Audi’s Q8 e-tron gets modified. Its new mask-like front resembles the smaller Q4 e-tron. A revised rear electric motor and enhanced aerodynamics should increase the Q8 and SQ8 e-tron range. Power output remains unchanged. Audi claims a 170 kW DC fast charger can charge the Q8 e-tron from 0 to 80% in 31 minutes. Audi announced the 2024 SQ8 e-tron and Sportback pricing. Regular models cost $90,995, while fastback variants cost $93,795 and $2800 more. The base price for the ’24 Audi Q8 e-tron is $75,595, while the Sportback is $78,995. Audi has released the Q4 e-tron hatchback and e-tron GT sedan since the 2019 e-tron SUV. The first e-tron will be renamed as part of a significant makeover. The Q8 e-tron range and appearance have improved. The stylish Sportback and powerful S (now SQ8 e-tron) models are returning. (The new name doesn’t eliminate confusion). Gasoline-powered Q8 and SQ8 models remain. We preferred the Q6 e-tron. Same power, more extended range The US will sell only the SQ8 e-tron, which replaces the S, and the Q8 e-tron 55. Europe will deal with a lower model with less power and battery—the same power sources. In Sport mode, the 55 produces 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque from its two motors and all-wheel drive. SQ8 e-tron contains three electric motors. Two on the rear axle have the automobile 131 horsepower in Sport mode and 166 in Normal mode. The 55 type takes 5.6 seconds to reach 62 mph, while the SQ8 takes 4.5. The 55 has 124 mph, while the SQ8 e-tron has 130 mph. Both have 106.0 kWh batteries. Audi claims some upgraded cars will have EPA ranges of 300 miles. This is a 30–40% increase over the current model’s 222-mile EPA range. The European WLTP test cycle is predicted to give the Q8 e-tron series a capacity of 307–373 miles. Audi claims a DC fast charger can charge the Q8 e-tron battery from 10 to 80% in 31 minutes at 170 kW. The 2024 Q8 e-tron offers a more extended range due to its more prominent rear motor and superior airflow. Asynchronous motor back axle coils have increased from 12 to 14. The engine is more efficient because it can produce the same torque with less energy or more torque with the same power than the 12-coil type. Aerodynamics is also crucial. The redesigned front end reduces drag to 0.24 for the Sportback and 0.27 for the SUV. The Q8 e-tron more enormous front wheel spoilers on the bottom help the massive crossover travel through the air by channelling air over the front wheels. Technological advances The Q8 e-tron mask-like grille links it to the e-tron GT and Q4 e-tron while maintaining the same body design. The redesigned grille has headlights and a light bar above the Audi logo. The model name is laser-etched into the B-pillar, and the bonnet has a new Audi logo. The Q8 e-tron has a standard air suspension and a 3-inch body height adjustment. Air spring tuning and steering ratio were improved. Remote park assist plus boosts the Q8 e-tron driver-assistance systems. It can manoeuvre the SUV into tight spaces with a smartphone app. Matrix LED headlights on the Q8 e-tron may automatically illuminate different road sections. These lights are only available in Europe due to constraints. A 10.1-inch tablet tops an 8.6-inch monitor in the automobile. Drivers can use their voices or the car’s two touchscreens to manage most features. Head-up displays, four-zone climate control, and massage chairs are available. The interior trim is now light brown walnut wood. S-Line seats are wrapped in faux leather and Dinamica cloth, created from recycled bottles, fibre scraps, and other trash. The Q8 e-tron will come to the US in late April 2023. Prices will be disclosed later, but we expect a minor increase from the base model’s $71,995 and the S’s $89,395.
