• The Audi e-tron has been refreshed, turning into the Q8 e-tron and sporting a brand new entrance finish with a mask-like grille that places it consistent with the smaller This fall e-tron.
• Energy output is unchanged, however the Q8 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron are anticipated to enhance their vary estimates due to a redesigned rear electrical motor and higher aerodynamics.
• Audi says the Q8 e-tron can cost at a fee of 170 kW, going from 10 to 80 p.c in 31 minutes on a DC quick charger.

UPDATE 8/2/23: Audi has launched pricing for the 2024 SQ8 e-tron and the SQ8 e-tron Sportback. The common mannequin begins at $90,995; the fastback model prices an additional $2800, with a base value of $93,795. For comparability, the common ’24 Audi Q8 e-tron begins at $75,595; the Sportback model begins at $78,995.

Since Audi first launched the e-tron SUV in 2019, it has added the voluptuous e-tron GT sedan and the smaller This fall e-tron crossover to its electrical arsenal. Now, the unique e-tron is gaining a brand new moniker to distinguish it from its fellow electrical Audis as a part of a considerable overhaul.

Rechristened because the Q8 e-tron, the facelifted EV arrives with recent styling and elevated vary, and the smooth Sportback and extra highly effective S (now referred to as SQ8 e-tron) variants additionally return. (The brand new identify does not eradicate confusion fully, nevertheless, as there are additionally distinct gasoline-powered Q8 and SQ8 fashions; calling it the Q6 e-tron would’ve been a greater transfer in our opinion.)

Identical Energy, Extra Vary

Whereas Europe receives a base mannequin with a smaller battery and fewer energy, the one configurations that might be offered in the US are the Q8 e-tron 55 and the SQ8 e-tron, which replaces the e-tron S. Energy outputs are unchanged from earlier than. The 55, with all-wheel drive by way of a dual-motor setup, maxes out at 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque in Sport mode. The SQ8 e-tron, in the meantime, packs three electrical motors, with a 166-hp unit up entrance and two 131-hp motors housed on the rear axle producing a mixed 496 hp and 718 pound-feet of torque in Sport mode. The 55 mannequin reaches 62 mph in a claimed 5.6 seconds whereas the SQ8 drops that dash to 4.5 ticks. Prime pace for the 55 is proscribed to 124 mph, and the SQ8 e-tron can hit 130 mph.

Each fashions make the most of a battery with 106.0 kWh of usable capability. Audi says it’s aiming for sure variations of the up to date mannequin to have an EPA-estimated vary above 300 miles, or a 30 to 40 p.c enhance over the present mannequin’s EPA vary that tops out at 222 miles. On the European WLTP check cycle, the Q8 e-tron lineup is rated at between 307 and 373 miles of vary. Audi additionally claims the Q8 e-tron will cost at a fee of as much as 170 kW, with the battery charging from 10 to 80 p.c in as rapidly as 31 minutes on a DC quick charger.

The 2024 Q8 e-tron’s bump in vary is the product of an upgraded rear motor and improved aerodynamics. The asynchronous motor on the rear axle now makes use of 14 coils to generate its electromagnetic subject, up from 12. This makes the motor extra environment friendly, since it might probably use much less electrical energy to create the identical quantity of torque, or produce extra torque utilizing the identical quantity of vitality because the outdated 12-coil design.

Aerodynamics additionally play an enormous position. The restyled entrance finish has decreased the drag coefficient barely to 0.24 for the Sportback and 0.27 for the SUV. The Q8 e-tron additionally provides bigger wheel spoilers up entrance on the underbody of the car, channeling airflow across the entrance wheels to assist the massive crossover carve by the air extra effectively.

New Design and Tech Options

Whereas the general physique form stays the identical, the Q8 e-tron debuts a brand new mask-like grille design, visually linking it with the e-tron GT and This fall e-tron. The brand new grille additionally incorporates a gentle bar over the Audi emblem, connecting the headlights. The grille presents a brand new model of Audi’s four-ringed emblem, and the emblem and mannequin designation are additionally laser-etched into the automotive’s B-pillar. The Q8 e-tron comes customary with an air suspension, and the physique peak could be adjusted by about 3 inches. There’s additionally revised tuning for the air springs and an up to date steering ratio.

The large addition to the Q8 e-tron’s suite of driver-assistance programs is distant park help plus, which may navigate the SUV into tight spots because the proprietor controls the method from outdoors the car by way of a smartphone app. The Q8 e-tron additionally options digital Matrix LED headlights that may individually illuminate completely different sections of the street relying on the circumstances, however these lights stay unique to Europe in the meanwhile attributable to completely different rules in the US.

The inside is centered round two touchscreens—a ten.1-inch unit located above an 8.6-inch show—that deal with nearly each perform, though drivers also can use voice instructions. Choices embody options akin to a head-up show, four-zone local weather management, and massaging seats. A lightweight brown walnut wooden inside trim is new. The S-Line package deal provides seats wrapped in artificial leather-based and a microfiber referred to as Dinamica, which is made out of recycled bottles, fiber residue, and used textiles.

The Q8 e-tron arrives in the US on the finish of April 2023. Pricing might be introduced later, however we don’t anticipate a serious enhance over the present beginning value of $71,995 for the usual mannequin and $89,395 for the S.

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Caleb Miller started running a blog about automobiles at 13 years outdated, and he realized his dream of writing for a automotive journal after graduating from Carnegie Mellon College and becoming a member of the Automobile and Driver staff. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to someday personal one thing weird like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.