German brand Audi continues its electric march into our plugged-in future by expanding their range of prestige sport utility vehicles (SUV) with the introduction of the big Q8 e-tron. There’s also a smaller Q6 to follow soon as well, but for now here’s the bigger brother which is available in standard and ‘Sportback’ guise.
On The Outside
Audi is making a clear statement that the Q8 e-tron is the flagship model among its electric SUVs and coupé-style variants. Both the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron are immediately identifiable as fully electric models, marked out by the new front and rear designs that carry Audi’s electric design message forward. As a premium electric car, the Q8 e-tron ushers in a new corporate identity with a two-dimensional design of the four rings on the exterior. The model lettering with an Audi logo on the B-pillar is a new feature.
Otherwise it’s the same styling we have come to expect in the SUV world, with the trend towards curved side panels and sharper contours at each end. Very much an Audi. At the top end of the specification, the Q8 e-tron’s come with digital matrix LED headlights. When driving on the motorway for example, an orientation light marks the car’s position in the lane and helps the driver remain securely in the centre in narrow spaces. Three other new features include enhanced traffic information, a ‘lane light’ with a direction indicator and an orientation light on country roads.
There is however a focus on aerodynamics which results in a reduction of the drag coefficient on both variants. Wheel spoilers mounted on the underbody help divert airflow around the wheels. The spoilers on the front axle are enlarged, and the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron spoilers are only mounted on the rear axle. In the area around the grille, this is the first time an Audi model has had a self-sealing system in addition to the electric shutters that automatically close the grille. This system further optimizes the airflow at the front of the car and aids range ability. The more aero the better when it comes to electric vehicles to help maximise that mileage.
On The Inside
As ever, Audi are one of the world leaders in quality car interiors with the usual high standard of fit and finish. Net carbon-neutral is the name of the game here with much use of recycled materials. For example, Audi have used recycled materials for insulation and damping, as well as for carpeting. Further, the decorative inlay above the display, called the Tech Layer, is available with a new anthracite-coloured technical material that’s partially composed of recycled PET bottles. On certain specifications, the sport seats are upholstered in synthetic leather and the microfibre material called Dinamica (Who thinks these names up?). It is a very effective material though.
Like all luxury-class Audi models, the Q8 e-tron uses the company’s MMI Touch Response operating system. Its two large high-resolution displays combine an upper 10.1 inch display and a lower 8.6-inch display, both replacing nearly all conventional switches and knobs. However, a lot of features can be activated through voice control. The digital display and operating concept in the Audi Q8 e-tron is rounded out by the standard ‘virtual cockpit’ with full HD resolution. Specific graphics show all the important aspects of electric driving, from charging performance to range.
On The Road
This new Audi Q8 e-tron comes as standard with air-spring suspension with controlled shock absorption. The height of the car body can be varied by a total of 76mm, depending on the driving situation. Moreover, electronic stability control will allow for even more adjustments, especially in tight corners.
The big EV handles these, we learn, with noticeably more agility thanks to revised progressive steering. The gear ratio of the steering system has been changed so that the steering responds much more quickly, even when making delicate movements. The effect of the direct steering ratio is supported by more rigid suspension bearings on the front axle. Steering movements are thus transmitted to the wheels more directly, and feedback from steering reactions is improved as well. The idea is that for driver and passengers, the ride accommodates both a sporty drive and a comfortable ride.
All the very latest in safety technology comes as standard and for a big car, the Q8 e-tron is surprisingly easy to park. There are around 40 (count them!) driver assistance systems available in the Audi Q8 e-tron. Up to five radar sensors, five cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors provide environmental information that’s then analysed by the central driver assistance control unit. Remote ‘park assist plus’ is a new feature which will be available to order optionally. It allows the Audi Q8 e-tron to manoeuvre into even the tightest parking spaces, even being controlled through the ‘myAudi’ app on a smartphone.
Charing times are slowly improving with an up-to 80% charge in thirty minutes on a high-powered charge. On an 11kW charger, the full charging time from empty should be around nine hours, give or take. Range in ideal conditions should be in excess of 300 miles on the larger battery option of two. With motors on both axles driving all four wheels (there’s a three-motor set-up on the more powerful SQ8 e-tron), traction should be ideal in most conditions.
Find out how to import the Audi Q8 e-tron and other Audi models from the UK to New Zealand, Kenya and other global destinations by contacting us here at MHH International.
