The model will be Audi's flagship model as far as its EVs are concerned

First introduced in 2018, the Audi e-tron has already found 150,000 owners around the world. Following the success, the brand has just unveiled the updated 2023 version, but with a new name - the Audi Q8 e-tron. 

Offered in two versions (Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron), the model now comes with improved aerodynamics, higher charging performance, improved battery capacity, and increased range of up to 582 kilometers in the SUV version and up to 600 kilometers in the Sportback version.

Design wise, the Audi Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron are immediately identifiable as fully electric models at first glance.

This is thanks to the new front and rear designs with the characteristic Singleframe mask, the inverted grille, and blade above the redesigned rear diffuser, which systematically carry Audi’s electric design language forward. An exclusive highlight on the edition S line package is the Singleframe grille, which is finished in body color.

The Q8 e-tron also ushers in the new corporate identity with a two-dimensional design of the four rings on the exterior. In order to elevate the family logo as a central element, Audi highlights the vehicle’s face with the projection light Singleframe.

Additionally, the Q8 e-tron is the first model to feature the new model badge with Audi lettering on the B-pillar.

With a vehicle length of 4,915 mm, a width of 1,937 mm, and a height of 1,619 mm for the Sportback, and 1,633 mm for the SUV, the Q8 e-tron offers a maximum amount of space and comfort. 

While the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron are each two mm lower and 39 mm wider, its wheelbase of 2,928 mm allows for a lot of legroom in the back seats too.

It has a storage volume of 569 liters for the SUV and 528 liters for the Sportback. There are also 62 liters available in the front storage area, the so called “frunk”.

For both body shapes, three drivetrain variants with electric all-wheel drive can be selected. With their two motors, the base models of the Audi Q8 50 e-tron and the Audi Q8 Sportback 50 e-tron generate 250 kW in boost mode and 664 Nm of torque, and they get a range of up to 491 km (SUV) and up to 505 km (Sportback).

With their two motors, the Audi Q8 55 e-tron and Audi Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron generate 300 kW in boost mode and 664 Nm of torque. Their ranges are up to 582 km for the SUV and up to 600 km for the Sportback. Their top speed, and that of the Q8 50 e-tron, is limited to 200 km/h.

Two battery sizes can be selected. The battery of the Q8 50 e-tron has a storage capacity of 89 net kWh while the more powerful versions of the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron have 106 net kWh. 

Thanks to an adjustment to the battery management system, the battery capacity usable for customers has increased as well. At a high-powered charging station, the Audi Q8 50 e-tron reaches a maximum charging performance of 150 kW. With the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron, the big battery can be charged from ten to 80 percent during a roughly 31-minute charging stop. 

Under ideal conditions, the Audi Q8 50 e-tron can completely charge in around nine hours and 15 minutes using alternating current. The big battery’s numbers are around 11 hours and 30 minutes at 11 kW and six hours at 22 kW. 

The Audi Q8 e-tron also comes standard with the Plug & Charge function. At compatible charging stations, the vehicle authorizes itself when inserting the charging cable and activates the charging point. 

Last but not least, there are around 40 driver assistance systems available in the Audi Q8 e-tron. Up to five radar sensors, five cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors provide environmental information that’s then analyzed by the central driver assistance control unit. 

Something new is remote park assist plus, which will be available to order starting in 2023. With its help, the Audi Q8 e-tron can maneuver into even the tightest parking spaces. Customers can control the parking procedure through the myAudi app on their smartphones. 

When the car reaches its final position in the parking space, it automatically switches off, puts on the parking brake, and locks the doors. To leave the parking space, the motor is powered on through the myAudi app, then the vehicle maneuvers out enough for comfortable entry.

That being said, the market launch of the new Audi Q8 e-tron and Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron, which will be available to order starting in mid-November, is planned to happen at the end of February 2023 in Germany and other markets later on.