Audi is going to launch the new Q8 E-tron in India. The Q8 E-tron is the facelift version of the current Q8 which runs on an electric powertrain. Here is our review of the Audi Q8 E-Tron:
Styling of Audi Q8 E-Tron
Let’s begin with the design. The new Q8 E-Tron has a fresh trapezoidal grille that extends to the headlamps. Additionally, the electric crossover showcases the new Audi monochrome badge and a downward projecting light bar.
Its side profile bears the classic Q-like appearance, with simple lines and creases. If you were to hide the badges, it might be challenging to distinguish between the Q8 E-Tron and a Q5.
At the rear, it follows the typical Audi SUV styling, resembling the E-tron model. However, it now displays Q8 badging and embossed E-Tron badging on the lower bumper. The tail lights are connected LED units with sequential turn indicators.
Moreover, the Q8 E-Tron features a redesigned front bumper with larger intakes on both sides. Additionally, it comes equipped with new 20-inch alloy wheels and showcases the Q8 and E-Tron badges on the B-Pillar and tailgate.
Overall, the Q8 looks incredibly stylish in person, especially at night, thanks to the illuminated logo and its fancy dot matrix LED headlights. It appears like a vehicle from a century ahead of us.
Interior and Features in Audi Q8 E-Tron
The interior of the Q8 E-tron is truly impressive, offering a luxurious feel with high-quality materials throughout the cabin. Every touchpoint is covered with either leather or soft materials, making the interior feel upscale.
One of the standout features is the top-of-the-line 16-speaker, 705-watt Bang and Olufsen sound system, which is one of the best available in the market. It ensures an exceptional audio experience for the passengers.
The car comes with a wide array of key features, including power-adjustable front seats with a memory function, ventilated front seats with heating and massage functions, a 10.1-inch infotainment system, an 8.6-inch central console display for controlling various features like air conditioning, a 360-degree camera for better visibility, four-zone climate control for personalized comfort, and rear blinds for added privacy.
A remarkable aspect of the Q8 E-tron is the level of customization it offers for the interior. Buyers can choose from various leather options, wood inserts, and more, personalizing the cabin to their preferences. Additionally, ambient lighting in the dashboard, center control stack, and near the door handles adds a touch of elegance to the interior, with 30 different colors to choose from. For added comfort, optional features like seat ventilation, seat massage, and seat heating are available.
When you step inside the E-tron, you will find an abundance of screens, with a total of three in the cabin. The driver’s screen serves as the instrument cluster, while the middle screen takes care of the infotainment functions. Below the middle screen, a third screen manages the HVAC and other controls, providing tactile feedback for a seamless user experience. All screens offer ample brightness and high-definition resolution, enhancing the overall modern and sophisticated vibe of the interior.
In terms of boot space it has a massive boot of 569 Litres which you can increase further by folding the rear seats to access van like space of 1,637 litres.
Powertrain Details
Below are the details of the electric powertrain in the new Audi Q8 E-Tron:
| Specifications | Audi Q8 E-Tron |
| Size of Battery Pack | 114 kWh |
| Power | 408hp |
| Torque | 664nm |
| Range | 600km |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
The ride experience of the Q8 E-tron is excellent, offering impressive stability thanks to its 10% stiffer springs compared to the older E-tron model. On the highway, the Q8 E-tron effortlessly cruises through miles with the air suspension working as a mainstay, providing a smooth and comfortable ride by absorbing all bumps and undulations. The cabin is remarkably well-insulated, creating a serene environment and effectively isolating the outside world. Overall, it offers a very calm driving experience. However, there are moments when the car’s weight becomes noticeable, especially when encountering very sharp bumps, causing the car to momentarily bounce back to its original position.
Moving on to the performance and range, the Q8 E-tron boasts an impressive WLTP range of 600kms. However, in real-world conditions, you can expect to achieve approximately 480-500kms on a single charge. This range is more than sufficient for daily commuting around town and occasional road trips. The significant improvement in range, up by 32% from the older E-tron, can be attributed to the larger 114 kWh battery pack, making it the largest in the country.
In terms of performance, there is a noticeable improvement as well. The claimed 0-100 Kmph time is now 5.6 seconds, a slight improvement of 0.1 seconds over its predecessor. While it may not seem like a massive difference on paper, in real-life driving, the Q8 E-tron feels plenty quick, allowing you to reach high speeds in a matter of seconds effortlessly.
Conclusion
Audi’s primary focus with the E-tron is not to be the fastest car on the road. While it offers quick acceleration, speed is not its obsession. Instead, the E-tron aims to be a calm and comfortable daily driver, prioritizing practicality at its core. With great range, luxurious interior and SUV personality It excels in providing a calm and enjoyable driving experience for everyday use.
Meanwhile, the new Q8 E-Tron will be available in 2 variants: the Standard SUV and Coupe SUV.
However, the carmaker is yet to reveal the prices of the new Q8 E-Tron. It is expected that the new Audi Q8 E-Tron will be launched on the 18th of August 2023.
Watch our detailed review here