The Audi Q8 e-tron & Q8 e-tron Sportback arrives with a bold makeover, enhancing both its appearance and performance while showcasing Audi’s commitment to sustainable mobility. With its eye-catching design and advanced electric powertrain, the Q8 e-tron proves to be an exciting addition to the all-electric SUV lineup.
Exterior Elegance, The Q8 e-tron & Sportback embodies the perfect blend of sportiness and luxury. The subtle exterior updates on both body types, the SUV, and the Sportback, add an extra touch of dynamism to an already handsome-looking SUV. Redesigned lower bumpers and air-dams not only enhance the front-end aesthetics but also contribute to improved aerodynamics, with the Q8 e-tron boasting an impressive 0.27 drag coefficient, while the Sportback takes it even lower to 0.24 Cd. The standout feature is the new logo design on the grille, set on a flat, shiny surface, with the option to go for a blacked-out grille. Adding to the sophistication, the illuminated strip of LED running across the top of the grille catches the eye, while the redesigned LED Matrix headlamps offer sharper looks and intelligent adaptability.
Luxurious Interior, Step inside the Q8 e-tron, and you are greeted with Audi’s signature high-quality interior. The combination of leather and leatherette upholstery, along with matte brushed aluminum inserts on the dashboard, exudes elegance. The front seats can be equipped with ventilation, heating, and massage functions, offering maximum comfort. The Audi Virtual Cockpit instrumentation provides essential information, while the 10.1-inch infotainment system offers a user-friendly interface with haptic feedback. The secondary 8.6-inch display for air-con controls complements the four-zone climate control, which can be further upgraded with an air ionizer and an air aromatizer. The cabin offers ample space for four individuals, even in the Sportback model, thanks to Audi’s clever design.
Performance and Battery, The heart of the Q8 e-tron’s facelift is its upgraded battery, featuring a remarkable 114kWh capacity. This enhancement results in a substantially improved range, a crucial factor for today’s electric vehicles as charging infrastructure expands, allowing for longer-distance travel. The Q8 e-tron now boasts a claimed WLTP range of 600km, up from the previous e-tron’s 484km. Despite the larger battery, performance remains unchanged, with the Q8 e-tron delivering the same power and torque and achieving a 0-100kmph run in just 5.6 seconds. The Audi quattro AWD system ensures impressive traction and control, and the seven driving modes cater to various driving preferences, making it a versatile and exciting SUV to drive.
Driving Dynamics and Charging, The Q8 e-tron impresses with its refined driving dynamics, combining a plush and balanced ride quality on different road surfaces with a taut and confident feel around corners. The SUV features a 170kW DC charging capacity, allowing for a quick 10-80% charge in just 31 minutes, making it more convenient for long journeys. The new dedicated ‘Range’ mode adds another layer of practicality by optimizing the air-conditioning efficiency and simplifying driving modes, increasing the range when needed.
We found, The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback takes elegance and sustainability to new heights. Its striking appearance and subtle yet effective exterior updates add to its sporty appeal. The luxurious and tech-rich interior ensures a delightful driving experience. The increased battery capacity offers an impressive range, making the Q8 e-tron a compelling option for long-distance travel, with the added benefit of quick charging capabilities. Despite the larger battery, the SUV maintains its impressive performance and driving dynamics, staying true to Audi’s reputation for delivering exhilarating drives. As the future of sustainable luxury unfolds, the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback stands at the forefront, offering an exciting glimpse of what is yet to come. India Launch to be held on August 18th.
Photographs by DadzKid aka Shoib