Introduced in 2018, the Audi e-tron became the brand’s first fully electric vehicle. It rivals models like the Cadillac Lyriq, BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, two other electric SUVs from Germanic competition from Audi.
The most imposing SUV of the brand is paying for a first redesign since its launch, it benefits from a new name, Q8 e-tron, in order to better position it in the range. Knowing that Audi will introduce several new electric vehicles in the e-tron family, it was necessary to position the luxury SUV to better distinguish it and standardize its name, which probably should have been done initially.
In terms of design, the stylists have slightly revised the front part, the grille, in particular. It is a little closer to that of the Audi Q4 e-tron 2024. The air intakes have been reworked, the front logo is now in 3D, and the bodywork now bears the Q8 emblem to mark its position in the hierarchy. There is also a new choice of rims whose exclusive design quickly underlines the distinction between the Q8 e-tron and the others.
The sporty SQ8 e-tron version will be a bit lower and a bit wider than the regular model, partly due to its lowered suspension. Its distinct stature, with its widened wings, will underline its superior dynamism.
Standard all-wheel drive, two of three versions for North America
All 2024 Audi Q8 e-trons benefit from a pair of electric motors and all-wheel drive. The 2024 Q8 e-tron 50 has 340 horsepower, the Q8 e-tron 55 livery has 408 horsepower. If that’s not enough, you can turn to the 2023 Audi SQ8 e-tron which, thanks to 3 electric motors including 2 at the rear, pushes the note to 503 horsepower. As far as is learned, only the Q8 e-tron 55 and SQ8 e-tron versions would be offered in North America; the basic one would only be offered in other markets.
The other news from Importance is the addition of larger batteries that increase autonomy. The entry-level version Q8 e-tron 50 has an 89 kilowatt-hour battery, which provides a range of almost 500 kilometers according to the WLTP standard.
The rest of the models, the ones we’ll get, get a 106 kilowatt-hour battery pack, like the SQ8 e-tron, but of course its extra power reduces its range.
Here are the details of the versions of the Audi Q8 e-tron 2023:
| Battery | Powerful | Couple | Autonomy (WLTP) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi Q8 50 e-tron | 89 kWh | 335 horsepower (250 kW) | 490 lb-ft | 491km |
| Audi Q8 55 e-tron | 106 kWh | 402 horsepower (300 kW) | 490 lb-ft | 582km |
| Audi SQ8 e-tron (3 engines) | 106 kWh | 496 horsepower (370 kW) | 718 lb-ft | 494km |
| Audi Q8 50 e-tron Sportback | 89 kWh | 335 horsepower (250 kW) | 490 lb-ft | 505km |
| Audi Q8 55 e-tron Sportback | 106 kWh | 402 horsepower (300 kW) | 490 lb-ft | 600km |
| Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback (3 engines) | 106 kWh | 496 horsepower (370 kW) | 718 lb-ft | 513km |
The first images show an interior that benefits from few changes, except for a three-spoke steering wheel with a slightly sportier design. The model continues to benefit from a high-end interior that treats its passengers with small onions. The 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron was supposed to arrive on our market in the spring of 2023, in regular and Sportback versions. Prices will be revealed later.
