New Audi Q8 e-tron: price, specs & release date

The new Audi Q8 e-tron electric SUV has been revealed, with more range, more tech and even more dynamic styling. 

A refreshed and renamed take on the three-year-old Audi e-tron, gaining the ‘Q8 e-tron’ moniker both underlines its position as Audi’s range-topping electric SUV, and helps bring clarity to Audi’s electric car line-up.

The new Audi Q8 e-tron’s newfound boldness aims to see it challenge rivals such as the distinctive BMW iX and upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. Other rivals include the Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model X and next year’s new Volvo EX90.

As before, the new Audi Q8 e-tron is available in both regular SUV guise, and as the more stylish Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron. The latter will cost a little more to buy, and travel for a useful few extra miles between charges, thanks to its more aerodynamic shape.

New Audi Q8 e-tron price and release date 

The new Audi Q8 e-tron marks a move further upmarket for the electric Audi SUV. The current e-tron range starts from £62,000, but we expect the new Audi Q8 e-tron will start from upwards of £75,000. This reflects the extra standard equipment and larger electric batteries.

New Audi Q8 e-tron prices will be confirmed later in November, when ordering opens. It is expected to be released in the UK from April 2023.

Inside the new Audi Q8 e-tron and the digital-first interior has been further enhanced.

New Audi Q8 e-tron: exterior and interior

The new Audi Q8 e-tron has a very distinctive front end refresh. The understated style of the previous Audi e-tron has been replaced by a huge grille with a beefy surround (it’s available in different finishes, including satin-look aluminium and sporty gloss black) that blends into the new LED headlights. As it’s an electric SUV, says Audi, the Q8 e-tron has a two-dimensional four rings logo, with an LED light bar behind it.

The rear of the new Audi Q8 e-tron is more distinctive as well, with eye-catching LED lighting that includes a smoked red LED light bar between the tail lamps. The bulging wheelarches remain a distinctive feature – as is the sweeping, coupe-like roofline of the new Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron.

The new Audi Q8 e-tron is more aerodynamic than before; the drag coefficient Cd falls from 0.28 to 0.26. The Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron proves even slipperier, with the Cd dropping from 0.26 to just 0.24. This helps boost the electric driving range, and is achieved by features including underbody wheel spoilers and a ‘self-sealing grille’ with automatic electric shutters.

Inside the new Audi Q8 e-tron, the digital-first interior is further enhanced. The MMI touch response operating system comprises two high-resolution displays in the centre – an upper 10.1-inch screen, and a lower 8.6-inch display. They replace almost all the buttons and knobs in the new Audi Q8 e-tron. Natural voice control helps those who can’t easily find the function they want.

In front of the driver on the new Audi Q8 e-tron is the Audi virtual cockpit display – it’s a third screen with full HD resolution. Audi says it has developed specific graphics to depict all key aspects of electric driving, from charging to performance.

The new Audi Q8 e-tron is a large car, measuring 4,915mm long and 1,937mm wide. This serves up a good amount of room for five people inside – and a decent boot. The Audi Q8 e-tron has a 569-litre boot, and the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron has a still-commendable 528-litre boot. In both models is an additional 62-litre front stowage area, or ‘frunk’.

The new Audi Q8 e-tron offers a choice of two batteries, both with more capacity and better charging performance.

New Audi Q8 e-tron: engines and gearboxes

The new Audi Q8 e-tron offers a choice of two batteries, both with more capacity and better charging performance. The entry-level battery is now 89kWh, up from 71kWh in the outgoing Audi e-tron. The larger battery now boasts 106kWh of usable capacity, compared to 95kWh.

The entry-level new Audi Q8 e-tron is called the Audi Q8 50 e-tron. It has dual electric motors giving quattro electric all-wheel drive. In boost mode, it generates 340PS and 664Nm of torque; using the 89kWh battery, it travels for up to 281 miles between chargers, or up to 290 miles in Sportback guise.

The Audi Q8 55 e-tron produces 408PS in boost mode, and the same 664Nm of torque. It uses the larger 106kWh battery and has a range of 330 miles in regular SUV guise, and up to 343 miles in the new Audi A8 Sportback 55 e-tron. 0-62mph performance figures have not been revealed but both versions are limited to a 124mph top speed.

The range-topping new Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron both have three electric motors (one powering the front wheels and two driving the rear wheels). This boosts power to 503PS – and torque swells to a mammoth 973Nm. Again using the 106kWh battery, the SUV travels 284 miles on a single charge, and the Sportback will do up to 295 miles. The Audi SQ8 e-tron has a restricted 130mph top speed.

The new Audi Q8 e-tron batteries have improved charging performance; the Q8 50 e-tron can reach a maximum charge speed of 150kW, while the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron can both reach 170kW. It means the batteries can be charged from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes – adding extra range of up to 240 miles.

The new Audi Q8 e-tron also has upgraded electric motors, which generate a stronger magnetic field. This produces more toque – or, if the full torque boost isn’t required, the electric motor uses less electricity to produce the same amount of torque.

The new Audi Q8 e-tron comes as standard with air suspension. The height can be varied through a 76mm range. Audi says the air springing has been retuned, to make the new Q8 e-tron feel sportier and more stable through corners. The steering has also been revised, so it responds more quickly.

Find a used Audi e-tron for sale

The Audi e-tron remains an alluring electric Audi, despite now being replaced by the new Audi Q8 e-tron. It also represents increasingly great value for money, with plenty of choice for under £40,000. We spotted a 2020 Audi e-tron 50 Quattro Technik with less than 40,000 miles on the clock, for just under £39,000.

Looking for more new car news?

If the sporty new Audi Q8 e-tron isn’t for you, why not check out the luxurious new Volvo EX90 electric SUV? The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV has also recently been revealed, and we’ve covered it in full here at heycar – as well as reporting on the new 2024 MINI Electric, for those who are seeking a future EV that’s a little more attainable. Check out our 2022 new car news guide for all the latest cars coming in the next year and beyond.

The new Audi Q8 e-tron is capable of travelling up to 343 miles, in Audi Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron guise. This is a significant improvement on the maximum 258 miles of the old Audi Sportback e-tron.

The new Audi Q8 e-tron has up to five radar sensors, five cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, helping deliver high levels of active safety.

Available from late 2023, the new Audi Q8 e-tron will be available with remote park assist. It allows owners to park their Audi Q8 e-tron in tight parking spaces via the myAudi app.

Introducing the all-new Audi Q8 e-tron