Last modified: Mar 14, 2024

Audi e-tron facelift - the new 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron

The Audi Q8 e-tron is the facelift of the very popular Audi e-tron. With six improved variants, up to 44% longer range, and 9% improved efficiency together with design changes, this is a noticeable upgrade. electrichasgoneaudi.net have all the details.

In this article, you will find most of the details and high-resolution pictures(click on them). You also find many links in the model’s description for more information about options and technology for the Audi Q8 e-tron.

With the Audi e-tron, the premium manufacturer entered the age of electromobility in 2018, marking the start of the electric future for the four rings.

Since then, the model has been setting standards in the electric luxury-class SUV segment. The new Audi Q8 e-tron is now building on the success story of this electric pioneer. The top-of-the-line electric SUV and crossover impress with their optimized drive concept, improved aerodynamics, higher charging performance, and battery capacity, and increased WLTP range of up to 582 kilometers in the SUV version and up to 600 kilometers in the Sportback version. In addition, significant changes, especially at the front of the vehicle, lend the new flagship SUV a fresher appearance.

Since introducing the Audi e-tron around four years ago and selling 150,000 units, Audi has followed a systematic electric roadmap. As a result, its electric portfolio now comprises eight models.

By 2026, it will have more than 20. At that point, Audi will only be releasing fully electric models on the global market. “With our corporate strategy ‘Vorsprung 2030’, we’ve set a fixed date for our withdrawal from combustion engines and decided that Audi will be a fully electric brand within 11 years,” said Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “The new Audi Q8 e-tron, with its improved efficiency and range and refined design, is another important component in our electric portfolio to get people excited about electromobility with emotional models suitable for everyday use.”

Audi Board Member for Technical Development Oliver Hoffmann also focused on the customer benefits enhanced by these refinements. “In the new Q8 e-tron, we significantly increased battery capacity and charging performance. These changes allowed us to achieve an optimal balance between energy density and charging capacity and increase efficiency,” Hoffmann said. “On top of that, we improved the motors, progressive steering, and chassis control systems – and thus the dynamic driving characteristics typical of Audi in all versions of the Q8 e-tron.”

New face, new name, new corporate identity

By calling this model the Q8, Audi clearly states that the Audi Q8 e-tron is the top model among its electric SUVs and crossovers, sitting above the Audi Q4 e-tron and the upcoming Audi Q6 e-tron.

The Audi Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron are immediately identifiable as fully electric models at first glance, thanks to the new front and rear designs that systematically carry Audi’s electric design language forward.

As for the Audi e-tron, you can order the Audi Q8 e-tron with black optics or standard optics. But the difference is that a black single-frame grill is not part of the black optics package. (Just like the optics on Audi e-tron GT). Therefore, you can order the single-frame grill in grey, body color, or black. In addition, you can specify the Audi Q8 e-tron with a horizontal light strip on top of the single-frame grille.

As a prestigious electric SUV model from Audi, the Q8 e-tron ushers in the new corporate identity with a two-dimensional design of the four rings on the exterior. In addition, the model lettering with an Audi logo on the B-pillar is also new.

For all Q8 variants, you can order the model with or without the S-line exterior package. This package contains a sportier front and diffuser.

New wheels are available in all sizes for all variants, and many of the Audi e-tron wheels are also available on the Audi Q8 e-tron. See Audi Q8 wheels for a complete overview.

As on the Audi e-tron, an extensive palette of standard colors is available. In addition, you can choose from around 50 Audi-exclusive colors.

There are some new colors available in the standard palette.

See paint colors for an overview and more pictures.

The option for painted calibers is now in red. This color was orange on the Audi e-tron.

Space and comfort

With a vehicle length of 4.915 meters, a width of 1.937 meters, and a height of 1.619 meters for the Sportback and 1.633 meters for the SUV, the Q8 e-tron offers ample space and high comfort.

The SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron are each two millimeters lower and 39 millimeters wider. Its wheelbase of 2.928 meters allows for a lot of legroom in the back seats too.

In addition, it has a generous storage volume of 569 liters for the SUV and 528 liters for the Sportback. There are also 62 liters available in the front storage area, the so-called “frunk.”

Three drivetrain variants

For both body shapes, three drivetrain variants are available.

The below tables compare the current Audi e-tron variants with the different Q8 e-tron variants for range and consumption for a range-optimized equipment trim. Adding additional equipment like larger wheels will increase consumption and reduce the driving range.

Variant	WLTP range	Change
Audi e-tron 50	341km/212mi
Audi Q8 50 e-tron	491km/305mi	+44%
Audi e-tron 50 Sportback	351km/218mi
Audi Q8 50 Sportback e-tron	505km/314mi	+44%
Audi e-tron 55	441km/274mi
Audi Q8 55 e-tron	582km/362mi	+32%
Audi e-tron 55 Sportback	452km/281mi
Audi Q8 55 Sportback e-tron	600km/373mi	+33%
Audi e-tron S	374km/232mi
Audi SQ8 e-tron	494km/307mi	+32%
Audi e-tron S Sportback	379km/235mi
Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback	513km/319mi	+35%

This diagram shows the same including other all-electric SUV models from Audi. (click on diagram for large) (click here for same diagram in miles)

Variant	WLTP Consumption	Change
Audi e-tron 50	18.77kWh/100km
Audi Q8 50 e-tron	18.12kWh/100km	-3.4%
Audi e-tron 50 Sportback	18.23kWh/100km
Audi Q8 50 Sportback e-tron	17.62kWh/100km	-3.3%
Audi e-tron 55	19.5kWh/100km
Audi Q8 55 e-tron	18.21kWh/100km	- 7.1%
Audi e-tron 55 Sportback	19.03kWh/100km
Audi Q8 55 Sportback e-tron	17.33kWh/100km	-9%
Audi e-tron S	22.99kWh/100km
Audi SQ8 e-tron	21.46kWh/100km	-6.7
Audi e-tron S Sportback	22.69kWh/100km
Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback	20.66kWh/100km	-9%

The diagram below compares consumption for all all-electric models from Audi. Click on image for large, or click for same diagram for mi/kWh.

What if you have more equipment? The following table compares the Advanced trim level. The difference is even larger.

Variant	WLTP rekkevidde	Endring
Audi e-tron 50 Advanced	315km
Audi Q8 50 e-tron Advanced	458km	+45%
Audi e-tron 50 Sportback Advanced	321km
Audi Q8 50 Sportback e-tron Advanced	471km	+47%
Audi e-tron 55 Advanced	405km
Audi Q8 55 e-tron Advanced	539km	+33%
Audi e-tron 55 Sportback Advanced	413km
Audi Q8 55 Sportback e-tron Advanced	556km	+35%
Audi e-tron S	371km
Audi SQ8 e-tron	491km	+32%
Audi e-tron S Sportback	375km
Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback	509km	+35%

The performance has not changed, except for the Audi Q8 e-tron 50 model. This model now has increased power and the same torque as the 55 models.

Variant	Max Power	Max Torque	Top speed
Audi e-tron 50	230kW	540nm	200 km/h
Audi Q8 50 e-tron	250kW	664nm	200 km/h
Audi e-tron 50 Sportback	230kW	540nm	200 km/h
Audi Q8 50 Sportback e-tron	250kW	664nm	200 km/h
Audi e-tron 55	300kW	664nm	200 km/h
Audi Q8 55 e-tron	300kW	664nm	200 km/h
Audi e-tron 55 Sportback	300kW	664nm	200 km/h
Audi Q8 55 Sportback e-tron	300kW	664nm	200 km/h
Audi e-tron S	370kW	973nm	210 km/h
Audi SQ8 e-tron	370kW	973nm	210 km/h
Audi e-tron S Sportback	370kW	973nm	210 km/h
Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback	370kW	973nm	210 km/h

More battery capacity and higher charging performance

As on the Audi e-tron, two battery sizes are available on the variants. The battery of the Q8 50 e-tron has a storage capacity of 89 net kilowatt-hours (95 gross kWh), while the more powerful versions of the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron have 106 net kWh (114 gross kWh). The 95kWh battery used on the 50 variants uses the same battery used on the Audi 55 and S variants. Thanks to adjusting the battery management system, the battery capacity usable for customers has increased from 86kWh to 89kWh.

