Audi's first electric becomes Q8 e-tron, gains autonomy and is cheaper than its predecessor

Audi introduces the Q8 e-tron . Despite the name, it is not an electric version of the Audi Q8 , but the updated version of the Audi e-tron SUV , which was the first electric series of the brand with the four rings.

For now, Audi Q8 (petrol, diesel and PHEV) and Q8 e-tron will co-exist in the range, before both are likely to be replaced by a single model in 2026.

The Sportback variant , with fastback bodies (and what Audi calls a coupé) and which accounts for around a third of e-tron sales worldwide, receives the same upgrade as the standard e-tron.

To be worthy of the Q8 badge, the e-tron had to step up a notch in terms of performance. The Ingolstadt engineers focused mainly on the autonomy and performance of the model, in order to stand up to the new Mercedes EQE SUV , one of its direct rivals.

Audi Q8 e-tron: range and performance

Thus, from the outset, the Q8 e-tron dispenses with the small 71 kWh battery. The Q8 e-tron 50 of access to the range has a lithium ion battery with a nickel, cobalt and manganese composition of 95 gross kWh and 89 net kWh. It maintains the integral traction with two engines (one per axle) with a combined power that goes from 313 CV to 339 CV . The torque also rises from 540 Nm to 664 Nm.

A new aerodynamic treatment of the wheel arches and the front underbody reduces resistance and, therefore, energy consumption, they assure from Audi. The WLTP autonomy is significantly increased in the Q8 e-tron 50 and reaches 491 km, that is, 172 km more than before.

The Q8 e-tron 55 is equipped with an NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminum) lithium-ion battery with a total capacity of 114 kWh and 106 kWh of usable capacity. It continues to offer 408 hp, 664 Nm and all-wheel drive, but its WLTP autonomy has gone from 410 km to 582 km.

In addition to its increased capacity, this battery benefits from a 20% increase in energy density thanks to new manganese-free cells. The three-motor SQ8 e-tron with 503 hp and 973 Nm of torque also adopts this new battery, with an estimated range of 494 km, in its case, compared to the previous 360 km.

Depending on the powertrain, the Sportback variant can go up to 20km further on a charge, according to Audi, thanks to its lower coefficient of drag.

Audi has not only improved the capacity of the original e-tron batteries, it also promises a "flatter" charge curve for the Q8 e-tron, allowing it to maintain a high charging rate regardless of charge level, although allowable DC power is limited to 150 kW (90 kWh battery) and 170 kW with the largest battery.

The on-board AC (domestic) charger has a nominal power of 11 kW (22 kW as an option). The most remarkable thing, too, is the presence in series in all the Q8 e-tron of a heat pump as standard.

Cosmetic changes include a more sculpted bumper with faux air intakes, the new two-dimensional Audi logo, and a backlit grille . Both the front and rear lights feature a new light signature.

Audi claims to have heard the criticism about the lack of dynamism of its electric SUV, which weighs more than 2.5 tons (including more than 700 kg of battery) . For this reason, it has equipped the Q8 e-tron with air suspension as standard, while the power steering and stability control have been modified to make the vehicle more lively.

Audi Q8 e-tron price

The Audi Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback are scheduled to go on sale in this last quarter of the year, with the first deliveries expected in February 2023 . The Audi Q8 e-tron 50 of access to the range will start at 84,610 euros (currently the access to the range is the e-tron 55 that starts at 89,970 euros). The price range of the Q8 e-tron is as follows:

Audi Q8 etron

• Q8 e-tron 50 Advanced: 84,610 euros
• Q8 e-tron 50 S-Line: 90,110 euros
• Q8 e-tron 55 Advanced: 94,610 euros
• Q8 e-tron 55 S-Line: 100,110 euros
• SQ8 e-tron: NA

Audi Q8 Sportback etron

• Q8 e-tron 50 Advanced: 87,110 euros
• Q8 e-tron 50 S-Line: 92,610 euros
• Q8 e-tron 55 Advanced: 97,110 euros
• Q8 e-tron 55 S-Line: 102,610 euros
• SQ8 e-tron: NA