The Audi e-tron SUV has become the Q8 e-tron and gained improved efficiency and range under a major mid-life refresh.

The new nameplate signifies its position as the brand’s flagship electric SUV and Sportback, further setting out its stall in the roadmap to be fully electric by 2033.

Backed up by more battery capacity and a higher charging performance, plus fresh design and dynamic driving characteristics, it all adds up to a clear repositioning for the e-tron.

Markus Duesmann, Audi CEO, explained: “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.”

As before, the Q8 e-tron is available in two bodystyles – the standard e-tron SUV and the Sportback – both with three powertrain variants with electric all-wheel drive available.

The entry-level Q8 50 versions now feature a 95kWh (gross) battery, giving them a WLTP range of up to 281 miles (SUV) and up to 290 miles (Sportback) in UK versions. The dual motor set-up generates 340hp in boost mode and 664Nm of torque.

The mid-range Q8 55 models now feature a 114kWh battery, delivering up to 330 miles for the SUV and up to 343 miles for the Sportback in the UK. They’re also driven by two electric motors and deliver 408hp in boost mode and 664Nm of torque. Top speed is limited to 124mph, equalling that of the Q8 50 e-tron.

The top-end Audi SQ8 e-tron and Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron feature the same 114kWh battery and a refined three-motor set-up, bringing a driving range of up to 284 miles for the SUV and up to 295 miles for the Sportback. Boost performance delivers 503hp and 973Nm of torque. Top speed is limited to 130mph.

Alongside the extra battery capacity, all models also get a higher charging performance. The Audi Q8 50 e-tron can be charged at up to 150kW at a public charger, increasing to 170kW for the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron with the latter battery. This enables a 10-80% charge in 28 minutes for the smaller batter and 31 minutes for the larger, giving a range of up to 240 miles. All versions can be charged at up to 11kW AC.

Audi has also updated the progressive steering, and chassis control systems, enhancing  dynamic driving characteristics.

Alongside the tech changes, significant design updates, especially at the front of the vehicle, give the new flagship SUV a fresher appearance while Audi has also introduced recycled materials for components and for the cabin. The Q8 e-tron will be certified as net-carbon- neutral for customers in Europe and the USA.

Full UK pricing and specification is yet to be confirmed but onboard technology includes around 40 driver assistance systems, digital Matrix LED headlights on top-spec versions, the MMI touch response operating system with twin 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch displays, natural voice control and the Audi virtual cockpit with full HD resolution.
The updated Q8 e-tron range goes on sale mid-November and first deliveries are due April 2023.