With prices for the SUV starting at Rs. 1.14 crore and the Sportback at Rs. 1.18 crore (ex-showroom, India), Audi has introduced the Q8 e-tron. What was formerly referred to as the e-tron is essentially getting a facelift as the Audi Q8 e-tron. There are two trim levels for both the SUV and the Sportback, 50 and 55, both of which have a maximum range of up to 600 kilometres (km) on the WLTP cycle. Bookings for the Q8 e-tron are currently being accepted for a symbolic sum of Rs 5 lakh.
| AUDI Q8 E-TRON VARIANT | EX-SHOWROOM PRICE |
| Audi Q8 50 e-tron | INR 11,370,000 |
| Audi Q8 55 e-tron | INR 12,610,000 |
| Audi Q8 Sportback 50 e-tron | INR 11,820,000 |
| Audi Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron | INR 13,060,000 |
Specifications and engine for the Audi Q8 e-tron
The battery is where the Audi Q8 e-tron has undergone the most substantial changes. The 95kWh battery from the prior edition has been replaced with a larger 114kWh battery for the 55 versions. The 95kWh battery pack is now included in the lower-spec 50 version, which previously used a 71kWh battery. Two electric motors, one on each axle, are powered by the battery and provide a combined output of 340 horsepower and 408 horsepower in the 50 and 55 models, respectively. The torque, which is 664 Nm, is the same for both, though.
The advertised range varies according on body type and battery capacity. The SUV’s highest claimed range in the 50 and 55 variants is 491 kilometres, while the Sportback’s maximum claimed range in the 50 and 55 variants is 505 kilometres.
The Audi Q8 e-tron comes with a 22kW AC charger from Audi that can support up to 170kW of DC fast charging. Audi states that the Q8 e-tron 50 can charge from zero to one hundred percent in roughly 4.45 hours while the 55 variation, which has a larger battery pack, requires six hours to charge completely.
Interior and external upgrades to the Audi Q8 e-tron
Audi has significantly updated the design even though the outside visual updates are fairly minor. A new light bar that visually unites the slightly modified headlamps and a new mesh design with black surrounds are added to the grille. Audi’s new 2D logo, which is finished in solid white, is also added to the Q8 e-tron.
The front chin is now coated in gloss black, while the front and rear bumpers have a more aggressive appearance. Although they are the same size, the 20-inch alloy wheels of the Q8 e-tron have a fresh design.
The interior, on the other hand, is virtually unaltered, which means that the centre console’s dual touchscreen arrangement—an 8.6-inch screen for HVAC controls and a 10.1-inch screen for the infotainment system—continues.
A 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control, an all-digital instrument cluster with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit Plus, and a 360-degree camera—the latter of which is a novel feature—are all included. Wireless Apple CarPlay is still not included on the list of available features.
In India, the Q8 e-tron competes with the BMW iX and the Jaguar I-Pace. For comparison, the iX costs Rs. 1.21 crore, and the I-Pace is priced ex-showroom between Rs. 1.20 crore and Rs. 1.24 crore.
