By Veeno Dewan
One of the most popular All-Electric Audi models is the e-tron Crossover vehicle which for 2024 will arrive as the redesigned Q8 e-tron, a mid-size crossover with a significant increase in both battery capacity and charging performance.
By 2026, Audi plans to have twenty vehicles in its EV portfolio. From then on, the company will only sell fully electric models globally.
One of the most popular All-Electric Audi models is the e-tron Crossover vehicle, which in 2024 will arrive as the redesigned Q8 e-tron, a mid-size crossover with a significant increase in battery capacity and charging performance. Other changes, according to Audi, will include more progressive steering and chassis control systems.
Exterior-wise, Audi has given the refurbished Q8 e-tron a styling refresh that includes a redesigned grille, restyled lighting elements, and updated wheel designs. A new smaller Audi logo adorns the grille and appears smaller than before. The SQ8 version adds a little more chrome on the outside than either the Advanced or S-Line models. They improved the aerodynamics through wheel spoilers front and rear to the underbody to better control airflow around the wheels. The grille will have a self-sealing system besides the electric shutters that automatically close the radiator. As a result, the drag coefficient is better at 0.24 cd from 0.26 for the Sportback e-tron and 0.27 cd from 0.28 for the e-tron. The all-new Q8 will seat five occupants and be able to tow up to 4000 pounds. The Q8 e-tron now comes standard with air suspension, and its electronic stability control will allow for even improved handling. In addition, they adjusted the steering ratio so that the steering responds quicker. The 2024 Q8 e-tron and its counterpart Q8 Sportback e-tron come with three drivetrains with electric all-wheel-drive.
The increased EV drive range is the most significant improvement in the updated Audi e-tron. The current version has lagged compared to many EV vehicles, most of which deliver over 400 km of driving range.
The powertrain: a single 114-kWh lithium-ion battery unit with a 106-kWh usable storage rating powers them all. Fitted with two motors, the base Q8 50 e-tron and Q8 50 Sportback e-tron will generate 335 horsepower (250 kW) in boost mode and 490 lb-ft of torque, with Audi claiming a driving range of up to 491 km (for the SUV) and 505 km in the Sportback. According to the e WLTP (Worldwide-harmonized Light Test Procedure).
With two motors, the Q8 55 e-tron and Sportback e-tron will generate 402 hp (300 kW) in boost mode and 490 lb-ft of torque, with a range increasing to 582 km for the SUV and 600 km for the Sportback. The premium range-topping SQ8 e-tron is powered by three motors that put out 496 hp (370 kW) combined and 718 lb-ft of torque. The range is up to 494 km for the CUV: and 513 km for the Sportback. These numbers are an enormous improvement over the current 2023 e-tron, which has a range of just 364 km.
Improved battery management system adjustments have allowed usable capacity to be increased, with the Q8 50 e-tron reaching a maximum charging performance of 150 kW. With the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron, maximum charging performance increases to 170 kW. According to ambient conditions, it can charge the larger capacity battery to 80 percent from 10 during a roughly 30-minute charging stop, enabling a driving range of up to 420 km.
Audi interiors are a high point for the brand and never disappoint. The Q8 e-tron has the latest Audi interior technology, highlighted by the virtual cockpit digital gauge cluster and optional full-color head-up display. The virtual cockpit has a configurable 12.3-inch HD virtual cockpit display, plus two digital touchscreens that handle multimedia (10.1-inch) and climate (8.6-inch) functions. Multiple trim and material choices are available depending on the model and options. Leather seating comes standard, along with suede-like Dinamica microfibre.
Safety will feature the Audi array of standard driver-assistance technology, adaptive cruise control, and self-parking assist. Other safety features include standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, standard blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert with standard lane-departure warning.
In Canada, the Audi e-tron model will arrive in dealerships at the end of April, with prices to be announced.
