Audi has revealed the new Q8 e-tron with enhanced battery and performance specifications, alongside a suite of connected technologies and services.
In its SUV version, the model offers up to 361 miles (582 kilometers) of range, while the Sportback version increases the maximum range to 372 miles (600 kilometers). Customers will have the choice between two battery sizes, with the Q8 50 e-tron trim offering a 95 kWh pack and the trims above it, the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron, offering a 114 kWh battery pack. An enhanced battery management system allows both options to benefit from an increased usable capacity.
At a high-powered charging station, the Q8 50 e-tron can be charged at up to 150 kW, while the Q8 55 and SQ8 can charge at a maximum capacity of 170 kW. Here, Audi estimates the larger battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes, replenishing 260 miles (420 kilometers) of range under ideal conditions. At an AC charging station or wallbox, the Audi Q8 e-tron charges at up to 11 kW, with an optional AC charging performance of up to 22 kW.
Under ideal conditions, the Q8 50 can fully recharge in an estimated nine hours and 15 minutes at 11 kW AC, with the 22kW option recharging in approximately four hours and 45 minutes. The battery provided on the Q8 55 and SQ8 models takes 11 hours and 30 minutes at 11 kW, and six hours at 22 kW.
The Audi Q8 e-tron comes standard with the Plug & Charge function, through which the vehicle authorizes itself when the user insert’s the charging cable and activates the charging point. Following the process, the user is billed automatically. When navigating, the e-tron’s built-in route planner provides support when searching for charging points along the user’s chosen route.
At the center of the the Q8 e-tron’s infotainment system is MMI – Audi’s touch response operating system. Its two displays, a 10.1-inch central infotainment screen and a 8.6-inch screen beneath it, replace the car’s conventional physical controls. Many features can be interacted with either through touch or natural voice control. The digital display and operating concept in the Audi Q8 e-tron is rounded out by the standard Audi virtual cockpit, offered with full HD resolution. A HUD is offered as an available feature to expand the functionality of this system.
In Germany, the Audi Q8 e-tron will offer MMI Navigation plus as standard. The navigation system intelligently recommends destinations based on previously traveled routes. The system’s media center also supports LTE Advanced, a high-speed data transmission standard, and offers an integrated WiFi hotspot for mobile devices. An optional Audi connect Navigation and Infotainment package extends the vehicle’s connectivity with car-to-X services.
Following the beginning of orders in mid-November, the new Audi Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron will launch in February 2023 for Germany and many European markets. U.S. deliveries are expected to begin towards the end of April 2023. While the car’s full pricing structure has not yet been revealed, Audi confirmed that it would start from €74,400 ($75,625).