SAY HELLO TO THE NEW 2023 AUDI Q8 E-TRON

Audi recently revealed updated versions of the e-tron and e-tron Sportback. Intent on emphasising these vehicles as top models amongst their collection of SUV and Crossover offerings, both releases take on the Q8 nameplate.

There are three different drivetrain variants for each body shape. The two-motor base 50 has up to 491km (SUV) and 505km (Sportback) of range, whilst the 55 (also running on two motors) will get you up to 582km (SUV) and 600km (Sportback) of range. Both these variants have their top speed capped at 200km/h. At the higher end, the three-motor S variant will give you 973Nm of torque in boost mode and has its speed cap increased to 210km/h, though its 494km (SUV) and 513km (Sportback) ranges are not as impressive as the 55’s.

The new vehicles see a whole host of exterior design refreshes, many of which were motivated by the German automaker’s desire to improve aerodynamics. For the first time, a sealing system surrounds the grille, which alongside the electric shutters, works to optimise airflow at the front of the car and prevent undesired losses. At the rear, Audi has mounted spoilers to the underbody to aid in diverting airflow around the wheels. Audi’s pursuit of a more aerodynamic EV has been a success, with the drag coefficient said to have been reduced from 0.28 to 0.27 for the standard e-tron, and from 0.26 to 0.24 for the Sportback.

The Sportback measures 4.915m long, 1.937m wide, and 1.619m high, whilst the SUV adopts identical dimensions barring a slightly larger height measurement of 1.633m. A generous set of dimensions no doubt. The German automaker also states that rear passengers will have a large amount of legroom thanks to the 2.928m wheelbase.

Inside, the panoramic roof contributes to the vehicle’s open airiness, with the glass elements capable of being electronically opened and closed. As standard, the leather seats have been delicately perforated to facilitate three-stage ventilation. Additionally, Audi is offering a range of optional upgrades, from a seat massage function to a selection of decorative inlays. The Q8 e-tron is also home to a pair of high-resolution displays (10.1-inch and 8.6-inch diagonal) which act as a replacement for nearly all traditional knobs and switches.

An emerging norm amongst new EV releases is the adoption of sustainable manufacturing processes, and the use of recycled materials for various vehicle components. The Q8 e-tron wholeheartedly embraces this trend, with recycled materials used for the vehicle’s insulation, damping, and carpeting. Audi has even worked with plastics manufacturer LyondellBasell to establish a chemical recycling process which sees irreparable plastic components from customer vehicles processed into pyrolysis oil. This pyrolysis oil is then used in the production of new plastics.

Audi has made the new Q8 e-tron available to order from mid-November, with a market launch in Germany and major regions across Europe scheduled for February 2023. In the USA, Audi expects to see the model come to market towards the end of April.