At a high-powered charging station, the Audi Q8 50 e-tron reaches a maximum charging performance of 150 kW. With the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron, the maximum charging performance increases to 170 kW. The big battery can be charged from ten to 80 percent during a roughly 31-minute charging stop – under ideal conditions, this corresponds to a range of up to 420 kilometers (according to WLTP).

Audi e-tron has been market-leading in average charging speed since its introduction. So how does this compare to the facelift? Together with EVKX.net, electrichasgoneaudi.net gives you the details. Below is the charging curve for Audi Q8 50 e-tron (same as the Audi e-tron 55) and the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 with the new battery.

How does this affect the traveling speed? To answer this, we calculate how long the old and new models need to travel 1000km, starting with a full battery, driving at 120km/h, and only stopping for optimal charging stops. The calculation assumes optimal driving conditions with dry roads and temperatures around 20 degrees Celcius.

Variant	Consumption 120km/h	Chargestops	Total time	Saved
Audi e-tron 50	26.5kWh/100km	5 x (5%-68%)	10h:32m
Audi Q8 50 e-tron	26 kWh/100km	3 x (15%-80%)	9h:49m	-43m
Audi e-tron 50 Sportback	25 kWh/100km	4 x (3%-76%)	10h:22m
Audi Q8 50 Sportback e-tron	24.5 kWh/100km	2 x (5%-80%)	9h:33m	-49m
Audi e-tron 55	27.5 kWh/100km	3 x (6%-80%)	9h:57m
Audi Q8 55 e-tron	26 kWh/100km	2 x (1%-74%)	9h:36m	-21m
Audi e-tron 55 Sportback	26 kWh/100km	3 x (12%-80%)	9h:50m
Audi Q8 55 Sportback e-tron	24.5 kWh/100km	2 x (3%-81%)	9h:32m	-18m
Audi e-tron S	29 kWh/100km	3 x (2%-82%)	10h:05m
Audi SQ8 e-tron	28 kWh/100km	3 x (16%-71%)	9h:46m	-21m
Audi e-tron S Sportback	28 kWh/100km	3 x (4%-80%)	10h:0m
Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback	26 kWh/100km	2 x (1%-74%)	9h:36m	-24m

As the table shows, the 95kWh battery is still comparable to the new battery and even beats the larger battery because of a flatter curve for this distance.

The Audi Q8 e-tron charges up to 11 kW at an AC charging station or wall box. Audi offers an optional AC charger that supports up to 22 kW AC charging.

Under ideal conditions, using alternating current, the Audi Q8 50 e-tron can charge 0-100% in around nine hours and 15 minutes (22kW: about four hours and 45 minutes). However, the big battery’s numbers are about 11 hours and 30 minutes at 11 kW and six hours at 22 kW. Learn more in the onboard-charger section.

The Audi Q8 e-tron comes standard with the Plug & Charge function. At compatible charging stations, the vehicle authorizes itself when inserting the charging cable and activates the charging point. Billing happens automatically.

The new charging service Audi charging, which is set to launch in 2023 and will replace the existing e-tron Charging Service, will allow convenient access to around 400,000 public charging points across Europe. In addition, the e-tron route planner provides reliable support when searching for charging points along your route.

Revised rear-axle motor and electric torque vectoring for better dynamics

For the new Audi Q8 e-tron, Audi modified the asynchronous motor on the rear axle.

