 55 e-tron quattro Sport £77,800
Q8 55 e-tron quattro S line £82,800
Q8 55 e-tron quattro Black Edition £85,150
Q8 55 e-tron quattro Vorsprung £99,800
SQ8 e-tron (Sportback model +£2,500) £97,500
SQ8 e-tron Black Edition £97,500
SQ8 e-tron Vorsprung £114,500
Q8 e-tron UK Technical Data
