Audi introduces new Q8 e-tron as flagship electric model

MANILA: With the introduction of the e-tron in 2018, Audi ushered in the era of electric mobility. The model has since become the industry standard for electric luxury-class SUVs. Now that the new Audi Q8 e-tron has arrived, it aims to continue this electric pioneer's success story. The flagship electric SUV and Sportback will be offered in the UK with an improved range of up to 531km in the SUV and up to 552km in the Sportback, thanks to an optimized drivetrain, improved aerodynamics, higher charging performance, and battery capacity. The new flagship SUV has undergone significant design alterations, especially at the front.

Audi has been on a systematic electric roadmap since the release of the Audi e-tron and sales of 150,000 units. There are currently eight models in its electric lineup. It will have more than 20 by 2026. Audi will then be releasing only fully electric vehicles to the global market.

“With our corporate strategy ‘Vorsprung 2030’, we’ve set a fixed date for our withdrawal from combustion engines and clearly decided that Audi will be a fully electric brand within 11 years. The new Audi Q8 e-tron, with its improved efficiency and range and refined design, is another important component in our electric portfolio to get people excited about electromobility with emotional models that are suitable for everyday use,” Audi AG Board of Management Chairman Markus Duesmann stated.

Audi Board for Technical Development Member Oliver Hoffmann also emphasized how these improvements will benefit customers. “In the new Q8 e-tron, we were able to significantly increase both battery capacity and charging performance. This allowed us to achieve an optimal balance between energy density and charging capacity, as well as to increase efficiency. On top of that, we improved the motors, progressive steering, and chassis control systems – and thus the dynamic driving characteristics that are typical of Audi in all versions of the Q8 e-tron,” he said.

Audi makes it very clear that the Audi Q8 e-tron is the flagship model among its electric SUVs and Coupe SUVs by naming this model the Q8. The new front and rear designs, which upgrade Audi's electric design language, help the Audi Q8 e-tron and Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron stand out as fully electric vehicles. The Audi Q8 e-tron debuts the new brand identity with a two-dimensional four-ring design on the exterior. The model lettering with an Audi logo on the B-pillar is a new feature.

The Audi Q8 e-tron provides the maximum amount of space and comfort with a length of 4,915mm, a width of 1,937mm, and a height of 1,619mm for the Sportback and 1,633mm for the SUV. There is also plenty of legroom in the rear seats, thanks to its 2,928mm wheelbase. The SUV has 569 liters of cargo capacity, while the Sportback has 528 liters. There is also a “frunk,” or front storage area, that has 62 liters of space.

Three drivetrain options with electric all-wheel drive are offered for both body types. The base models of the Audi Q8 50 e-tron and the Audi Q8 Sportback 50 e-tron are powered by two motors that produce 340ps in boost mode and 664Nm of torque.

The asynchronous motor on the rear axle has been updated. The electromagnetic field is now produced by 14 coils, instead of the previous 12 coils. As a result, the motor produces a larger magnetic field with the same amount of electrical input, enabling it to produce greater torque. If this increase in torque is not needed, the electric motor uses less energy to produce the required amount of torque. Range is increased while consumption is minimized.

The Audi Q8 55 e-tron and Audi Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron are also propelled by two electric motors. In boost mode, the models produce 408ps and 664Nm of torque. The top speed is limited to 199kph.

Three motors power the top-of-the-line Audi SQ8 e-tron and Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron. They generate 503ps and 973Nm of torque under boost. The top speed is 209kph.

The battery of the Audi Q8 50 e-tron can store 89kWh of energy, while the more powerful Audi Q8 55 e-tron and Audi SQ8 e-tron can store 106kWh of energy. The usable battery capacity has also increased as the battery management system was upgraded.

The Audi Q8 50 e-tron can charge at a maximum performance of 150kW at a fast charging station. The maximum charging performance rises to 170kW with the Audi Q8 55 e-tron and Audi SQ8 e-tron. The larger battery may be charged from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes. Under ideal circumstances, this translates to a range of up to 386km.

The Audi Q8 e-tron can charge at up to 11kW at an AC charging station or wallbox. An optional AC charging upgrade of up to 22kW is also available. Under ideal conditions, the Audi Q8 50 e-tron can be fully charged in approximately nine hours and 15 minutes using an 11kW power source and in approximately four hours and 45 minutes using a 22kW power source. The larger battery of the Audi Q8 55 e-tron can be charged in around 11 hours and 30 minutes at 11kW and six hours at 22kW.

A regulated air-spring suspension with shock absorption is a standard feature of the new Audi Q8 e-tron. 76mm can be added or reduced from the car's height depending on the driving conditions. The air-spring tuning of the vehicle was altered to improve the lateral dynamics. Even more adjustability will be possible, thanks to its electronic stability control (ESC), particularly in tight turns. The redesigned progressive steering in the Audi Q8 e-tron allows it to manage situations with significantly more agility. Even while making delicate movements, the steering system now responds much more rapidly, thanks to a modified gear ratio. More robust suspension bearings on the front axle help the direct steering ratio's effects.

The Audi Q8 e-tron comes standard with almost 40 driver assistance systems. The central driver assistance control unit analyzes the environmental information that is gathered by up to five radar sensors, five cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. A new feature called Remote Park Assist Plus will be available to order in 2023. This allows the Audi Q8 e-tron to maneuver into even the narrowest parking spaces. Customers can manage the parking procedure using the myAudi app on their smartphones. When it is in its final position in the parking space, the vehicle automatically switches off, engages the parking brake, and locks the doors.

Photos from Audi

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