Audi has given its flagship electric SUV a major makeover for 2024, renaming it as the Q8 e-tron and updating its design, technology, and performance. The Audi Q8 e-tron, which was previously known as the e-tron, is Audi’s answer to rivals such as the BMW iX, the Mercedes-Benz EQC, and the Tesla Model X. It offers a spacious and luxurious cabin, a sleek and sporty exterior, and a powerful and efficient electric drivetrain uses more coils to generate its electromagnetic field. This reduces energy losses and increases efficiency. The Audi Q8 e-tron also benefits from enhanced aerodynamics thanks to a new front grille with active shutters that open or close depending on cooling needs and optimized underbody panels that reduce drag.
The Q8 e-tron’s exterior design has been refreshed with new headlights and taillights that feature LED matrix technology and dynamic turn signals. The front bumper has been reshaped with larger air intakes and chrome accents, while the rear bumper has been simplified with integrated exhaust tips. The Audi SQ8 quattro stands out with black trim elements, larger wheels, red brake calipers, and quad exhaust tips.
The Q8 e-tron comes in two body styles: the standard Q8 e-tron with a conventional roofline and a large cargo area and the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback with a sloping rear end and a more dynamic look. Both models are available in two trim levels: the 55 quattro with 402 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque, and the SQ8 quattro with 496 horsepower and 718 lb-ft of torque. The latter replaces the previous S model and adds more aggressive styling cues.
The biggest change for 2024 is the introduction of a new battery pack with 106 kWh of usable capacity, which should significantly improve the range of the Q8 e-tron models. Audi claims that some versions will be able to travel more than 300 miles on a single charge, according to EPA estimates, which would be a huge leap from the current model’s maximum range of 222 miles. The Audi Q8 e-tron can also recharge quickly at up to 170 kW on a DC fast charger, reaching 80 percent of its capacity in about half an hour.
Another improvement is the redesign of the rear electric motor, which now
The interior of the Q8 e-tron remains largely unchanged from before, offering a high level of comfort and quality for up to five passengers. The dashboard features three digital screens: one for the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, one for the infotainment system on top of the center console, and one for climate controls below it. The screens are controlled by touch or voice commands via Amazon Alexa integration. The cabin also offers wireless smartphone charging, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting.
The Audi Q8 e-tron has several driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features include a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and a night vision assist.
The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron is expected to go on sale in late April next year in the US market, with prices starting at around $72000 for the base model and $98000 for the Audi SQ8 quattro.