Instead of 12 coils generating the electromagnetic field, there are now 14. As a result, the motor generates a stronger magnetic field with similar electricity input, allowing for more torque. As a result, the electric motor requires less energy to generate torque if this isn’t needed. This change lowers consumption and increases range.

With the e-tron range’s S model, Audi used a three-motor concept for the first time in large-scale production. Audi refined this setup for the new SQ8 e-tron. A 124-kW electric motor is at work on the front axle.

Two electric motors on the rear axle, each with 98 kW of output, separately power a rear wheel. This setup allows for a boost performance of up to 370 kW.

The motor electronics can distribute the drive torque across both rear electric motors between both wheels within a split second.

Read more in the motor section for Q8 e-tron

The balancing act between comfort and sportiness

The new Audi Q8 e-tron comes standard with adaptive air-suspension controlled shock absorption. The height of the car body can be varied by a total of 76 millimeters, depending on the driving situation.

Audi adjusted the air suspension to optimize the lateral dynamics of the vehicle. Moreover, its electronic stability control (ESC) will allow for even more maneuverability in the future – especially in tight corners. The Audi Q8 e-tron handles these with noticeably more agility thanks to its revised progressive steering.

The gear ratio of the steering system was changed so that the steering responds much more quickly, even when making delicate steering movements. In addition, more rigid suspension bearings on the front axle support the effect of the direct steering ratio. Steering movements are thus transmitted to the wheels more directly, and feedback from steering reactions is also improved. In addition, Audi adjusted all chassis control systems, but they remain balanced and perfectly attuned – true to the Audi DNA.

Further improved aerodynamics

With the Audi Q8 e-tron, the topic of aerodynamics was a top priority. By doing this, Audi could reduce the drag coefficient. For example, from 0.26 to 0.24 cw for the Q8 Sportback e-tron and from 0.28 to 0.27 cw for the Q8 e-tron.

For the Q8 Sportback, this means a reduction in consumption driving at 120km/h at 1.2kWh/100km, and for the Q8 e-tron, 0.6kWh/100km.

The wheel spoilers mounted on the underbody help divert airflow around the wheels. Audi enlarged the spoilers on the front axle, and the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron now has spoilers on the rear wheels.

Audi only mounted spoilers on the rear axle on the SQ8 Sportback e-tron.

The grille has a self-sealing system and electric shutters that automatically close the radiator. This system further optimizes the airflow at the front of the car and prevents undesired energy losses. The shutters only stay open when needed.

Convenient parking with remote park assist plus

There are around 40 driver assistance systems available in the Audi Q8 e-tron. Up to five radar sensors, five cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors provide environmental information analyzed by the central driver assistance control unit.

Something new is remote park assist plus, which will be available to order starting in 2023. With its help, the Audi Q8 e-tron can maneuver into even the tightest parking spaces.

Customers can control the parking procedure through the myAudi app on their smartphones. When the car reaches its final position in the parking space, it automatically switches off, puts on the parking brake, and locks the doors.

When leaving the parking space, the motor is powered on through the myAudi app, then the vehicle maneuvers out enough for comfortable entry.

Night Vision is not available on the Q8 e-tron. The new Audi rings make it difficult to fit. So some Audi e-tron owners will miss night vision on the new model.

Digital Matrix LED headlights

The Q8 e-tron optionally comes with digital Matrix LED headlights. While driving on the highway, the orientation light marks the car’s position in the lane and helps the driver remain securely in the center in narrow spaces. Three other new features are also available:

• Enhanced traffic information
• The lane light with a direction indicator
• The orientation light on country roads

Luxury-class interior

The glass panorama roof makes the interior appear lighter and reinforces the sense of airiness and expansiveness. The glass elements open and close electronically. You can also block sunlight with the built-in sunshade. When the panoramic roof is open, the two-part glass roof improves the climate in the interior thanks to efficient ventilation. An integrated wind deflector reduces wind noise as well.

