Audi Q8 e-tron: All you need to know

The Audi Q8 e-tron is the latest addition to the German car manufacturer’s SUV lineup, and it has created quite a buzz in the UAE market. The Q8 e-tron is a luxurious electric SUV with the latest technology, performance, and sustainability features. Audi is known for producing high-quality vehicles that are designed to perform, and the Q8 e-tron is no exception.

The Audi Q8 e-tron has been unveiled as the brand's flagship electric SUV in the UAE. It is designed to offer maximum comfort, convenience, and driving pleasure. As part of Audi's plan to electrify its lineup, the Q8 e-tron marks the start of a new design language for the brand, featuring a single-frame mask and a two-dimensional logo. The electric SUV is set to make a quiet entrance on UAE roads. Advertised with the tagline “Quiet, Impressive”, the car is ready for pre-orders and will definitely be a show-stopper in the electric SUV segment in the UAE. 

Variants and pricing

Audi Middle East offers the electric SUV in three variants - Q8 55 e-Tron, Q8 Sportback 55 e-Tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron. While the pricing is yet to be announced, it is slated to hit the showrooms in the second half of 2023. 

Engine Specifications

Under the hood, the Q8 e-tron is powered by a dual electric motor that delivers impressive performance along with swift and responsive acceleration. The SUV also features an advanced battery system that delivers impressive range and makes it a practical and efficient choice for daily use. The two variants, Q8 55 e-tron and Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron have dual electric motors, one on each axle, and together they can generate 408 hp and 664 Nm torque. 

The car offers a WLTP-certified range of up to 582 km under ideal conditions, which goes to 600 km in the Sportback version. Both the Q8 55 e-tron and the Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron feature a 114 kWh lithium-ion battery. The net battery capacity is 106 kWh. It can be charged from 5 to 80% in around 35 minutes using a DC fast charger. Audi is offering 170 kW DC fast charging at High Power Charging stations.

The car gets a Quattro AWD system for a smooth and refined driving experience with exceptional performance as well. The top speed of the car is rated at 200 km/h, while it can go from 0-100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds. Three motors power the top-of-the-range Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron, generating 503 hp and 973 Nm of torque in boost mode. The car offers a WLTP range of up to 513 kilometres on a full charge. Its top speed is limited to 210 km/h and can go from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. 

Features	Q8 55 e-tron	Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron	SQ8 Sportback e-tron
Electric Motor	Dual (2)	Dual (2)	Three (3)
Horsepower	408	408	496
Torque (Nm)	664	664	973
Battery Capacity (kWh)	114	114	95
Net Battery Capacity (kWh)	106	106	84.7
Range (WLTP)	Up to 582 km	Up to 600 km	Up to 513 km
Charging Time (5%-80% with DC Fast)	35 minutes	35 minutes	35 minutes
Charging Speed (DC Fast)	170 kW	170 kW	170 kW
Drivetrain	Quattro AWD System	Quattro AWD System	Quattro AWD System
Top Speed (kmph)	200	200	210
Acceleration 0-100 kmph	5.6 seconds	5.6 seconds	4.5 seconds

Exterior

The SUV’s exterior is characterized by a bold and sporty design, featuring sharp lines, aerodynamic curves, and a distinctive grille that exudes confidence and power. The Audi Q8 e-tron's exterior design reflects its advanced technology with a new look and specific daytime running light signature. The Quattro architecture and sculpted shoulder line are emphasized by the metallic paint finish. The brand will also use the single-frame light spoiler at the rear to highlight the 3D four-ring badge as a central element. 

According to the Audi Middle East website, the Q8 e-Tron is available in 10 different metallic and pearl-effect exterior colours, including Chronos Gray, Floret Silver, Galaxy Blue, and Dragon Orange. Buyers can also choose from an extended range of custom paint finishes offered as Audi exclusives. Both the lower variants come with alloy wheel options of 20”, 21” and 22”, with multiple design options for the alloys. 

Interior

The interior is equally impressive, with a spacious and luxurious cabin that is designed to provide the ultimate driving experience. All the variants are offered with three options for interior/features package: Progress, Progress Plus, and Progress Black. The Progress package for the Audi Q8 e-tron includes a Top View camera, Parking system, Virtual Cockpit Plus, Audi Side Assist, Pre-sense basic + rear, Matrix LED, sports contour steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, multi-function steering wheel, shift paddles, panoramic sunroof, Phone box light, and Singleframe with illumination.

The Progress Plus package includes all features of the Progress package, along with a Head-up display, Leather Package, Sun shades retractable, a Storage package, MMI with haptic feedback, e-tron LED entry light front and rear, Lane departure warning, Adaptive cruise control, brake callipers painted in Red, Virtual exterior mirrors, second charging access, and a 22kW charger.

The Progress Black package includes all features of the Progress and Progress Plus packages, along with the Black Appearance package Plus, Black roof rails, exterior mirror housings in Black, and Audi Sport wheels, Black, 5-V-spoke star style.

Interior material options include a Perforated leather combination available in Okapi brown, Pearl beige or black, a Leather combination available in Okapi brown, Pearl beige or black and Valcona leather available in Okapi brown or black. You can completely customize the base, contrast and stitching colours inside the car. 

Safety

The Q8 e-tron is also loaded with advanced technology and safety features, including an MMI touch response system, virtual cockpit plus, adaptive cruise assist, and lane departure warning. 

Competitors

The key rivals of the Audi Q8 e-tron are the Lexus RX, Jaguar F-Pace, and BMW iX Electric amongst others. 

Conclusion

Overall, the Q8 e-tron is a well-rounded electric SUV designed to meet the needs of modern drivers looking for a luxurious, sustainable, and high-performance vehicle. It offers a sleek design, advanced technology, and a smooth driving experience. With its versatile packages, there is something for everyone. Overall, it is a great choice for those looking to make the switch to electric vehicles without sacrificing style or comfort.

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