Updated Audi e-Tron SUV adopts Q8 nameplate

AUDI is realigning its naming convention for its electric vehicle range, giving the e-Tron SUV and Sportback model lines a prefix familiar to its existing internal combustion engine range.

The full-sized and original Audi battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV known simply as e-Tron becomes the Q8 e-Tron, topping an all-electric SUV range that will comprise others including the Q4 e-Tron and forthcoming Q6 e-Tron.

Audi has not indicated whether any change of designation will filter through to the flagship e-Tron GT sports sedan.

Subtle visual updates to the model that debuted Down Under in 2020 (and globally in 2018) have yielded aerodynamic improvements, the SUV variant dropping to a slippery drag coefficient of 0.27Cd (down from 0.28Cd) while the Sportback improves considerably to 0.24Cd (down from 0.26Cd).

The smallest battery pack size is now 95kWh (formerly 71kWh) and the largest 106kWh (up from 95kWh), while the rear motor has been upgraded from 12 to 14 coils to create greater output from similar electricity input.

Combined with the reduced drag, the bigger battery and improved motor efficiency has helped increase driving range to 491km (SUV) and 505km (Sportback) for variants with the smaller battery and 582km (SUV) or 600km (Sportback) for those with the larger pack.

New two-dimensional badging features on the B-pillar and there is now an illuminated badge on the grille of the Q8 e-Tron. The grille itself is now available as a colour-coded item on SQ8 e-Tron variants (which replace the e-Tron S).

The updated models are further identified by new lighting treatments, wheel spoiler and grille shutters that contribute to the improved aerodynamics.

Inside, the Q8 e-Tron receives dual portrait-style infotainment touchscreens measuring 8.6- and 10.1 inches respectively as well as the familiar Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel. New features include as many as 40 new driver assist systems, remote park assist, an updated myAudi smartphone app

The cabin features a wide variety of recycled materials, including those made from PET drink bottles and mixed automotive plastic waste.

Familiar 50 and 55 model designations for the dual-motor all-wheel drive Q8 e-Tron SUV and Sportback indicate respective outputs of 250kW/664Nm and 300kW/664Nm.

The tri-motor SQ8 e-Tron produces 370kW/973Nm, from a 124kW electric motor on the front axle and dual 98kW motors at the rear, capable of providing instantaneous torque vectoring. 

The 50 has the smaller battery pack while the 55 and SQ8 have the larger battery pack, the latter’s new range figures being 494km (SUV) and 513km (Sportback).

Maximum DC rapid charging capacity is listed at 150kW for the small battery and 170kW for the big battery, enabling the latter to be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 31 minutes.

Audi will also offer 22kW and 11kW AC home charging units, respectively offering charging times of nine hours and 15 minutes or four hours and 45 minutes on 50 variants and 11 hours and 30 minutes or six hours for 55 and SQ8 variants.

Standard air suspension – now on more rigid front axle bearings – comes with adjustable damping and may be varied in ride height by a total of 76mm. Audi says the Q8 e-Tron’s stability control program has been updated to improve manoeuvrability, while the quicker steering ratio provides what its maker says is “noticeably more agility”.

Although Audi Australia has yet to advise timing or pricing for the incoming Q8 e-Tron, it is understood the model range will arrive in Australia towards the middle of next year.

The current MY23 ‘e-Tron’ branded SUV and Sportback range is priced from $138,323 to $173,900 plus on-road costs.

As a guide, the ICE-powered Q8 range starts at $133,800 plus on-road costs for the Q8 50 TDI S Line Quattro and tops out at $220,600 plus ORCs for the fire-breathing RS Q8 TFSI Quattro.

The Audi Q8 e-Tron will vie against rivals including the BMW iX, Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes-Benz EQE, as well as the returning Tesla Model X.