It’s been four years since we First time driving an Audi E-Tron, and today Audi’s electric SUV is getting its first refresh and name change. Bye, E-Tronand hello Audi Q8 E-Tron 2024.
The name change comes to bring the E-Tron into line with the current and future electric Audi lineup. See Q4 E-Tron as an example of what is to come. Audi explained more about the name change in a press conference.
“It is to incorporate the E-Tron into Audi’s new naming strategy, which will communicate very simply, very precisely and very clearly to our customers, positioning its prestige as an electric SUV. our most premium.”
More important than what we’ll call the Q8 E-Tron, however, are all the updates Audi has available to the flagship SUV. The important news is that the range is greatly increased thanks to the denser amount of energy the battery packaging and improved efficiency across the entire vehicle. Instead of the 95 kWh battery pack it used to previously, the Q8 E-Tron will have a 114 kWh battery pack. The pack takes up the same physical space in the car, but uses a new stacking technology to stack the cells in the pack, filling it up more. Audi doesn’t have an EPA range rating to share with us yet, but representatives suggest that figure will be over 300 miles. We currently have a WLTP range rating for review. The regular Q8 E-Tron is rated at 362 miles, and Sportback at 373 miles in the WLTP cycle is usually optimistic. We expect the Sportback to also outpace the regular-looking Q8 E-Tron in the US.
Another big plus for the Q8 E-Tron is its charging performance. Previously, the E-Tron reached a maximum charging speed of 150 kW on a DC fast charger. For 2024, the Q8 E-Tron will be able to manage 170 kW. This is thanks to updates made to the battery management system – Audi says the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes under ideal conditions.
Also in the area of powertrain improvements is a revised rear engine. Audi says that instead of 12 coils generating an electromagnetic field, it has increased the number to 14. This results in a stronger magnetic field from an analog electrical input, allowing more torque to be generated and needed. less power to produce said torque. The base model in the US will be the Q8 55 E-Tron twin-engine (AWD) Q8. Maximum power in “boost mode” is 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque, the same as before – it will require just less power to produce said power.
More than The powerful SQ8 E-Tron and its three electric motors (two in the rear) produce 496 horsepower and 718 pound-feet of torque, the same as before. Model S increases the battery pack size similar to the regular Q8 E-Tron. As before, range is affected by the extra power, as WLTP predictions drop to 307 miles for the standard SQ8 E-Tron and 319 miles for the Sportback version.
The design and styling changes come with all the new technology for the entire Q8 E-Tron line. At the front, Audi gives the Q8 E-Tron an all-new “3D single frame” grille and front bumper. The lighting system has also been revised, as it has a central light bar that lights up with fancy, animated daytime running lights. The electric shutters in the grille form a new self-sealing system that reduces drag. Audi says it’s dropped from 0.28 to 0.27 for the standard Q8 E-Tron and from 0.26 to 0.24 for the Sportback. New undercarriage wheels aid this effort. Audi uses new accessories for all four wheels on the non-S versions, but only at the rear on the S.
Badge and model badges for the Q8 E-Tron mark a new direction for Audi. You’ll notice the four rings are highlighted by glowing LED backlighting, but only at the top a little subtle. Starting with the Q8 E-Tron and expanding to all future Audi models is a new model on the B-pillar. You’ll be able to pinpoint the exact version of a model here in clear white text. clearly placed on top of the black column B. At the rear, the Audi Sport logo comes with “Q8” and “E-Tron” embossed in the lower rear bumper area.
Under the new look is a refreshed suspension. It still rocked the air suspension, but Audi says all controls have been tweaked and the air spring adjustment has changed. The steering system is revised with a new gear ratio designed to make steering response faster and give more feedback to the driver. The stiffer suspension bearings are said to help with feedback, and the stability control system has been revised to allow for better maneuverability, especially at tighter angles.
There’s not much to do when it comes to an interior refresh for the Q8 E-Tron, but Audi says there are two new trims, one in brown walnut and the other in a sustainable material made from recycled PET bottles. Additional items throughout the interior are made of recycled materials such as seat belt buckles and other plastics. All seat options have new contrast stitching and red stitching offered as part of the Audi Sport package.
It still has the same dual-screen infotainment setup and fully digital instrument cluster as before. Unfortunately, the US does not have access to other technological advancements that other markets have such as digital rearview mirrors and digital matrix LED headlights, which are expected to be available soon. However, when asked, Audi could not provide a timeframe, as it is still waiting guidelines from the US government.
U.S. pricing isn’t available at this time, but Audi says it expects the new Q8 E-Tron to land us late April 2023. Specific pricing will be available closer to the on-sale date.
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