TAKE THE Q
Audi PH launches the Q8 e-tron Quattro SUV
Audi, the four-ringed brand from Ingolstadt has been making a huge push for electrification for its entire model line-up. First was the e-tron SUV and GT, followed by the Q8 e-tron (essentially a heavily-revised and upgraded e-tron SUV, renamed to better signify its status as the flagship e-tron SUV in the range), and just a few days ago, the Q6 e-tron was unveiled to the global public.
Truly, Audi is many steps ahead of its rivals in bringing premium EVs to the market.
Locally, Audi Philippines unveiled the Q8 e-Tron to the public via a dynamic and interactive driving event at the Bonifacio Global City. Aside from the Q8 e-tron, guests could also try the brand’s other EV offerings to simply experience a different, more efficient and a completely new way of mobility.
The Q8 e-tron is available in two variants: the Q8 E-Tron 50 Quattro which makes 335hp and 664 Newton-Meters of torque with a 496km range. The top-spec Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro makes an even higher 408hp with the same 664 Newton-Meters of torque, but with an impressive 582 km range.
The 50 Quattro comes with a 95kwh battery capacity, while the 55 Quattro, an even bigger 114kwh battery. The battery makes use of newer stacking technology that allows for more capacity within the same exterior footprint. The 50 rolls on already big 20-inch wheels and tires while the 55 has a massive panoramic sunroof and even larger 21-wheels. Adaptive air suspension is standard on both models, allowing the Q8 E-Tron to jack up ride height considerably in OFF-ROAD or ALL-ROAD driving modes.
Power is provided by a pair of electric motors powering each of the axles; but the Q8 e-tron has a rear wheel bias unless you chose DYNAMIC in one of the seven available driving modes, defaulting to full-time Quattro AWD. The other Drive Modes are OFF-ROAD, ALL-ROAD, EFFICIENCY, COMFORT, AUTO and INDIVIDUAL.
The Q8 e-tron has a newly-designed front grille and fascia that helps reduce drag and improve efficiency. The LED headlights are a new shape, and the overall lines are more chiseled, sharper and better defined versus the older e-tron SUVs more organic, smoother lines. New wheel designs also differentiate the two. Audi also chose to debut the brand’s new logo which features a simpler, 2D look with thinner looking rings, devoid of chrome. It seems to be a trend nowadays as other brands have also introduced simplified new logos.
Inside the Q8 e-tron, occupants are treated to typical well designed and executed layout: a twin spoke steering wheel with buttons for cruise control and for the MMI Multimedia system. beckons for your hands. The soft leather covered seats provide very good comfort and support, and there are three large screens for the driver. The Virtual Cockpit digital display shows various vehicle dynamic information, the 10.1 inch screen on the center console shows the various multimedia infotainment settings, while the smaller 8.6 inch screen handles the HVAC settings. Both respond with haptic feedback. Six airbags are standard (front, side and curtain bags), and 360-degree parking cameras are fitted on both variants. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth Telephony integration are available for your mobile device.
Our short drive on Audi Philippine’s test track yielded impressive impressions. It easily went through the three obstacles, displaying great stability on the side incline, impressive chassis rigidity on the axle and chassis twister obstacle and finally, the water wading test where we submerged the Q8 e-tron in 500mm of standing water repeatedly, exiting the obstacle unscathed and unaffected. Indeed the test went to show that Audi’s EVs are in fact ready for Metro Manila’s flash floods!
Watch this space for a more comprehensive test drive soon.
Meantime, head over to BGC today and test drive the Q8 e-tron plus other EVs from the PGA Cars group, or troop to their dealerships and schedule your own test drive to experience the future of electrified motoring.