Remember the Audi e-tron SUV? That was at a time when the German luxury automaker was only making one electric vehicle (EV), but now, a host of other EVs have come out since such as the e-tron GT. Consider it as a lack of foresight for the brand, which is why the e-tron SUV is now called the Audi Q8 e-tron. Facelifted for the 2024 model year, the Q8 e-tron comes with revised looks, improved performance, and more importantly, significantly more range.
From the outside, the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback have been given a new Singelframe mask for the grille, putting the Q8 e-tron in line with newer EVs such as the Q4 e-tron. The grille comes with LED lighting at night, while the side air vents have been enlarged for a sportier look. Lastly, the rear diffuser has also been redesigned to add visual drama to its rear fascia.
The grille also comes with a self-sealing system that works in conjunction with electric shutters that close the radiator. As a result, the Q8 e-tron’s drag coefficient is now at 0.27 versus 0.28 for the standard model and 0.24 versus 0.26 for the Sportback.
Moving inside, the changes made to the Audi Q8 e-tron are much more minor. These are limited to new interior trim choices such as light brown walnut wood, while some of the interior parts are partially made out of recycled PET bottles. Audi’s dual-screen MMI infotainment system returns, and it now comes with built-in Apple Music.
Performance is where Audi made huge strides for the new Q8 e-tron. When the e-tron SUV was first unveiled, it had mediocre range compared to the likes of the Tesla Model X due to its small-ish 69 kWh battery that results in just 341 kilometers of range. Now, the range kicks off with a bigger 89 kWh battery (95 kWh gross) for the Q8 50 e-tron, thus increasing range to 491 kilometers for the standard model and 505 kilometers for the Sportback. Power has also been increased for the base Q8 50 e-tron, as it now produces 335 hp and 664 Nm of torque.
Moving up the food chain is the Q8 55 e-tron, and this gets an even bigger 106 kWh (114 kWh gross) battery, which is enough for 582 kilometers for the standard model and 600 kilometers for the Sportback. The dual-motor Q8 55 e-tron also packs more punch with 402 hp on top though torque is the same as the Q8 e-tron 50.
Sitting on top of the range is the performance-oriented SQ8 e-tron, which uses the same battery as the Q8 55 e-tron, but now has a tri-motor system that has a total system output of 496 hp and 973 Nm of torque. However, with added power comes with slightly less range of 494 kilometers for the standard model and 513 kilometers for the Sportback.
Considering that the original Audi e-tron paved the way for luxury EVs in the Philippines, a local launch for the Q8 e-tron could happen in late 2023 or early 2024 through the brand’s official distributor, PGA Cars.
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