Refreshed Audi Q8 E-tron electric SUV gets a new name, a high-tech interior, and a range of up to 361 miles...
On sale Spring 2023 | Price from £70,000 (est)
What’s the difference between Peter Parker and Miles Morales? On the surface, not much. You see, both are the alter-egos of Spiderman, both fight crime and both enjoy wearing lycra suits. But look closer and you’ll see that, as well as a new name, Miles Morales also wields better technology and a sleeker suit than Peter Parker. New name, new suit, same gig. And that, in a roundabout way, describes the new Audi Q8 E-tron.
You’re probably more familiar with the Q8 E-tron than you know. When it first went on sale in 2018, it was known simply as E-tron. This updated version, however, gets a new name, a bold new look and upgraded tech.
The Q8 E-tron is available as both a regular SUV and in a more aerodynamic coupé SUV format as the Q8 E-tron Sportback. And, with its imposing size, a dominating front grille and thin LED lights that stretch the full width of the car, there’s no mistaking it as anything other than the flagship of Audi’s electric SUV range.
Buyers can choose from three electric power options, all of which come with four-wheel drive. Kicking things off is the 50 E-tron, which has a single electric motor that produces 335bhp, and offers an official range of 305 miles from its 89kWh (usable capacity) battery. That’s a better range than entry-level versions of the rival BMW iX can manage, but it’s also worth knowing that the upcoming Mercedes EQE SUV can take you even farther; all versions will be able to travel at least 339 miles.
Higher-end 55 E-Tron models get a larger battery with 106kWh of usable capacity for an official range of up to 361 miles between charges, as well as having a second motor for 402bhp in total. A sporty SQ8 version crowns the range, featuring a third electric motor that boosts total power to a heady 496bhp. Even this most powerful version can officially travel up to 307 miles before needing to recharge.
Speaking of charging, the Q8 E-tron can accept power at rates of up to 150kW with the smaller battery, while bigger-battery versions can accept 170kW. This means, with the larger battery fitted, the Q8 E-tron can charge from 10-80% of capacity in around half an hour if you use a suitably fast charger.
A tweaked version of the previous air suspension system comes as standard, allowing the car to smooth out the worst lumps and bumps. We already rated the E-tron highly in this regard, so the Q8 E-tron should be even more comfortable. Audi has also revised the SUV’s steering with the aim of making it feel more agile and keen to turn in than before.
The Q8 E-tron’s interior packs as much technology as a superhero’s lair, and its two-piece panoramic glass roof should help it feel airy and light. A four-zone climate control system will be available, enabling all but the passenger in the middle rear seat to set their own temperature. Meanwhile, the eco-friendly materials used include some that are derived from recycled plastic bottles.
Infotainment is handled by two touchscreens on the centre console; the larger 10.1in screen at the top handles most functions, while the lower 8.6in unit looks after the climate control system. A similar set-up is used in the A8 luxury limo, and while we appreciate its smooth graphics and quick responses, accurately tapping screen icons can also be difficult on the move. Fortunately, natural voice recognition is on hand, so – in theory – you should be able to verbally ask the car to operate or adjust a variety of functions and settings.
Among the Q8 E-tron’s suite of driver assistance technology is a new self-parking system that Audi says should allow the car to manoeuvre itself into even the tightest of spaces, while Audi’s Matrix lights – which can adapt the shape of their beam to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers – are also available.
With up to 569 litres of luggage space, the Q8 E-tron’s boot is bigger than the BMW iX’s, and packing everything needed for a serious web-slinging adventure shouldn’t be a problem. The more shapely Sportback can carry slightly less, at 528 litres.
Prices of this range-topping electric SUV have yet to be confirmed, but they’re expected to start at around £70,000. That price makes the Q8 E-tron competitive next to the BMW iX, which is priced from £69,905, while the Mercedes EQE SUV costs a fair amount more, with an estimated price of from around £83,000. Develop a fancy for any of these electric luxury SUVs, then, and you might need a superhero’s salary.
Keyword: 2023 Audi Q8 E-tron electric SUV revealed