New Audi Q8 e-tron is a worthy flagship SUV
THE Audi e-tron has fulfilled its pioneering role as an all-electric vehicle, so now the time has come to include it by name in the portfolio of Audi models – as the Audi Q8 e-tron. The stunning Audi Q8 e-tron is the iconic German manufacturer’s new flagship fully-electric luxury SUV, and is a close relative of Audi’s more conventional Q7 SUV.
In terms of overall size, the Q8 e-tron is 148mm shorter, 108mm lower and 35mm narrower than its Q7 sister car, but it uses the same axle track widths and the same MLB evo platform. As a result, the Q8 e-tron cuts a striking dash on the road, and is a very imposing car which oozes outright confidence, and true desirability.
The Q8 e-tron is available in a choice of three highly-specified trim levels: Advance, Sport and S Line. Buyers get a choice of two batteries, and both come with dual motor ‘quattro’ all-wheel drive as standard. The smaller battery model (95kWh) is labelled ‘50’ and has a WLTP battery range of up to 452km on a combined driving cycle, while the ‘55’ has a bigger battery (114kWh) with a range of up to 531km. The fully electric quattro all-wheel drive system regulates the ideal distribution of the drive torque permanently and fully variably between the two axles for high directional stability and superb traction. Drivers can take advantage of various charging options for use at home or out on the road, with a 10-80% charge achievable in as little as 28 minutes at a compatible high power charging station thanks to a higher charging capacity of up to 170kW for the ‘55’ model variant. A 0-100% charge via a domestic wallbox charger can be completed in as little as 9.5 hours.
My Audi Q8 e-tron S Line 50 quattro review car was finished in elegant Daytona Grey pearlescent paintwork with stylish 21” 5-arm turbine design wheels. With an impressive 335bhp (250kW) and 664Nm of instant torque available, the large SUV can undertake a 0-100km/h sprint in just 6.0-seconds, with the top speed electronically limited to 200km/h.
Despite the fact that the Q8 e-tron is a rather large car, it is easy to navigate along congested city streets. Brake regeneration can be adjusted via the paddles located behind the steering wheel and, although there is no one-pedal mode on offer, the strongest setting does help greatly when called upon. It is on a motorway that the Q8 e-tron shows just how much of an outstanding cruiser it is. In fact, at motorway speeds, it is one of the most composed EVs around, and it soaks up road imperfections with ease, while exterior noise is very well suppressed due to the employment of plenty of insulation where it matters most. Even the acoustic windscreen helps in this regard, while heat-insulating door and tailgate glass helps to keep occupants cool when the temperature heats up outside. The Q8 e-tron also performs admirably on twisty back roads, with minimal body roll when you corner quickly, due partly to the location and weight of the batteries, along with the intuitive all-wheel drive system. The Drive Select menu in the MMI screen enables drivers to choose from offroad, allroad, comfort, auto, dynamic or individual drive modes to suit the road or weather conditions.
Pricing for the Audi Q8 e-tron starts at €88,400 for the Advance 50 quattro variant, with my review car specification priced from €97,895 (on the road). In addition to the traditional SUV body style reviewed, the amazing Audi Q8 e-tron can also be specified in a Sportback body style.