AN EIGHT WITH WEIGHT (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_audiq8e-tron_2023

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 64

In 2022, Audi delivered a much more credible offering to customers in the sector for full-battery large SUVs with this hefty Q8 e-tron. It looked more sophisticated than its e-tron predecessor - and was, with greater range, a better charging system and an eco-trimmed cabin. Most customers wanted the sleeker Sportback version, but here we look at this car in more practical SUV form.

Modelsword count: 7

5dr SUV (50 quattro, 55 quattro, SQ8)

Historyword count: 211

Audi doesn't like its products falling behind the technological curve but it's very first EV, the large e-tron SUV, quickly did following its introduction in 2018. Heavy weight, clunky looks and batteries that weren't large enough or dense enough all counted against the e-tron and its slightly sleeker showroom stablemate, the e-tron Sportback. More than a facelift was needed. More than a facelift is what we got in 2022 in the shape of this car, the Q8 e-tron. The fundamentals here were the same as those of the old e-tron SUV. And you could still have a swoopier Sportback version (which we've covered in a separate Review); it's the standard SUV body shape we focus on here. The advanced tri-motor powertrain that featured on top of the range e-tron S models in the previous line-up was carried over as well - to the meaner-looking SQ8 flagship model. More significant was that the twin electric motor quattro variants further down the range offered a much greater driving distance between charges of their much bigger batteries. Plus there were slight styling and trim changes too. It was a worthy effort to try and save this design but ultimately, it didn't pay off and production ended in 2024 and the car was not replaced.

What You Getword count: 604

Two Q8 e-tron body styles were offered, the Sportback or the standard SUV - which is our focus here. At first glance, you might not think the styling changes made over the old e-tron model to be that dramatic but they were enough to usefully benefit the aerodynamics, which on this SUV version improved from 0.28 to 0.26Cd. In profile, you'll note this Q8 e-tron SUV's boxier silhouette; unlike the Sportback variant, all versions came with roof rails. Wheel sizes vary from 20-inches, right up to the 22-inch rims many original owners chose. Compared to the old e-tron, the smarter grille (illuminated on top models) also has electronically-controlled cooling ducts and is set within a reprofiled bumper. Plus the standard LED Matrix headlamps gained new functions. And the tail lamps were revised too, above another restyled bumper. A previous e-tron SUV owner will find less that's new inside - but less needed doing there. Audi insisted that it was different though, primarily in its eco-friendliness. Otherwise, not much at all changed as part of the Q8 e-tron update. Which means this cabin probably won't feel as futuristic as in a rival BMW iX, Mercedes EQE SUV or even Audi's own e-tron GT quattro; but then it wouldn't do because all those cars are clean-sheet designs based on bespoke EV platforms. This one is rather less EV-unique underneath, so perhaps it's not surprising that, at first glance, it feels just like any other large Audi from this period to sit in up-front; mainly because of the familiar three-screen format, with upper and lower ones on the centre stack, respectively 10.1 and 8.6-inches in size; and Audi's usual 12.3-inch 'Virtual Cockpit' display facing you through the restyled three-spoke steering wheel. The SQ8 variant gets an extra, more focused 'e-tron Sport' layout to add to the two usual layout options - 'Classic' and 'Sport'. A wrap-around trimming arc envelops the outer perimeter of the e-tron-branded dash, the fascia designed with the different architecture it needs to be able to sweep out and incorporate the sometimes-fitted optional virtual mirror screens. Also rather different is the wide, open centre console between the seats, which of course on an electric car like this doesn't have to accommodate a bulky transmission tunnel. So the brand instead created a multi-faceted compartment to fill the space, a storage area which looks like it should be lidded but isn't and which rests on open sidewalls, intended to lend to it the feel of a light, sleek sculpture. An acquired taste is the unusual gear selector, operated by a hand rest which appears to 'float' above the console and is activated by a one-touch action conducted with either thumb or index finger. But the leather-stitched seats are superbly comfortable - especially the special S Sports seats of the top SQ8 - and position you fairly loftily. Let's consider the rear, where this SUV model gives you 14mm more headroom than its e-tron predecessor - which will help six-footers considerably. With the SUV body style, the powered tailgate rises to reveal a decently-sized 660-litre boot - that's 45-litres bigger than the alternative Sportback body shape. There's also a useful under-floor storage area. Fold down the rear bench (which folds conveniently in a 40:20:40-split) and 1,637-litres of capacity is freed up. That's 70-litres more than with the Sportback e-tron body shape. That's not quite all because as with all Q8 e-trons, you get an extra little carriage compartment at the front where the engine would normally be, though it's mostly taken up by the charging leads. You could put a laptop or a small bag there though.

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