With the Audi e-tron, the premium manufacturer entered the age of electromobility in 2018, marking the start of the electric future for the four rings. Since then, the model has been setting standards in the electric luxury-class SUV segment. The new Audi Q8 e-tron is now building on the success story of this electric 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 582 kilometres in the SUV version (in accordance with the WLTP) and up to 600 kilometres 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. “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,” said Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “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 Board Member for Technical Development Oliver Hoffmann also focused on the customer benefits enhanced by these refinements. “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,” Hoffmann said. “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.”
New face, new name, new corporate identity
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.
Maximum amount of space and comfort
With a vehicle length of 4.915 meters, a width of 1.937 meters, and a height of 1.619 meters for the Sportback and 1.633 meters for the SUV, the Q8 e-tron offers a maximum amount of space and comfort. The SQ8 e-tron2 and SQ8 Sportback e-tron3 are each two millimetres lower and 39 millimetres wider. Its wheelbase of 2.928 meters allows for a lot of legroom in the back seats too. It has a generous 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.
Three drivetrain variants
For both body shapes, three drivetrain variants with electric all-wheel drive can be selected. With their two motors, the base models of the Audi Q8 50 e-tron4 and the Audi Q8 Sportback 50 e-tron5 generate 250 kW in boost mode and 664 Nm of torque, and they get a range of up to 491 km (SUV) and up to 505 km (Sportback), in accordance with the WLTP.
With their two motors, the Audi Q8 55 e-tron6 and Audi Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron7 generate 300 kW in boost mode and 664 Nm of torque. Their ranges are up to 582 km for the SUV and up to 600 km for the Sportback, in accordance with the WLTP. Their top speed, and that of the Q8 50 e-tron4, is limited to 200 km/h.
The top-end Audi SQ8 e-tron2 and Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron3 are powered by three motors. Their boost performance amounts to 370 kW and 973 Nm of torque.
The range of the S models is up to 494 km for the SUV and up to 513 km for the Sportback. Their top speed is limited to 210 km/h.
More battery capacity and higher charging performance
Two battery sizes can be selected. The battery of the Q8 50 e-tron4 has a storage capacity of 89 net kilowatt-hours (95 gross kWh), while the more powerful versions of the Q8 55 e-tron6 and SQ8 e-tron2 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-tron4 reaches a maximum charging performance of 150 kW. With the Q8 55 e-tron6 and SQ8 e-tron2, the maximum charging performance increases to up to 170 kW. The big battery can be charged from ten to 80 percent during a roughly 31-minute charging stop – under ideal conditions, this corresponds to a range of up to 420 kilometres (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-tron4 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 Audi Q8 e-tron comes standard with the Plug & Charge function. At compatible charging stations, the vehicle authorizes itself when inserting the charging cable and activates the charging point. Billing happens automatically. The new charging service Audi charging, which is set to launch in 2023 and will in the future replace the existing e-tron Charging Service, will allow for convenient access to around 400,000 public charging points across Europe. The e-tron route planner provides reliable support when searching for charging points along your route.
This was refined for the new SQ8 e-tron2. A 124-kW electric motor is at work on the front axle. On the rear axle, there are two electric motors each with 98 kW of output that each separately power a rear wheel. This allows for a boost performance of up to 370 kW. The drive torque can be distributed across both rear electric motors between both wheels within a split second.
Balancing act between comfort and sportiness
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 76 millimetres, 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 – true to the Audi DNA.
Further improved aerodynamics
With the Audi Q8 e-tron, the topic of aerodynamics was a top priority. This resulted in a reduction of the drag coefficient from 0.26 to 0.24 cw for the Q8 Sportback e-tron and from 0.28 to 0.27 cw for the Q8 e-tron. The wheel spoilers mounted on the underbody help divert airflow around the wheels. The spoilers on the front axle were enlarged, and the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron now has spoilers on the rear wheels as well. With the SQ8 Sportback e-tron3, spoilers are only mounted on the rear axle. In the area around the grille, this is the first time an Audi model has had a self-sealing system in addition to the electric shutters that automatically close the radiator. This system further optimizes the airflow at the front of the car and prevents undesired losses.
Convenient parking with remote park assist plus
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 analysed by the central driver assistance control unit. Something new is remote park assist plus, which will be available to order starting in 2023. With its help, the Audi Q8 e-tron can manoeuvre into even the tightest parking spaces. Customers can control the parking procedure through the myAudi app on their smartphones. When the car reaches its final position in the parking space, it automatically switches off, puts on the parking brake, and locks the doors. To leave the parking space, the motor is powered on through the myAudi app, then the vehicle manoeuvres out enough for comfortable entry.
