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Bold, Range Defining Audi Q8 E-tron Revealed

Audi has launched the new Audi Q8 e-tron, featuring more battery capacity and higher charging performance, along with fresh exterior looks.

Nov 9, 2022

The new Audi Q8 e-tron boasts net-carbon-neutral production and the first-time use of recycled materials in a safety-rated component.

By calling the new model the Q8, Audi is making a clear statement that the Audi Q8 e-tron is the top model among its electric SUVs and crossovers.

Audi says the new Audi Q8 e-tron is building on the success story of the manufacturer’s electric model pioneer.

The top-of-the-line electric SUV and crossover impress with their optimized drive concept, improved aerodynamics, higher charging performance, and battery capacity and increased range of up to 582km in the SUV version (in accordance with the WLTP) and up to 600km in the Sportback version (in accordance with the WLTP). Significant changes, especially at the front of the vehicle, lend the new flagship SUV a fresher appearance.

Since the introduction of the Audi e-tron around four years ago and sales of 150,000 units, Audi has been following a systematic electric roadmap. Its electric portfolio now comprises eight models. By 2026, it will have more than 20. At that point, Audi will only be releasing fully electric models on the global market.

By calling this model the Q8, Audi is making a clear statement that the Audi Q8 e-tron is the top model among its electric SUVs and crossovers.

The Audi Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron are immediately identifiable as fully electric models at first glance. This is thanks to the new front and rear designs with the characteristic Singleframe mask, the inverted grille, and blade above the redesigned rear diffuser, which systematically carry Audi’s electric design language forward.

An exclusive highlight on the edition S line package is the Singleframe grille, which is finished in body color. As a prestigious electric SUV model from Audi, the Q8 e-tron ushers in the new corporate identity with a two-dimensional design of the four rings on the exterior. In order to elevate the family logo as a central element, Audi highlights the vehicle’s face with the projection light Singleframe. Additionally, the Q8 e-tron is the first model to feature the new model badge with Audi lettering on the B-pillar.

For both body shapes, three drivetrain variants with electric all-wheel drive will be available globally. With their two motors, the base models of the Audi Q8 50 e-tron and the Audi Q8 Sportback 50 e-tron generate 250kW in boost mode and 664 Nm of torque, and they get a range of up to 491km (SUV) and up to 505 km (Sportback), in accordance with the WLTP.

With their two motors, the Audi Q8 55 e-tron and Audi Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron generate 300kW in boost mode and 664Nm of torque. Their ranges are up to 582km for the SUV and up to 600km for the Sportback, in accordance with the WLTP. Their top speed, and that of the Q8 50 e-tron is limited to 200 km/h.

The top-end Audi SQ8 e-tron and Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron are powered by three motors. Their boost performance amounts to 370kW and 973Nm of torque. The range of the S models is up to 494km for the SUV and up to 513km for the Sportback. Their top speed is limited to 210km/h.

Two battery sizes can be selected. The battery of the Q8 50 e-tron has a storage capacity of 89 net kilowatt-hours (95 gross kWh), while the more powerful versions of the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron* have 106 net kWh (114 gross kWh).

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 150 kW. With the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron, the maximum charging performance increases to up to 170 kW.

The big battery can be charged from ten to 80% during a roughly 31-minute charging stop – under ideal conditions, this corresponds to a range of up to 420km (according to WLTP). At an AC charging station or wallbox, the Audi Q8 e-tron charges at up to 11 kW. Audi offers an optional AC charging performance of up to 22 kW. Under ideal conditions, the Audi Q8 50 e-tron can completely charge in around nine hours and 15 minutes (22kW: around four hours and 45 minutes) using alternating current. The big battery’s numbers are around 11 hours and 30 minutes at 11 kW and six hours at 22 kW.

The new Audi Q8 e-tron comes standard with an air-spring suspension with controlled shock absorption. The height of the car body can be varied by a total of 76mm, depending on the driving situation. To optimize the lateral dynamics of the vehicle, its air-spring tuning was adjusted. Moreover, its electronic stability control (ESC) will allow for even more manoeuvrability in the future – especially in tight corners.

The Audi Q8 e-tron handles these with noticeably more agility thanks to its revised progressive steering. The gear ratio of the steering system was changed so that the steering responds much more quickly, even when making delicate steering movements. The effect of the direct steering ratio is supported by more rigid suspension bearings on the front axle. Steering movements are thus transmitted to the wheels more directly, and feedback from steering reactions is improved as well. All the chassis control systems were adjusted, but they remain balanced and perfectly attuned.

The glass panorama roof makes the interior appear lighter and reinforces the sense of airiness and expansiveness. The glass elements open and close electronically. The blackout sunshades are controlled just as conveniently. When it’s open, the two-part glass roof improves the climate in the interior thanks to efficient ventilation.

The three-stage ventilation provides for comfortable seating, even at high outdoor temperatures. This is available for the standard seats, whose leather is intricately perforated. The highly adjustable individual contour seats are the highlight among the interior options. In addition to pneumatic seat and backrest adjustments, they can also be ordered with a massage function. All furnishings come with optional decorative inlays of porous wood veneers such as grainy ash and sycamore, aluminium or, for the S line and edition S line versions, a carbon fibre structure. New additions include light brown walnut wood and a sustainable technical material made partially from recycled PET bottles.

Like all luxury-class Audi models, the Q8 e-tron uses the MMI touch response operating system. Its two large high-resolution displays – the top one with a 10.1-inch diagonal and the bottom one with an 8.6-inch diagonal – replace nearly all conventional switches and knobs.

Beyond operation with the two touch displays, a lot of features can be activated through natural voice control. The digital display and operating concept in the Audi Q8 e-tron is rounded out by the standard Audi virtual cockpit with full HD resolution. Specific graphics depict all the important aspects of electric driving, from charging performance to range.

Audi uses recycled materials for some components in the Audi Q8 e-tron. These materials, treated through a recycling process, reduce the amount 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-colored technical material that’s partially composed of recycled PET bottles.

With the S line equipment package, the sport seats are upholstered in synthetic leather and the microfiber material Dinamica. Dinamica is made from up to 45% polyester fibres that are manufactured from recycled PET bottles, used textiles and fibre residue. In contrast to previous microfiber quality, the production of Dinamica is also solvent-free – another contribution to environmental protection.

Furthermore, some safety-related components that partially comprise mixed automotive plastic waste treated through a chemical recycling process are used for the first time – specifically, the plastic covers for the seatbelt buckles.

The new Audi Q8 e-tron line-up will debut internationally during the second quarter of 2023. New Zealand market specification details will be made available closer to the model’s local launch.

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