Updated Audi Q8 e-Tron, A Little Bit Better, A Little More Expensive

The flagship all-electric Audi Q8 e-Tron has sold over 150,000 units since its introduction around 4 years ago. Indeed the Q8 e-Tron is symbolic of Audi’s ever expanding electric-vehicular portfolio which now comprises eight models. By 2026, the portfolio will grow to more than 20 electric-only models. The year 2026 will become a marker, a line in the sand, a moment when Audi becomes a fully electric car manufacturer. Audi may be transitioning to a new EV era but the rules-based product lifecycle will still apply in this bold new future of tomorrow. The new Q8 e-Tron isn’t new it is simply updated, this was planned before the car even reached the production assembly line.

The Audi Q8 e-Tron and Q8 Sportback e-Tron have a vehicle length of 4,915mm, a width of 1,937mm, and a height of 1,619mm for the Sportback and 1,633mm for the SUV.  The Q8 -e-tron has a rear storage volume of 569 litres for the SUV and 528 litres for the Sportback. There are also 62 litres available in the front storage area, the so-called “frunk”.

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 claimed 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. Top speed is limited to 130mph.

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 percent 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.

The new Audi Q8 e-Tron comes standard with an air-spring suspension with controlled shock absorption. There are around 40 driver assistance systems available in the Audi Q8 e-Tron. Up to five radar sensors, five cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors provide environmental information that’s then analyzed by the central driver assistance control unit.

Remote park assist plus is a new feature, which will be available to order later in 2023. Top spec Q8 e-Trons come with digital Matrix LED headlights. The interior remains unchanged, On certain specifications, the sport seats are upholstered in synthetic leather and the microfiber material Dinamica. Dinamica is made from up to 45 percent polyester fibres that are manufactured from recycled PET bottles, used textiles and fibre residue.

The updated Q8 e-Tron goes on sale mid-November, first deliveries are due April 2023, full UK pricing and specification are to be confirmed.