The new 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron is an updated and renamed version of the ground-breaking Audi e-tron, the German firm’s first electric SUV. Boasting bolder styling, extra technology and a much-enhanced EV driving range, the new Audi Q8 e-tron is well placed to take on rivals such as the BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQE and Jaguar I-Pace, plus the forthcoming Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3.
The new Audi Q8 e-tron becomes Audi’s range-topping electric SUV. A distinctive new grille helps underline this, with a more glamorous appearance and richer detailing. There’s even an ice-white light bar behind the inset Audi four rings logo, to match the LED light bar running across the enhanced rear end. The new Audi Q8 e-tron is a much more standout car than the existing Audi e-tron. The new Audi Q8 e-tron is available in two different bodystyles – the Audi Q8 e-tron SUV, and the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron, which has a swoopier and more coupe-like rear. It delivers a useful few extra miles per charge, because it’s slipperier through the air – but detail tweaks mean both versions of the new Audi Q8 e-tron are more aerodynamic. The interior of the new Audi Q8 e-tron remains modern and distinctive. A total of three high-resolution screens form the showcase. The Audi virtual cockpit in front of the driver features new animations and displays to maximise the EV range of the new Audi Q8 e-tron. In the centre, a 10.1-inch touchscreen and lower 8.6-inch touchscreen combine to form the Audi MMI touch response operating system. They replace most of the switches and knobs – with natural voice control serving as a backup if you don’t manage to find the correct touchscreen display. Both new Audi Q8 e-tron versions measure 4,915mm long and 1,937mm wide. The Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron is fractionally lower – and the high-performance Audi SQ8 e-tron versions are lower still, and a chunky 39mm wider. The Audi Q8 e-tron has a 569-litre boot, which shrinks only slightly to 528 litres in the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron. They both have a 62-litre ‘frunk’, or front stowage area. The new Audi Q8 e-tron is available with standard and long-range batteries, both of which are larger than before. The entry-level battery is now 89kWh, instead of 71kWh; the larger battery is 106kWh instead of 95kWh. There are three different versions of the new Audi Q8 e-tron, all with four-wheel drive. The Audi Q8 50 e-tron has up to 340PS from its two electric motors in boost mode; it comes with the 89kWh battery, for a total range of up to 281 miles in regular SUV guise, or 290 miles in Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron form. The Audi Q8 55 e-tron boasts 408PS; it is paired with the 106kWh battery, for a total range of 330 miles for the SUV and 343 miles for the Sportback. The Audi SQ8 e-tron has an additional rear electric motor and a total power output of 503PS; it can travel for 284 miles as an SUV and 295 miles as a Sportback. The new Audi Q8 e-tron features higher charging performance; the 89kWh battery can accept 150kW rapid charging, and the 106kWh battery can make use of 170kW DC rapid chargers – which will take it from 10% to 80% charged in 31 minutes, adding a total of 240 miles’ range in the process. The new Audi Q8 e-tron also features overhauled air suspension, which is more dynamic in corners, and an ESC stability control system that’s more intuitive. The steering is faster too, again helping it feel more wieldy. Prices for the new Audi Q8 will be confirmed later in November, when ordering opens; expect it to start from around £75,000. It is due to be released in the UK from April 2023.
