2023 Audi Q8 e-tron – renamed SUV will get as much as 600 km EV vary, 503 PS, 973 Nm; normal, Sportback our bodies

The Audi e-tron is the model’s first collection manufacturing electrical automobile that made its debut again in September 2018. Since then, the German carmaker has launched a number of different EVs which are a part of the ‘e-tron’ collection, together with the e-tron GT and This autumn e-tron. To ensure folks don’t get confused the place the big SUV sits within the line-up, the unique e-tron has now been renamed the Q8 e-tron as a part of its newest replace.

“By calling this mannequin the Q8, Audi is making a transparent assertion that the Audi Q8 e-tron is the highest mannequin amongst its electrical SUVs and crossovers,” the carmaker mentioned in its official launch. When the Q8 e-tron goes on sale from February subsequent 12 months – order taking begins this November – will probably be out there in common and Sportback physique kinds.

There’s additionally at least three quattro all-wheel drive electrical drivetrains and two battery sizes to select from. Audi says the asynchronous motor idea on the rear axle has been modified to have 14 coils producing the electromagnetic area as an alternative of 12 beforehand to create the identical quantity of torque, or produce extra with the identical quantity of vitality because the older design.

Kicking issues off is the Q8 50 e-tron quattro, which affords as a lot as 340 PS (335 hp or 250 kW) in enhance mode and 664 Nm of torque. The 2 electrical motors – one for every axle – draw energy from a reworked lithium-ion battery with a better usable vitality capability of 89 kWh (95 kWh gross) – beforehand 64.7 kWh (71 kWh gross). That is good for a variety of as much as 491 km (normal physique) or 505 km (Sportback) following the WLTP, which is over 100 km greater than earlier than.

Sitting above the bottom possibility is the Q8 55 e-tron that will get a extra substantial battery with 106 kWh (114 kWh gross) – beforehand 86.5 kWh usable (95 kWh gross) – together with electrical motors that output 408 PS (402 hp or 300 kW) in enhance mode and 664 Nm. The elevated battery capability supplies as much as 582 km (normal physique) and 600 km (Sportback) of vary. Each the Q8 50 and Q8 55 share the identical restricted prime velocity of 210 km/h.

For much more energy, there’s the SQ8 e-tron – renamed from the e-tron S – which positive aspects a 3rd electrical motor for a complete system output of 503 PS (496 hp or 370 kW) and 973 Nm in enhance mode. The range-topper will get the bigger battery, however its vary is simply as much as 494 km (normal physique) and 513 km (Sportback), though the highest velocity will get a bump to 210 km/h.

When it comes to charging, all Q8 e-tron variants help AC charging at as much as 11 kW (9 hours and quarter-hour) or 22 kW (4 hours and 45 minutes), the latter being an elective improve. There’s additionally DC quick charging, which is at 150 kW for the Q8 50 e-tron, and 170 kW for the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron – the upper enter will get the battery from a 10-80% state of cost in about 31 minutes for 420 km of vary.

One cause for the elevated vary with the replace is the improved aerodynamics, with the drag coefficient for the Sportback down from 0.26 to 0.24, and 0.28 to 0.27 for the usual physique. Adjustments to allow these enhancements embody wheel spoilers mounted on the underbody assist divert airflow across the wheels, together with on the rear for the SQ8 e-tron.

The grille additionally will get a self-sealing system along with the electrical shutters that mechanically shut the radiator to additional optimise airflow. On that point out, the grille has been restyled to visually hyperlink it to latest e-tron fashions and comes with a brand new model of the model’s four-ringed emblem that’s illuminated by an overhead mild bar. The remainder of the automotive stays largely the identical, though there’s laser etching on the B-pillars.

Inside, you’ll discover very delicate adjustments like elevated use of recycled supplies. As earlier than, there’s no scarcity of shows, with a 12.3-inch Audi digital cockpit and a ten.1-inch MMI contact response infotainment system sitting above an 8.6-inch secondary touchscreen that replaces all standard switches and knobs.

Different options embody normal air suspension that permits the journey top to be adjusted by 76 mm. There’s additionally revised tuning for the air springs and an up to date steering ratio, the latter offering faster response. Digital matrix LED headlamps are additionally out there as an possibility, now improved with enhanced site visitors data, the lane mild with a path indicator and the orientation mild on nation roads.

GALLERY: 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron quattro

GALLERY: 2023 Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron quattro

GALLERY: 2023 Audi SQ8 e-tron quattro

GALLERY: 2023 Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron quattro