Official Audi Q8 e-tron: What are the New Features for 2023?

After 3 years of service, the brand’s first electric SUV announces new batteries and motors, taking the name Audi Q8 e-tron.

Presented at the end of 2018 and launched in 2019, the Audi e-tron has sold approximately 150,000 units. More than 3 years have thus passed, enough time for a well-deserved facelift. But the changes are not limited to simple aesthetic tweaks.

A New Name: Audi Q8 e-tron

The first innovation of this SUV is a name change. To align with the lineup and the e-tron electric sub-range, it adopts the name Audi Q8 e-tron. Sitting at the top, this model will therefore survive for many more years. It now dominates the Q4 e-tron launched in 2020 and the upcoming Q6 e-tron, which will arrive at best next year on the new PPE platform, shared with the first electric Porsche Macan.

Visually, the Audi Q8 e-tron moves away slightly from curves. More prominent at the front, the electric SUV aligns more with the signature of the latest A3, with a less extensive grille now painted to match the body color, featuring a black outline and lighting that highlights the logo. The S model will have some specific elements, such as wider wheel arches and tires. Slightly different visually, the Q8 e-tron reduces its drag coefficient from 0.26 to 0.24, improving its efficiency. Note that both standard and Sportback bodies are part of this facelift.

On the propulsion side, both motors now offer more power on the base model. The Audi Q8 e-tron 50 increases from 312 to 335 horsepower (225 to 250 kW) with 664 Nm of torque, while the 55 remains at 300 kW (402 hp). As for the SQ8 e-tron, it retains its 3-motor system. This develops 124 kW at the front, while at the rear, the two rear asynchronous machines of 98 kW each now have 14 coils instead of 12. The total output is therefore 370 kW (503 hp) and 973 Nm. Reminder: all versions remain quattro all-wheel drive.

New 89 and 104 kWh Batteries

The electric SUV has also replaced its two batteries of 71 and 95 kWh. They are increased by about 20 kWh each, without changing chemistry but by increasing density. The Audi Q8 e-tron 50 thus offers a useful 89 kWh battery (96 gross), while the 55 and SQ8 models increase to 106 kWh (114 gross). Autonomy is therefore increased by 40% for the entry-level version, going from an average of 307 km to 480 km. For the others, it grows by 30%, reaching 500 km for the Audi SQ8 and 600 km for the “55” level.

The charging power also increases, so as not to penalize the wait at fast chargers. The maximum rises from 120 to 150 kW for the Q8 e-tron 50 and from 150 to 170 kW for the larger battery. At this level, the SUV would take 28 minutes to recover 80% of its energy (31 min on the 104 kWh version). For slow charging, the smaller battery takes 4h45 with the optional 22 kW AC charger, and 6h on the 55/S versions. Double these durations for the standard 11 kW charging (9.30/12h), and triple them for a 7.4 kW wallbox (14/18h). The plug&play feature, a plug-in system with automatic payment, is planned for the Q8.

As a logical consequence, despite efforts to lighten certain parts, the weight is increasing. Audi reports approximately 2,500 kg for the Q8 e-tron 55 and around 2,650 kg for the SQ8.

What is the price of the Audi Q8 e-tron?

The pricing range for the Audi Q8 e-tron has not yet been announced for France. We will learn more as the first orders are made in mid-November, with deliveries starting in spring 2023.

Currently, the Audi Q8 e-tron starts at €78,800 for the 50 version but will increase significantly. The new starting price is €86,700 for the standard Q8 body. The 55 model should cost over €90,000, and the SQ8 over €100,000. The first units will begin delivery in the first quarter of 2023.