Audi also offers four-zone automatic climate control as an alternative to the standard two-zone automatic climate control and an air quality package.

The three-stage ventilation provides comfortable seating, even at high outdoor temperatures. Ventilation is available for the standard and individual contour seats with perforated leather.

The highly adjustable individual contour seats are the highlight among the interior options. In addition to pneumatic seat and backrest adjustments, you can order individual contour seats with a massage function.

All furnishings have optional decorative inlays of porous wood veneers such as grainy ash and sycamore, aluminum, or a carbon fiber structure for the S line and edition S line versions. New additions include light brown walnut wood and sustainable technical material made partially from recycled PET bottles.

High-resolution touch displays and voice control

Like all luxury-class Audi models, the Q8 e-tron uses the MMI touch response operating system.

Its two large high-resolution displays – the top with a 10.1-inch diagonal and the bottom with an 8.6-inch diagonal – replace nearly all conventional switches and knobs. Beyond operation with the two-touch displays, you can activate many features through natural voice control.

The digital display and operating concept in the Audi Q8 e-tron include the standard Audi virtual cockpit with full HD resolution. In the virtual cockpit, graphics depict all the important aspects of electric driving, from charging performance to range.

In addition, you can also add a head-up display.

The Audi Q8 e-tron will come standard with MMI Navigation plus. In addition, its media center supports the high-speed data transmission standard LTE Advanced, and it has an integrated WiFi hotspot for the passengers’ mobile devices. Moreover, the navigation system intelligently recommends destinations based on previously traveled routes. On top of that, the Audi connect Navigation and Infotainment package includes car-to-X services.

Materials from recycling processes

The Audi Q8 e-tron will be certified as net-carbon-neutral for customers in Europe and the USA. Audi also uses recycled materials for some components in the Audi Q8 e-tron. These materials, treated through a recycling process, reduce the resources used and ensure a closed, efficient, and sustainable material loop. In the interior of the Audi Q8 e-tron, Audi uses recycled materials for insulation and damping, as well as for carpeting. In addition, the decorative inlay above the display, called the Tech Layer, is available with a new anthracite-colored technical material partially composed of recycled PET bottles. With the S line equipment package, the upholstery for the sports seats is synthetic leather, and the microfiber material Dinamica. Audi makes Dinamica from up to 45 percent polyester fibers manufactured from recycled PET bottles, used textiles, and fiber residue.

In contrast to previous microfiber quality, the production of Dinamica is also solvent-free – another contribution to environmental protection.

Furthermore, some safety-related components that partially comprise mixed automotive plastic waste treated through a chemical recycling process are used for the first time – specifically, the plastic covers for the seatbelt buckles. As part of the PlasticLoop project, Audi worked with the plastics manufacturer LyondellBasell to establish a process in which chemical recycling will be used for the first time to reuse the mixed automotive plastic waste in the series production of the Audi Q8 e-tron. In this process, jointly implemented with LyondellBasell, plastic components from customer vehicles are dismantled and separated from foreign materials, such as metal clips, before being shredded and processed into pyrolysis oil through chemical recycling. This pyrolysis oil is then used as a raw material to produce new plastics in a mass-balance approach.

Market launch in spring 2023

The market launch of the new Audi Q8 e-tron and Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron, which will be available to order starting in mid-November, is planned to happen at the end of February 2023 in Germany and the most important European markets. Audi expects that to come to the USA market at the end of April. The base price for the Audi Q8 e-tron in Germany will be 74,400 euros.

Videos

Below you will find some videoes of the new models. In addition, you will find more in the multimedia section for the Audi Q8 e-tron.

Audi Q8 e-tron 55 s-line in Chronos grey

Audi SQ8 e-tron in ultra blue

WORLD PREMIERE! 2023 AUDI SQ8 E-TRON SPORTBACK - NEW NAME & LOOK, WAY BIGGER RANGE AND BATTERY