Audi Q8 e-tron brings improved efficiency, range, and design

The new Audi Q8 e-tron and Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback are due in New Zealand during the second quarter of 2023, with final pricing and specifications released closer to the local launch.

The Q8 is the first Audi model to demonstrate new brand design, and it will have increased battery capacity and higher charging performance.

It has up to 582km range in the SUV version and up to 513km in the SQ8 e-tron Sportback.

“Since the introduction of the Audi e-tron, Audi has been following a systematic electric

Roadmap,” says Audi New Zealand general manager Dean Sheed.

“The new Audi Q8 e-tron is a progression of the current Audi e-tron. Its improved efficiency, range, and refined design will all play a fundamental part in its success. Like all e-trons in our fully electric offering there is no doubt the Audi Q8 e-tron is suitable for everyday use and more.”

The Q8 e-tron is the top model among Audi’s electric SUVs and the first to receive the new corporate identity with a two-dimensional design of the four rings on the exterior, along with the model lettering and Audi logo on the B-pillar.

Each variant will have its own drivetrain with electric all-wheel drive.

The Audi Q8 55 e-tron SUV will generate 300kW in boost mode and 664Nm torque.

The top-end Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback will be powered by three motors which amount to 370kW and 973Nm in boost mode, having a 210km/h top speed.

Batteries for both have 106kWh net, with usable battery capacity increased through an adjustment to the battery management system.

At a high-powered DC charging station, the maximum charging performance increases to up to 170kW, the battery charged from 10 to 80% in about 31-minutes, providing about 420km range.

At an AC charging station or wallbox, the Audi Q8 e-tron charges at up to 11kW, taking about 11 hours and 30 minutes to reach a full charge.

Audi offers an optional AC charging performance of up to 22kW in about six hours.

The Audi Q8 e-tron has an air-spring suspension with controlled shock absorption as standard. The height of the car body can be varied by a total 76mm, depending on the driving situation.

Electronic stability control (ESC) allows even more manoeuvrability, especially in tight corners, thanks to its revised progressive steering. The gear ratio of the steering system has been changed so that the steering responds even faster, especially when making delicate steering movements.

Wheel spoilers mounted on the underbody help divert airflow around the wheels, while spoilers on the front axle have been enlarged, and the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron now has spoilers on the rear wheels.

About 40 driver assistance systems are available in the Audi Q8 e-tron. Up to five radar sensors, five cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors provide environmental information that’s then analysed by the central driver assistance control unit.

Something new is remote park assist plus. Customers can control the parking procedure through the myAudi app on their smartphones. When the car reaches its final position in the parking space, it automatically switches off, puts on the parking brake, and locks the doors. To leave the parking space the motor is powered on through the myAudi app, then the vehicle manoeuvres out enough for comfortable entry.

The Q8 has a glass panorama roof while an integrated wind deflector reduces wind noise.

As part of the Plastic Loop project, Audi has worked with plastics manufacturer LyondellBasell to establish a process in which chemical recycling will be used for the first time to reuse mixed automotive plastic waste in producing plastic covers for the seatbelt buckles.

Recycled materials are also used for other Audi Q8 e-tron components.

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