Audi Q8 e-tron: the test, features, range, price

Alessio Macaluso

@
alessiomacaluso

April 04, 2023

– TREVISO

In 2018 it was called only e-tron. Today it becomes Audi Q8 e-tron. In fact, it is the model that brought the German company into the electric world. Outside it doesn’t change much, underneath it does. More capacious batteries are arriving that lengthen the autonomy and some technical modifications to make driving a car weighing over 2.5 tons even more pleasant. Starting with the engines, which are more powerful and efficient and which deliver more torque for the same amount of energy consumed. With Audi Q8 e-tron I am five cars of the range of the Ingolstadt house to be 100% electric, with the share rising to 20 models by 2026.

The design

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The dimensions follow those of the e-tron class of 2018. 491 cm long and 194 wide, it is large, but not clumsy. Indeed, it is almost stringy. The front features the untouchable grille single frame which today comes alive with mobile elements to accommodate the air flows. Also on the sides of the bumper there are two slits to limit the swirls of air. So it benefits the aerodynamics with a Cx of 0.27 sul Q8 SUVs and 0.24 on the twin with bodywork Sportback coupe. The headlights are smart Digital Matrix Light, capable of “communicating” with other cars as long as they are in turn equipped with the same technology. In case of danger, the headlights of the car that have received the signal project a beam of dynamic light onto the asphalt to warn the driver. Externally you can also see the two doors for recharging the battery. On the right the one for the AC, to the left for the continuous one. Vezzosa is the writing engraved on the B pillar, which we will soon see on the other models of the German company. Brand, model and version, in full and tone on tone complete with an exclusive font, with an evocative name: Audi Type. The cameras that replace the exterior mirrors are captivating, even if while driving you have to get used to the unusual position of the interior screens, placed lower than the natural position of a mirror.

Interiors

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In the new Audi Q8 e-tron it’s all digital. Every vehicle function is managed via three screens. One positioned behind the steering wheel, acting as a dashboard, and two installed in the middle of the console. One over the other. The first is entrusted with the functions ofinfotainment, the lower one manages the climate control settings. A passenger compartment where many of the paneling and upholstery are made from recycled materials. The trunkalso thanks to a generous 293 cm wheelbase, has a capacity that ranges from 528 litres from the Q8 Sportback to the 569 litres of the version with SUV bodywork. Even passengers can count on many centimeters available for both the head and the legs, including those sitting on the rear seats. So the work of the German engineers for the optimization of the spaces is good. Especially considering that this Q8 e-tron still arises from a platform designed for models with internal combustion engines (the mlb).

Battery

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Among the novelties of the new Audi Q8 e-tron there is the battery architecture. The cells inside it are, so to speak, “compressed” and thanks to the new chemistry, heating is not affected. They can therefore store more energy inside them, but without growing in size. The overall dimensions therefore remain the same as the previous generation, but at the same time kilometers increase that can be traveled on a single recharge. You enter the world Q8 e-tron with the version 50 from 340 hp, making its debut on the Italian market. For her the drums and from 95 kWhwhile on the other two variants, the 55 from 408 hp and the SQ8 from 503 you travel with the ability to 114 kWh. The levels of autonomy change accordingly. With the “50” with SUV bodywork they are covered 491km, 524 with the coupe. The “55” instead counts on 582 And 600 kmwhile the SQ8 can ride 494 or 513 km, always in the order SUV and coupé. The internal charger that is carried on the two more powerful variants is also growing from 150 to 170 kW. It means to reload 10 to 80% enough battery 30 minutes. Provided you use a column fast to direct current.

How is it going

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More balanced and probably also the best-selling version will be the middle one, the Q8 55 e-tron that we drove for over 200 km in the province of Treviso, between the ups and downs of the Prosecco roads and a few kilometers of motorway towards Verona. The novelties at the debut under the skin are tangible. Starting with new setup of the suspensions and the steering, more direct, to increase the feeling driving, especially on mixed terrain. Compared to the previous e-tron there is the feeling of a car more planted on the ground. From standstill to 100 km/h it takes 6.5 seconds, which becomes 5.6 with the function boost. But that’s not what you should be asking new Q8 e-tron. Rather better enjoy the journey in the comfort and in the silence of the electric traction, better on long distances on a motorway or on mixed suburban roads, rather than in a cramped city centre.

The most powerful

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The sportiest of the three versions available will bear the name Audi SQ8 e-tron quattro. We will see it during the third quarter of 2023 at a list price that has not yet been made official. To move it there is a powertrain from 503 hp of power and 973 Nm of maximum torque. The engine positioned on the front end counts on 169 hpthe rear two up 133 each. Good numbers to reach the maximum speed of 210 km/h and close an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.

Pros and cons

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The pros and cons of the new Audi Q8 e-tron follow.

Pleases: Battery life and performance are further improved. Driving pleasure benefits from this. The comfort, technology and finishes are worthy of a true flagship.

Do not like: The screens that replace the rear-view mirrors are beautiful and give a modern touch, but they are positioned much lower than the traditional ones and you have to get used to them. They can be distracting at first.