Premium EV motoring has a familiar look and feel, but a new name, with Audi’s latest offering. By John Challen.

Audi Q8 e-tron

The first Audi e-tron offered an aspirational glimpse into what electric vehicle driving offered. Typical Audi high quality and pleasant surroundings, mixed with an impressive powertrain housed within the popular SUV body. For 2023 and beyond, that car has been superseded by the Q8 e-tron, which is available in standard SUV and Sportback forms.

Aside from the name change, one of the most noticeable differences between this and the outgoing car is an increased battery capacity. Available in 50 and 55 battery specifications, the Q8 e-tron gets a dual-motor setup, with the battery options of 89kWh or 106kWh respectively. In the lower-powered model, figures of 335hp and 664Nm are recorded, enabling the Q8 e-tron to reach 62mph from a standstill in just 6.0 seconds. Take things up a notch to the 55 and the 106kWh battery allows 402hp, 664Nm and a zero to 62mph sprint in 5.6 seconds. There is also a range-topping SQ8 e-tron, which is the first fully-electric Audi SUV to feature three electric motors.

Visually, not a huge amount has changed on the inside, while the exterior benefits from some upgrades that help reduce the drag coefficient to 0.26 (SUV) and 0.24 (Sportback). These include an adjustable front air inlet and wheel and underbody spoilers. It also includes the option of the camera-based virtual mirrors, although these modern-day twists take some getting used to.

There are four grades within the Q8 e-tron range: Sport; S Line; Black Edition and Vorsprung. As you might imagine, even the base Sport option offers a wealth of technology and safety systems, from Matrix LED headlights and dual-zone automatic air conditioning, to cruise control with speed limiter. Step up to the S Line and there are bigger (21-inch) wheels, adaptive sports suspension and a leather multifunction steering wheel. Moving onto the Black Edition brings, unsurprisingly, black touches to the wheels, door mirrors, roof rails and rear e-tron logo. Finally, the top-of-the-range Vorsprung gets 22-inch wheels, sports seats, virtual door mirrors and head-up display.

Audi has added four product pack options into the mix (all standard on the Vorsprung) for the new Q8 e-tron. The two main ones are the Technology (£2,995) and Technology Plus (£5,995). The former offers sound system and lighting upgrades, head up display, a 360° camera and parking assistance. The more expensive Technology Plus adds in ambient lighting, four-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof and heated rear seats.

On the road, the Q8 e-tron’s upgrades to suspension and steering can be felt. The ride is much more compliant – important, given the UK’s multiplying potholes – and the steering has more feel. The extra battery capacity – and subsequent longer driving range – is another much-needed improvement from the outgoing car. Elsewhere, the fact that few other major changes have been made is a plus point as the e-tron was an impressive base from which to start. With a product offensive of 20 new cars in the next 18 months – including 10 BEVs – the Q8 e-tron is a good start to Audi’s electrified next generation.

IN BRIEF

WHAT IS IT?  Premium SUV

HOW MUCH?  from £67,800

RANGE?  330 miles (340 in Sportback)

CHARGE 10-80%?  28 mins (150kW DC)

Key fleet model: S Line

Pros: Improved range; interior; charging times

Cons: Lack of buttons; unfamiliar mirrors

Seven-word summary  Bigger batteries boost another aspirational Audi’s appeal

Also consider:  BMW iX / Jaguar I-Pace / Mercedes-Benz EQE