Digital Matrix LED headlights
The Q8 e-tron optionally comes with digital Matrix LED headlights. While driving on the highway, the orientation light marks the car’s position in the lane and helps the driver remain securely in the center in narrow spaces. Three other new features are available as well: enhanced traffic information, the lane light with a direction indicator and the orientation light on country roads.
Luxury-class interior
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. An integrated wind deflector reduces wind noise as well. As an alternative to the standard two-zone automatic climate control, Audi is also offering four-zone automatic climate control and an air quality package. 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.
High-resolution touch displays and voice control
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. On request, a heads-up display can be added. On the German market, the Audi Q8 e-tron will come standard with MMI Navigation plus. Its media center supports the high-speed data transmission standard LTE Advanced, and it has an integrated WiFi hotspot for the passengers’ mobile devices. The navigation system intelligently recommends destinations based on previously travelled routes. On top of that, the Audi connect Navigation and Infotainment package includes car-to-X services.
Materials from recycling processes
The Audi Q8 e-tron will be certified as net-carbon-neutral1 for customers in Europe and the USA. Audi also 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-coloured 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 percent 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. As part of the PlasticLoop project, Audi worked with the plastics manufacturer LyondellBasell to establish a process in which chemical recycling will be used for the first time to reuse mixed automotive plastic waste in the series production of the Audi Q8 e-tron. In this process, jointly implemented with LyondellBasell, plastic components from customer vehicles that can no longer be repaired are dismantled and separated from foreign materials such as metal clips before being shredded and processed into pyrolysis oil through chemical recycling. This pyrolysis oil is then used as a raw material in the production of new plastics in a mass-balance approach2.
Market launch in spring 2023
The market launch of the new Audi Q8 e-tron and Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron, which will be available to order starting in mid-November, is planned to happen at the end of February 2023 in Germany and the most important European markets. In the USA, the model is expected to come to the market at the end of April. The base price for the Audi Q8 e-tron in Germany will be 74,400 euros.
1 Audi understands net-zero carbon emissions to mean a situation in which, after other possible reduction measures have been exhausted, the company offsets the carbon emitted by Audi’s products or activities and/or the carbon emissions that currently cannot be avoided in the supply chain, manufacturing, and recycling of Audi vehicles through voluntary offsetting projects carried out worldwide. In this context, carbon emissions generated during a vehicle’s utilization stage, i.e. from the moment it is delivered to the customer, are not taken into account.
2 The plastic granulate for the seatbeltbucklecovers(includingfillersandadditives)consists of atleast70 percent of the pyrolysisoilproducedthrough the project. This pyrolysis oil wassuppliedas part of the plasticgranulate’smanufacturingprocess.Theassignment of thewaste-based pyrolysisoiliscarriedoutwithin the frameworkof a mass-balanceapproachwithaqualifiedcredittransfer.Thismeansthatecocycle,anindependentexternalcertificationagency,confirmsthat the projectmembershavereplaced the amountsoffossilresourcesrequiredforthe seatbeltbucklecoverswithpyrolysisoilproducedfrom mixed automotiveplasticmaterials.Itisintended to providesufficientpyrolysisoilto the aforementionedextentfor the entire production run of the Q8e-tron’s seatbeltbucklecoverson the basisofthecurrentlyplannedproductionfigures.
1. Audi Q8 55 e-tron Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi): - (NEDC); 24.4–20.6 (WLTP); combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0 (0). Consumption and emissions values are only available according to WLTP and not according to NEFZ for this vehicle
2. Audi SQ8 e-tron Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi): - (NEDC); 28.0–24.6 (WLTP); combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0 (0). Consumption and emissions values are only available according to WLTP and not according to NEFZ for this vehicle
3. Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi): - (NEDC); 27.0–23.5 (WLTP); combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0 (0). Consumption and emissions values are only available according to WLTP and not according to NEFZ for this vehicle
8. Audi Q8 55 e-tron Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi): - (NEDC); 24.4–20.6 (WLTP); combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0 (0). Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi): - (NEDC); 27.0–23.5 (WLTP); combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0 (0) Consumption and emissions values are only available according to WLTP and not according to NEFZ for this vehicle
9. Audi Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi): - (NEDC); 24.1–19.9 (WLTP); combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0 (0). Consumption and emissions values are only available according to WLTP and not according to NEFZ for this vehicle
Information on fuel/power consumption and CO2 emissions in ranges depending on the chosen equipment level of the car.