The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron brings a new name, a fresh face and added range

• The Audi e-tron has been updated to become the Q8 e-tron and gets a new front end with a mask-like grille that puts it in line with the smaller Q4 e-tron.
• Power output is unchanged, but the Q8 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron are expected to improve range estimates thanks to a redesigned rear electric motor and better aerodynamics.
• Audi says the Q8 e-tron can charge at 170kW, going from 10 to 80 percent in 31 minutes on a DC fast charger.

Since Audi first released e-tron SUV in 2019 he added voluptuousness e-tron GT sedan and smaller Q4 e-tron crossover to your electric arsenal. Now the original e-tron gets a new moniker to distinguish it from other electric Audis as part of a major facelift.

Renamed as Q8 e-tron, the updated EV arrives with fresh styling and increased range, while the elegant Sportback and more powerful S (now called the SQ8 e-tron) return. (However, the new name does not completely eliminate confusion, since there are also separate gasoline ones Q8 and SQ8 models; In our opinion, calling it the Q6 e-tron would be a better move.)

Same power, longer range

While Europe gets the base model with a smaller battery and less power, the United States will only sell the Q8 e-tron 55 and SQ8 electronic throne, which replaces the e-tron S. Power output is unchanged from before. The 55 with all-wheel drive via a twin-motor setup has a peak output of 402 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque in Sport mode. Meanwhile, the SQ8 e-tron is equipped with three electric motors: a 166-horsepower unit at the front and two 131-horsepower motors located on the rear axle, which in sport mode create 496 hp. and 718 lb-ft of torque. The 55 hits 62 mph in a claimed 5.6 seconds, while the SQ8 lowers that sprint to 4.5 ticks. Top speed for the 55 is limited to 124 mph, while the SQ8 e-tron can reach 130 mph.

Both models use a battery with a useful capacity of 106.0 kWh. Audi says it’s aiming for some versions of the facelifted model to have an estimated range above 300 miles, or a 30-40 percent increase over the current model’s EPA range of more than 222 miles. In the European WLTP test cycle, the Q8 e-tron range has a range of 307 to 373 miles. Audi also claims the Q8 e-tron will charge at up to 170kW, with the battery charging from 10 to 80 percent in just 31 minutes on a DC fast charger.

The 2024 Q8 e-tron’s increased range is the product of an upgraded rear engine and improved aerodynamics. The induction motor on the rear axle now uses 14 coils to generate its electromagnetic field, up from 12. This makes the motor more efficient as it can use less electricity to generate the same amount of torque or generate more torque using the same amount of energy , like the old 12-coil design.

Aerodynamics also play a huge role. The facelifted front end has a slightly lower drag coefficient to 0.24 for the Sportback and 0.27 for the SUV. The Q8 e-tron also adds larger wheel spoilers at the front to the bottom of the car, directing airflow around the front wheels to help the big crossover move through the air more efficiently.

New design and technical capabilities

While the overall body shape remains the same, the Q8 e-tron debuts a new grille design in the form of a mask that visually links it to the e-tron GT and Q4 e-tron. The new grille also features a light strip above the Audi logo that connects the headlights. The grille features a new version of Audi’s four-ring logo, while the logo and model designation are also laser-engraved on the car’s center pillar. The Q8 e-tron comes standard with air suspension, and the ride height can be adjusted by about 3 inches. There’s also revised air spring tuning and an updated steering ratio.

An important addition to the suite of driver assistance systems of the Q8 e-tron is the remote parking assistance system plus, which can guide the SUV into tight spots when the owner monitors the process from outside the car via a smartphone app. The Q8 e-tron also features digital matrix LED headlights that can individually illuminate different areas of the road depending on conditions, but for now these headlights remain exclusive to Europe due to different regulations in the United States.

The interior is centered around two touchscreens – a 10.1-inch unit sitting above an 8.6-inch display – that handle almost all functions, although drivers can also use voice commands. Options include features such as a head-up display, four-zone climate control and massage seats. The light brown walnut wood interior is new. The S-Line package adds seats wrapped in synthetic leather and microfiber called Dinamica, which is made from recycled bottles, leftover fibers and used textiles.

The Q8 e-tron arrives in the United States in late April 2023. Pricing will be announced at a later date, but we don’t expect a significant increase over the current starting price of $71,995 for the standard model and $89,395 for the S.

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