2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron revealed as E-Tron refresh with more range, new styling

It’s been 4 years since we first drove the Audi E-Tron, and at this time Audi’s electrical SUV is getting each its first main refresh and a reputation change to go together with it. Goodbye, E-Tron, and hey 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron.

The identify change arrives to deliver the E-Tron in step with the electrical Audi lineup now and into the long run. See This fall E-Tron for instance of what’s to come back. Audi additional defined the altering of its identify in a press convention.

“That’s to be able to deliver E-Tron into Audi’s new naming technique, which is able to talk very merely, very exactly and really clearly for our clients, the distinguished positioning as our highest-level electrical SUV.”

What’s extra vital than what we’re going to name the Q8 E-Tron, although, are all of the updates Audi has in retailer for the flagship SUV. The large information is a dramatic enhance in vary due to a extra energy-dense battery pack and effectivity enhancements all through the automobile. As an alternative of the 95 kWh battery pack it used beforehand, the Q8 E-Tron will characteristic a 114 kWh battery pack. The pack takes up the identical bodily house within the automotive, however makes use of a brand new stacking know-how to stack cells within the pack, filling it extra. Audi doesn’t have EPA vary scores to share with us fairly but, however representatives hinted that the quantity can be over 300 miles. For now, we’ve got WLTP vary scores to have a look at. The common Q8 E-Tron is rated at 362 miles, and the Sportback at 373 miles within the sometimes optimistic WLTP cycle. We anticipate the Sportback to barely outpace the regular-shaped Q8 E-Tron right here in America, too.

One other huge plus for the Q8 E-Tron is its charging efficiency. Beforehand, the E-Tron maxed out at 150 kW charging pace on a DC quick charger. For 2024, the Q8 E-Tron will be capable of handle 170 kW. This comes due to updates made to the battery administration system — Audi says the battery may be charged from 10% as much as 80% in 31 minutes underneath ultimate situations.

Additionally within the realm of powertrain enhancements is a modified rear motor. Audi says that as an alternative of 12 coils producing the electromagnetic subject, it bumped the quantity to 14. This ends in a stronger magnetic subject from an identical electrical energy enter, permitting for extra torque and requiring much less vitality to supply stated torque. The bottom mannequin right here within the U.S. would be the dual-motor (AWD) Q8 55 E-Tron. Most output in “increase mode” is 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque, which is similar as earlier than — it’ll simply require much less vitality to supply stated energy.

The extra highly effective SQ8 E-Tron and its three electrical motors (two within the rear) produce 496 horsepower and 718 pound-feet of torque, which is similar output as earlier than. The S mannequin positive factors the identical enhance in battery pack measurement because the common Q8 E-Tron. Identical to earlier than, vary suffers with the additional energy, because the WLTP predictions dip to 307 miles for the usual SQ8 E-Tron and 319 miles for the Sportback model.

Design and styling adjustments accompany all the brand new tech for the Q8 E-Tron lineup as an entire. In entrance, Audi provides the Q8 E-Tron a completely new “3D singleframe” grille and entrance bumper. The lighting can also be revised, because it positive factors a middle gentle bar that lights up with the flowery, animated daytime operating lights. Electrical shutters within the grille make up a brand new self-sealing system in an effort to cut back the drag coefficient. Audi says it’s gone from 0.28 to 0.27 for the usual Q8 E-Tron and from 0.26 to 0.24 for the Sportback. New underbody wheel spoilers help this effort. Audi makes use of the brand new spoilers for all 4 wheels on the non-S variations, however solely within the rear on the S.

The badging and mannequin designation for the Q8 E-Tron mark a brand new path for Audi. You’ll discover the 4 rings are accentuated by an LED backlit glow, however solely on the highest in a slight nod to subtlety. Beginning on the Q8 E-Tron and increasing to all future Audi fashions is a brand new mannequin designation on the B-pillar. You’ll be capable of determine precisely what model of a mannequin right here in stark white textual content layered on prime of the black B-pillar. Within the again, the Audi Sport emblem accompanies the “Q8,” and “E-Tron” is embossed within the decrease rear bumper space.

Beneath the brand new look is a refreshed suspension. It’s nonetheless rocking an air suspension, however Audi says all of the management methods have been adjusted and the air spring tuning modified. A revised steering system with a brand new gear ratio is designed to make the steering reply faster and convey extra suggestions to the motive force. Extra inflexible suspension bearings are stated to assist suggestions, and a revised stability management system is supposed to permit for higher maneuverability, significantly in tighter corners.

There isn’t an entire lot doing in the case of an inside refresh for the Q8 E-Tron, however Audi says two new trims can be found, one being a brown walnut wooden and the opposite being a sustainable materials made out of recycled PET bottles. Extra gadgets all through the inside are made utilizing recycled supplies such because the seat belt buckle plastic covers and different plastics. All of the seat choices characteristic distinction stitching now, too, and pink stitching is newly obtainable as a part of an Audi Sport bundle.

It nonetheless options the identical twin display screen infotainment setup and absolutely digital instrument cluster as earlier than. Sadly, the U.S. doesn’t get entry to different tech developments different markets get such because the digital aspect mirrors and Digital Matrix LED headlights, the latter of which is hopefully coming quickly. Nonetheless, when requested, Audi couldn’t present a timeframe, because it’s nonetheless ready on steering from the U.S. authorities.

U.S. pricing isn’t obtainable at the moment, however Audi says it expects the brand new Q8 E-Tron to land on our shores by the top of April 2023. Particular pricing must be obtainable nearer to the on-sale date.

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