Audi has launched the slogan ‘living with progress’ and the term faithfully reflects the evolution of the German brand in recent years and its impressive commitment to electrified vehicles. the saga e-tron grows and the last to see the light has been the spectacular Q8 e-tronwhich combines all the concepts of sustainability, customization, design and benefits. Driving it is a real luxury, both on the motorway and on twisty roads, highlighting, in addition to the design and driving dynamics, its autonomy and load.
There is no doubt that this model is the most sophisticated e-tron that Audi has launched. Design changes, especially significant at the front end, give the Q8 e-tron a modern and refined appearancebeing easily identifiable as fully electric propulsion models thanks to the design of the body both in the front and in the rear.
Offered in two bodies, the conventional SUV and the sportier Sportback, which are mainly differentiated by the rear drop of the roof and by the size of the trunk. The total length is 4.91 meters, 8.5 cm less than the rest of the Q8 variants.
Three versions and more autonomy
One of the elements that significantly improves in the Q8 e-tron is autonomy, thanks to the integration of new batteries with a layered structure that produce more energy while maintaining the same ‘physical’ size.
Another noteworthy fact about the batteries is their recharging capacity, with maximum powers that have increased from 120 to 150 kW (the Q8 50 e-tron) and from 150 to 170 kW (55 and SQ8), so that in fast charging points these models can pass 10 to 80% power in 28 to 31 minutesrespectively.
The version 50whose two engines go from a total power of 230 kW to 250 (313 to 340 hp), now has a 89 kWh net capacity battery that allows you to go 487km (501 the Sportback). already with one 106 kWh capacity batteryon the next step is the Q8 55 e-tronwhich maintains the twin motor with 300 kW (408 hp) and offers up to 576 km autonomy (595 km for the Sportback), while the top of the range, the SQ8 e-tronwhich will hit the market further ahead, continues to offer 370 kW (503 hp) thanks to its three engines and can travel 465 km (483 the Sportback).
Two finishes, very dynamic and prices
Already on sale in our market, the range structure has been simplified to the maximum and only contemplates two finishes, Advanced and S linewith a great technological, connectivity and security equipmentin addition to a series of optional packages grouped by ‘themes’ (Comfort, Premium and Black) that place it at the top of equipment among the premium.
Besides, the all wheel drive quattro and the standard air suspensiontogether with the driving profiles of the Audi drive select (Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency, Individual, Allroad and Off road) allow the user to have a very suitable vehicle for each circumstance. Thanks to the suspension, the height of the body to the ground of 176 mm can vary in a range of 76 mm according to the program that is chosen.
Without discounts, the access version of the Q8 e-tron, the 50, costs €84,610 and €94,610 in the Q8 e-tron 55, both with Advanced trim. The S line variants rise to the 90,110 and 100,110 eurosrespectively, and Sportback bodies have a surcharge of 2,500 euros equal motorization and equipment with respect to the SUV body.
design and personality
Audi has modernized both the front grill and the bumpers, keeping the optics with the four small LED strips that highlight its personality. As a result of these changes improves aerodynamics and cooling, incorporating active air vents that open or close automatically. The aerodynamic concept has been reduced thanks to a meticulous study that allows the air to circulate more fluidly and improves the impact on the car.
The Q8 e-tron features four new colors for the bodywork. Also noteworthy is the renovation of the lower part of the sides and the increased offer of tireswhich are now available from 19 to 22 inches.
The interior, finally, follows Audi’s own quality guideline, with the introduction of Synthetic leather as part of the standard equipment, along with aluminum details that give the passenger compartment a sporty touch. Digitization falls on a digital instrument panel widely configurable and in the central screens, 10.1 inches for the main multimedia system and a complementary 8.6-inch screen for climate control.