The new Audi Q8 e-tron electric SUV arrives in spring

 The e-Tron, launched in 2018, was the first electric vehicle from the German brand. Today comes the restyling, with a change of name and positioning. The Q8 e-Tron will be available in SUV and Sportback configurations in the first months of 2023.

As part of the electrification process, which will lead Audi to become a fully electric brand within the first few years of the next decade, a special mention goes to the e-Tron. The car was Audi's first successful experiment in the electric field and paved a new path for the German brand. Audi, therefore, announces the restyling of the e-Tron, which becomes the Q8 e-Tron, improving sportiness, efficiency, and autonomy.

Let's start with the configurations and engine qualities: the Audi Q8 e-tron electric SUV will be available in two different designs, SUV and Sportback, with three different types of engines. The Audi Q8 50 e-tron and Audi Q8 50 Sportback e-tron make use of two electric motors that deliver 340 HP and a maximum torque of 664 Nm, while the Audi Q8 55 e-tron and Audi Q8 55 Sportback e-tron can count on a full power of 408 HP and a torque of 664 Nm. The top speed is limited to 200 kilometers per hour for all models.

The most powerful engine of the three is the one that equips the sports variants of the vehicles: we are talking about a triple electric motor, with two of these positioned at the rear axle, capable of delivering a maximum power of 503 HP and a torque of 973 Nm. In this case, the top speed is limited to 210 kilometers per hour.

Compared to the forerunner, the range also increases considerably: the Q8 50 model in the SUV configuration reaches 491 kilometers of range in the WLTP cycle, with the Q8 50 Sportback reaching up to 505 kilometers. The same goes for the Q8 55 versions: in the SUV configuration, it reaches 582 kilometers of autonomy; in the Sportback version, it exceeds 600 kilometers.

As for the sportier versions, marked with the letter S in the name, the Audi SQ8 e-Tron in the SUV version registers a range of 494 kilometers in the WLTP cycle, while in the Sportback version, the range rises up to 513 kilometers.

The use of two different batteries gives the differences in terms of autonomy: the basic models—those marked with the number 50—adopt accumulators with a capacity of 95 kWh, while the higher models can count on a 114 kWh battery.

There are clear differences between the new model and the previous model in terms of design and capability: Audi describes the new design as more muscular, thanks in part to the new front grille and completely redesigned bumpers.

In addition to the stylistic aspect, the new design also brings about a clear improvement in aerodynamics: the Cx coefficient of aerodynamic resistance drops to 0.24 for the Sportback versions and 0.27 for the SUV versions, thanks also to the spoilers in front of the wheels that better channel the air flows.

In terms of dimensions, the Q8 50 and Q8 55 versions share a length of 4,915 millimeters and a width of 1,937 millimeters. The height changes: 1,633 mm for the SUV versions and 1,619 mm for the Sportback versions. On the other hand, the two sports versions are 39 millimeters wider and 2 millimeters lower.

Finally, consider the interior: two-zone automatic climate control is standard, but Audi offers a four-zone solution with a fragrance diffuser and ionizer as an option. All equipment includes decorative inserts in ash or sycamore wood, aluminum, or carbon.

Two displays are supplied: one 10.1 inches and the other 8.6 inches, which can be used thanks to the proprietary MMI touch response control system. The LTE, Advanced data transmission standard, can be used with the MMI navigation system plus, and it also has a WLAN hotspot for passengers' mobile devices.

The new Audi Q8 e-tron and Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron will reach dealerships during the first quarter of 2023.