The Audi e-tron SUV will now be known as the Q8 e-tron which arrives with improved aerodynamics, charging performance and range.
According to WLTP statistics, the standard SUV Q8 e-tron will be able to travel 330 miles on a single charge and 343 miles on the sleeker Sportback trim. This is a big improvement on the previous e-tron which only had a maximum range of 223 miles.
Three four-wheel-drive (Quattro) drivetrains are available; the Q8 50 e-tron, Q8 55 e-tron and the top-end SQ8 e-tron. Each trim comes with an equivalent Sportback variation too.
The 50 gets an 89kWh battery that generates a maximum 335bhp output with a WLTP range of 281 miles and 290 miles on the Sportback.
The 55 gets a bigger 106kWh battery that generates a maximum 396bhp output with a range of 330 miles and 343 miles on the Sportback.
The SQ8 is driven by three motors that boost performance to a maximum 496bhp output with a range of 284 miles and 295 miles on the Sportback.
Charging performance has been improved too. The 50 model has improved 150kW charging capabilities whilst the higher-end 55 and SQ8 get 170kW.
On the outside, the Q8 e-tron receives new styling. Many of the changes have been aimed at improving aerodynamics. The grille is surrounded by a gloss black panel and revised LED clusters are joined by an LED strip on top of the grille.
The interior remains largely similar to the previous e-tron. A focus on sustainability increases as Audi makes use of a number of recycled materials in the building process.
It’s not just the Q8 e-tron that is receiving updates, Audi is in the process of revamping its entire range. The A4 will become the A5 and the A6 will become the A7 as a new A6 e-tron saloon and potential A4 e-tron take their places in the line-up over the coming years.
Official pricing for the Q8 e-tron will be revealed by Audi next week. It’s expected that the first of these new EVs will be on our roads in Q2 next year.
