In November of last year, the Audi Q8 e-tron was introduced to the public with a planned release date for the USA in April 2023. However, at the time of the unveiling, Audi did not provide any information regarding the price, leading some to speculate that the vehicle would cost around $90,000. To the surprise of many, it has now been announced that the starting price for the Q8 e-tron will be $74,400.
The Q8 e-tron is Audi’s flagship EV SUV, offering a spacious and luxurious cabin, a sleek and conventional design, and a range of battery and motor options to suit different needs and preferences.
The Q8 e-tron is available in two body styles: the standard Q8 e-tron and the sportier, fastback Q8 e-tron Sportback. Both models share the same platform and powertrain, but the Sportback has a lower roofline and a more aggressive rear end.
The Q8 e-tron models also share some styling cues with the regular Q8 SUV, such as the large grille, the LED headlights and taillights, and the wheel arches. However, the Q8 e-tron models have some distinctive features that set them apart, such as the closed grille with horizontal slats, the aerodynamic bumpers and side skirts, and the unique wheel designs.
The Q8 e-tron models come with a larger, 106.0-kWh battery pack than the previous e-tron SUV, which had a 95.0-kWh battery. This should give the Q8 e-tron models more range and the ability to better compete with rivals such as the BMW iX, the Cadillac Lyriq, and the Tesla Model X.
Audi has not yet announced the official EPA-estimated range for the Q8 e-tron models, but it claims that they can travel up to 285 miles on a single charge. The Q8 e-tron models also support fast-charging up to 170 kW, which means they can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 31 minutes at a public DC fast charger.
The Q8 e-tron models offer two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear, for standard all-wheel drive. The base Q8 50 e-tron model (and its Sportback equivalent) produces 402 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque when boost mode is engaged. This allows it to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, according to Audi.
The more powerful Q8 55 e-tron model (and its Sportback equivalent) produces 469 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque when boost mode is engaged. This allows it to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, according to Audi.
For those who want even more performance, there is also an SQ8 e-tron model (and its Sportback equivalent), which produces 496 horsepower and 718 lb-ft of torque when boost mode is engaged. This allows it to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, according to Audi.
The Q8 e-tron models offer a hushed and comfortable ride, thanks to their adaptive air suspension, their low center of gravity, and their sound insulation. They also offer a high-tech and luxurious interior, with leather seats, wood trim, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.
The dashboard features a digital gauge cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for climate control and other functions.
The Q8 e-tron models also come with a host of driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system.
The Q8 e-tron models are eligible for up to two years of unlimited charging with Electrify America, a network of cross-country stations that allow drivers to recharge on long trips or in metro areas.
The Q8 e-tron models are Audi’s answer to the growing demand for luxury EV SUVs in the market. We thin tha they offer a blend of style, comfort, performance, and efficiency that should appeal to many buyers who are looking for an alternative to gas-powered vehicles.
