The updated 2023 Audi Q8 E-Tron has been revealed, with an Australian release expected within six months of the European on-sale date in February.
Snapshot
- Audi E-Tron Facelift Revealed Now Q8 E-Tron
- A driving range of up to 600km for the Q8 E-Tron 55 Quattro Sportback
- Aerodynamic improvements and larger batteries
Previously known as the E-Tron, Audi has been tipped to rename the electric SUV the Q8 E-Tron, but we expected it to stick with it. A new generation in 2026Instead of mid-life freshness.
The update brings more than just a new name, though. A mildly restyled exterior and interior improve its appeal, but it has a shadow. Increased driving range up to 600 km For Sportback 55 Quattro.
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Audi has tweaked a lot for the Q8 E-Tron, with more efficient motors and aerodynamic improvements, but also a bigger battery – At 106kWh for the E-Tron 55 Quattro and SQ8 E-Tron is the largest fit yet in an Audi EV..
Greater range and a larger battery should help the non-MEB-based Q8 E-Tron against rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz EQC, BMW iX and Jaguar I-Pace.
Outside, updates to the Q8 E-Tron are relatively minor. There is a new grille design which, in S-line trim, is painted body colour. At the rear, there’s new Q8 badging and an updated lighting signature, but it’s still as recognizable as the E-Tron before.
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Australian pricing is yet to be confirmed, but Audi will introduce the Q8 E-Tron in it. Every market within six months of hitting European dealers in February.
Jump ahead.
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How Audi improved the driving range of the Q8 E-Tron.
Audi says the Q8 E-Tron is in 55 Quattro form. Capable of up to 582 km on a single charge for the wagon, and up to 600 km for the Sulprior Sportback. In the combined WLTP figures.
That’s around 170km, or 12 per cent more than the old car – Audi has achieved this in a number of ways.
Starting with the aerodynamics, the redesigned grille and diffuser are obvious visual cues, but underneath Audi has been hard at work refining the Q8 E-Tron.
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The result is a drag reduction of up to 6 percent. 0.24Cd for Sportback and 0.27Cd for SUV – It sounds small, but when it comes to range, every little bit counts.
Upper-trim 55 Quattro variants get a new 106kWh lithium-ion pack that uses a different chemistry for higher energy density, resulting in longer driving range.
Using the same battery but more powerful motors, the SQ8 E-Tron (replacing the E-Tron S), has a driving range between 494 and 513 km.
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Additionally, battery packs are larger across the board with the 64.7kWh base pack, meaning the Q8 E-Tron 50 Quattro is good for 491-505km from a charge equipped with an 89kWh pack.
According to Audi, the rear motor is ultimately more efficient. This updated Q8 E-Tron uses 14 instead of 12 coils to deliver the same amount of torque for less current draw from the battery.
Q8 E-Tron charging and power
This new battery also allows for faster recharging. DC power can now be drawn at a rate of 170 kW. (above 150kW), for a 10-80 percent (60-480km) recovery time of 31 minutes for the larger battery.
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The charging improvement is thanks to the new 106kWh battery pack, which packs 72Ah cells where the previous 50Ah cells were. The more expensive nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) chemistry also helps charge faster than the older nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries found in the 50 Quattro variants.
Power and torque remain the same for all variants. All models have at least two motors, with the 50 Quattro kicking things off. 250kW and 664Nm In boost mode.
55 Quattro steps power up to 300kW while torque remains the same. The tri-motor SQ8 E-Tron produces 373kW of power and 973Nm of torque.. All use a single-speed reduction gear, unlike the J1-platformed E-Tron GT which gets a two-speed transmission.
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Dynamics of the Q8 E-Tron
Along with power efficiency, the upgraded rear motor delivers more torque vectoring for a sporty feel, Audi says.
The standard-fit adaptive air suspension has been reprogrammed for the facelifted Q8 E-Tron to focus more on dynamic capability with matching ESC tune.
Audi has also recalibrated the electric steering with a sharper rack, and the front suspension has stiffer top mounts for a more athletic response.
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Safety and technology
Audi has added remote park assist functionality for the 2023 Q8 E-Tron GT. There are five cameras and five radar sensors along with 12 ultrasonic sensors.
So the Q8 E-Tron GT has level two autonomy arrangements with autonomous cruise control, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, junction and motorcycle detection.
The Q8 E-Tron GT also gets new digital matrix LED headlights and redesigned LED taillights.
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Inside, the Q8 E-Tron features a 10.5-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the lower screen is used for ventilation. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with satellite navigation integration sits ahead of the driver.
Following customer feedback, the entry-level leather seats now have contrast stitching as standard, while there are two new choices for decorative inlays, including walnut wood, and the carpets are made from recycled PET bottles.
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Availability
gave 2023 Audi Q8 E-Tron It is set for a February launch in its home market of Germany.
At the unveiling of the Q8 E-Tron, An Australian release was not specified but Audi aims to bring the new electric SUV to all markets within six months of its German launch..
As for availability, Audi notes that the E-Tron SUV and Sportback have been relatively unscathed by chip shortages, and in solid supply that continues to outsell the Q8 E-Tron.
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Prices for the E-Tron 50 Quattro in Germany will start at EU €74,400, which equates to AU$115,000 at current rates.
It’s unlikely Audi will drop $20K from the price of the previous car, which started at $138,323 before on-road costs with the smaller battery. Instead, expect the E-Tron 50 Quattro to start at $140-150K before it hits the streets in Australia.