Electric SUV set to impress

Audi says it’s building on the success story of its pioneering e-tron with its new Q8 e-tron, pictured above.

The marque adds the all-electric model will impress with its optimised drive concept, improved aerodynamics, increased charging performance, battery capacity, and ranges of up to 582km in the SUV version and up to 513km for the SQ8 e-tron Sportback, pictured below.

“Since the introduction of the e-tron, Audi has been following a systematic electric roadmap,” says Dean Sheed, general manager of Audi NZ. “The Q8 is a progression of the current e-tron. Its improved efficiency, range and redesign will play a fundamental part in its success.” 

By calling this model the Q8, Audi is making a clear statement that it’s the top model among its electric SUVs. The Q8 e-tron and the SQ8 e-tron Sportback are identifiable as fully electric thanks to the new front and rear designs that carry the marque’s “electric design language forward”. 

It will be the first model to have the new corporate identity with a two-dimensional design of the four rings on the exterior, along with the model lettering and Audi logo on the B-pillar. 

Each variant will have its own drivetrain with electric all-wheel drive (AWD). The SUV will generate 300kW in boost mode and 664Nm of torque with a range of up to 582km in accordance with the WLTP. 

The SQ8 e-tron Sportback will be powered by three motors, which amount to 370kW and 973Nm of torque in boost. Its WLTP range reaches up to 513km and it boasts a top speed of 210kph.

The batteries in both variants will have 106-net kWh. Thanks to an adjustment to the management system, the usable battery has increased. At a high-powered DC station, maximum charging performance goes to up to 170kW. 

The battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent during a roughly 31-minute charging stop under ideal conditions. This corresponds to a range of up to 420km according to WLTP.

At an AC charging station or wallbox, the Q8 e-tron charges at up to 11kW, and under ideal conditions this will take 11.5 hours to become fully charged. Audi offers an optional AC charging performance of up to 22kW. The charge time is six hours. 

The technical stuff

The Q8 e-tron comes standard with an air-spring suspension with controlled shock absorption. The height of its body can be varied by 76mm depending on the driving situation. 

Its electronic stability control system allows for even more manoeuvrability, especially in tight corners. It handles these with noticeably more agility thanks to its revised progressive steering. 

The steering system’s gear ratio has been changed so it responds faster, especially for delicate movements. The effect of the direct-steering ratio is supported by more rigid front-axle suspension bearings. All chassis control systems have been adjusted, but “remain balanced and perfectly attuned”.

The spoilers on the Q8 e-tron’s underbody help divert airflow around the wheels. The spoilers on the front axle have been enlarged and the SQ8 Sportback e-tron also has spoilers on the rear wheels. On the Sportback, spoilers are only mounted on the rear axle. 

In the area around the grille, this is the first time an Audi has had a self-sealing system in addition to electric shutters that automatically close the radiator. These modifications optimise airflow at the front to prevent undesired drag. 

There are about 40 driver-assistance systems available in the Q8 e-tron. Up to five radar sensors, five cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors provide environmental information that’s analysed by the central driver-assistance control unit.

Something new is remote park assist plus. With its help, the car can manoeuvre into tight spaces. Drivers can control the procedure through the myAudi app on smartphones. When the car reaches its final position in the space, it automatically switches off, puts on the parking brake and locks the doors. 

On the inside

The Q8 e-tron’s panoramic roof lightens the interior. When open, the two-part glass roof improves the inside climate thanks to efficient ventilation. An integrated wind deflector reduces wind noise as well. 

As part of the Plastic Loop project, Audi has worked with plastics manufacturer LyondellBasell to establish a process in which chemical recycling will be used for the first time to reuse mixed automotive plastic waste when making plastic covers for the SUV’s seatbelt buckles.

In this process, plastic components from vehicles that can no longer be repaired are dismantled and separated from foreign materials, such as metal clips, before being shredded and processed into pyrolysis oil through chemical recycling. This oil is then used as a raw material in the production of new plastics, such as the cover used for seatbelt buckles. 

Audi also uses recycled materials for other components in the Q8 e-tron. Treated through a recycling process, they reduce the number of resources used and ensure a closed, efficient “material loop”. In its interior, recycled materials are used for insulation, damping and carpeting. 

The decorative inlay above the display, called the tech layer, is available with a new material that’s partially composed of recycled PET bottles. 

The new Q8 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron Sportback are due to arrive in New Zealand during the second quarter of 2023. Final pricing and specifications will be released closer to the local launch.