Audi Q8 e-tron, a restyling with a name change included

Audi launched its first electric vehicle in 2018, the Audi e-tron. He was betting on a large, high-luxury SUV to enter this new era. Now, four years later, the firm with the four rings presents a restyling to update, even changing its commercial name to that of Audi Q8 etron, which affects both the conventional bodywork and the more dynamic Sportback.

Yes, it's a mid-lifecycle facelift, but this Audi Q8 e-tron and its Q8 Sportback e-tron sibling come with many interesting news. It does not focus only on aesthetic makeup and name change, but also introduces modifications to its aerodynamics and electrical system, which improves its usability.

New name and aesthetic changes, Audi Q8 e-tron

Due to the restructuring of the range, Audi has decided to change the name of the vehicle to make it clear what car it is. Yes it is electric and therefore bears the surname e-tron, but is also a SUV, more than enough reason to introduce the letter Q. In addition, it is from large size and a certain dynamic style. Therefore, Q8 e-tron is the ideal name for this electric SUV.

visually we see noticeable differences both front and rear, adapting the aesthetics to the new design trends of the German firm. If you look closely, the two-dimensional logo is new, as is the spelling for the model name. These aesthetic changes have also allowed reduce the drag coefficient 0,26 to 0,24 on Q8 Sportback e-tron and 0,28 to 0,27 on Q8 e-tron.

Performance improvements

El electric drive system It has received some improvements, being able to choose between three different levels in both bodies; all of them with four-wheel drive. The access is called 50 etronOffering 340 CV and 664 Nm maximum, with an approved autonomy of up to 501 kilometers thanks to its 89 kWh battery net, which can be charged to 150 kW maximum power

The upper battery has a capacity of 106 kWh (114 kWh gross) and is reserved for the two upper ones, and can be recharged at 170 kW. The Q8 55 e-tron It also uses two motors to in this case generate 408 CV and 664 Nm, with maximum autonomy of 595 kilometers. In this and the previous one the maximum speed is limited to 200 km/h.

The top of the range is Audi SQ8 e-tron, which uses three engines to generate up to 503 hp and 973 Nm of torque. Almost nothing! The front engine generates 167 hp and the two rear ones 133 hp each. In this case, autonomy is up to 483 km in the Sportback variant, with a maximum speed of 210 km/h.

As standard, all of them come with a charger of up to 11 kW for alternating current, being able to opt for the 22 kW charger as an option.

The German brand comments that the rear engine has been optimized, passing from 12 to 14 coils. In this way they generate a higher magnetic field, which guarantees greater motor torque while reducing electrical consumption.

Prices for Spain of this carbon-neutral electric SUV

Another novelty is that the Audi Q8 e-tron is certified as a carbon neutral vehicle for European and American customers. To this we must add that it uses recycled materials for some car components. For example, in the cabin it uses recycled materials for insulation and for the carpet, while some moldings have been built using recycled bottles.

Beyond the above, it is important to talk about equipment and prices. The first thing to mention is that the Audi Q8 e-tron and its brother, the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron will arrive at the end of February from 2023 to Europe, opening orders in Spain in a matter of days so that you can already book it.

Regarding prices, the entry variant for the Spanish market will be the Advanced, with a price of $84.610 in the case of the Q8 e-tron 50; and of 94.610 euros for the Q8 e-tron 55. The Sportback versions will have a surcharge of 2.500 euros for the same engine and equipment with respect to the SUV body. If we want to take the step to the S Line finish, we have to pay 5.500 euros more, while if we opt for the character of the Black Line it is 2.510 euros more.

But if we want maximum performance and we go to the Audi SQ8 e-tron, I am sorry to inform you that the exact price has not yet been confirmed, nor has the order opening date. Audi says the electric SQ8 will come a little later.