Since the introduction of the Audi e-tron around four years ago the prestige German brand has been following a systematic electric path, en route to full electrification. There are eight electric vehicle (EV) models now; by 2026 there will be more than twenty, allegedly. Thereafter, as things stand right now, all Audi cars in future will be EV models. The latest version to appear under the ‘e-tron’ banner is the Q8 e-tron, available as an SUV or, in this case, a rather splendid ‘sportback’ variant.
On The Outside
Audi is making a clear statement that the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is the flagship model, instantly identified as an EV by dint of the new front and rear designs that carry Audi’s electric design language forward. As a prestigious electric SUV model from Audi, the Q8 e-tron Sportback ushers in the new brand identity with a two-dimensional design of the famous four rings on the exterior. The model lettering with an Audi logo on the B-pillar is a new feature.
The car is bigger and bolder than anything seen previously and the extended wheelbase allows for plenty of legroom in the back seats as well as the front. The Sportback has a generous luggage storage volume of 528 litres. There are also 62 litres available in the front storage area, called, we learn rather horrifically, the “frunk”. Seriously, who thinks these things up? Let’s call it the ‘front trunk’ and leave it at that. Please.
As it’s an EV, aerodynamics were a top priority in design. A focus on this aspect resulted in a reduction of the drag coefficient from 0.26 to 0.24 for the Q8 Sportback e-tron. The wheel spoilers mounted on the underbody help divert airflow around the wheels. The spoilers on the front axle were enlarged, and the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron now has spoilers on the rear wheels as well. In the area around the grille, for the first time, the vehicle has a self-sealing system in addition to the electric shutters that automatically close the radiator. This system further optimizes the airflow at the front of the car.
In top specifications, the Q8 e-tron comes with digital matrix LED headlights. While driving on the motorway for example, the 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, the ‘lane light’ with a direction indicator and the orientation light when on country roads.
The Propulsion
Three drivetrain variants with electric all-wheel drive are available. Driven by two motors, the base models generate 250kW (340PS) in boost mode and 664Nm of torque, with an official range of up to 290 miles in UK specification.
Sitting above in the line-up is the Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron (seen as being potentially the most popular model) also driven by two electric motors. This variant generates 300kW (408PS) in boost mode and 664Nm of torque. The range is up to 343 miles for the Sportback in the UK. The top speed is limited to 124mph.
The top-end Audi SQ8 e-tron and Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron are driven by no less than three motors. Their boost performance amounts to 370 kW (503PS) and a huge 973Nm of torque. However, the penalty for this power is that the range drops back to approximately to 295 miles and top speed is limited to 130mph.
On The Inside
All Audi lovers will find the Sportback very familiar because it means the usual premium quality with appealing soft-touch plastics, special trims and a build quality that is top of the line.
The interior is dominated by two large high-resolution displays; the upper 10.1 inch display and the lower 8.6 inch display which replace nearly all conventional switches and knobs. However, a lot of features can be activated through voice control as well. The upper screen is used for navigation, media and driving mode selection, and the lower one giving you access to the climate controls. On the whole, the system works well. It looks sharp, responds promptly to inputs, and is easy to use when parked. Plus, you get plenty of gadgets, including a DAB radio and the usual Android and Apple suspects, smartphone mirroring and wireless phone charging. Optionally, cameras can replace conventional door mirrors.
For such a big car, the seat position is lower than you’d think making for a more sporting driver set-up. The electrically adjustable front seats with four-way adjustable lumbar support and a memory function allow the driver to save their settings. Just get in and be instantly comfortable. Add in a good range of steering wheel adjustment (manual in lesser trims and powered in the top-spec) and long journeys will fly by with no discomforts. The rear seat backs split and fold down in a 40/20/40 arrangement that allows the owner to transport longer items between two rear passengers.
On The Road
The ride, as would be expected, is exceptional thanks to an 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. To optimize the lateral dynamics of the vehicle, the air-spring tuning has been adjusted on the latest versions. Moreover, its electronic stability control will allow for even more adjustment, especially in tight corners. The new Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback handles these with noticeably more agility thanks to its revised progressive steering. The gear ratio of the steering system was changed apparently so that the steering responds much more quickly, even when making delicate movements; useful in such a big motor. The 55 e-tron as mentioned above will race to 62 miles per hour in just 5.6 seconds. The SQ models are a little quicker but at the expense of range, as mentioned above.
There are around 40 driver assistance systems available. 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, available to order. It allows the e-tron to manoeuvre into even the tightest parking spaces.
Find out more about the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Sportback, or indeed any Audi vehicles by contacting us here at MHH International. We’ll let you know how we can export your next car from the UK to global destinations like New Zealand, Kenya and the Caribbean.
