Audi Q8 E-Tron debuts as the brand’s flagship EV crossover
Audi is betting big on its E-Tron badge, and rightly so, as the EV revolution is raging on. They have now updated their flagship EV crossover, the E-Tron, and renamed it Audi Q8 E-Tron.
The Audi E-Tron crossover had a confusing name. Named just the E-Tron, it was unsure about its positioning in the Audi range. With this update and the Q8 E-Tron moniker, it reclaims its roost as the brand’s flagship EV crossover.
Audi Q8 E-Tron styling
The styling of the Audi Q8 E-Tron is updated on the same lines as the Audi Q8. An area finished in glossy black gels the grille and headlamps together. Taking a leaf out of BMW’s design book, the grill also lights up. The Audi Q8 E-Tron will come in both the SUV and the sleeker Sportback format, which are more aerodynamic than the models they replace.
Interior
The Audi Q8 E-Tron’s interior shows off multiple screens. No surprises there. A large 10.1-inch infotainment screen is paired with another 8.6-inch unit that controls the HVAC settings. You can also add a heads-up display as an option. The mirrors can be swapped for cameras if your local legislation permits it.
Audi Q8 E-Tron battery specifications
For the Audi Q8 E-Tron juice, you can choose between two battery capacities and three powertrain options. In the base Audi Q8 50 E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback, the battery is 89-kWh strong. There are two motors, one for each axle, producing a total of 335 hp and 664 Nm in its Boost mode. These models range from 491 km for the SUV to 505 km for the Sportback. These base models can hit 100 kph from a standstill in 6 seconds flat.
Stepping the game up, Audi Q8 55 E-Tron twins get a 104 kWh, good enough for 582 km of range for the boxy Q8 E-Tron. The Sportback will go further, to 600 km. The motors of these models produce 402 hp in Boost mode. The Q8 55 E-Trons can rush from 0 to 100 kph in 5.6 seconds. The 55 and 50 trims have a limited top speed of 200 kph.
SQ8 E-Tron
Topping off the range are the SQ8 E-Trons. They come with three motors, one for the front axle and two for the rear axle. The total output is 496 hp, supplemented by an astronomical 973 Nm of torque. They use a bigger battery that is good enough for the Audi SQ8 E-Tron SUV to drive for 494 km. The SQ8 Sportback ups this range to 513 km. These are, of course, the fastest of the bunch, with an ability to run from 0 to 100 kph in 4.5 seconds. Unlike the lesser models, the SQ8 E-Trons can run till it hits 210 kph.
The Audi Q8 E-Tron range has a maximum charging capacity of 170 kW when hooked up to a compatible DC fast charger. At this speed, they can recoup up to 420 km worth of electric power in just 31 minutes. They also have an 11 kW AC charging capability that can be upgraded to 22 kW.
The Audi Q8 E-Tron will come with a net-carbon-neutral certification in the European and American markets. Audi makes the sound dampening, carpets, and insulation of the Q8 E-Tron from recycled materials. They also utilize PET bottles for the fabrication of some interior elements.
The Audi Q8 E-Tron and Sportback launch are slated to happen in February of 2023.
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