Audi India recently introduced the New Q8 e-tron SUV and Sportback in India. It is essentially a facelift of the models that were previously known as just the e-tron. Bookings had already begun at a token amount of Rs 5 lakh. We take a closer look.
Audi Q8 e-tron SUV, Sportback: What’s New?
While most of the exterior updates are limited to mainly soft plastics, Audi has managed to spruce up the looks quite smartly. Up front, the grille gets a new mesh pattern with black surrounds and a new LED light bar that connects the tweaked headlights. Additionally, the Q8 e-tron SUV gets Audi’s new 2D logo, finished in solid white. Other changes include more aggressive front and rear bumpers, and new 20-inch alloy wheels.
Moving inside, the interior of the new Q8 e-tron SUV and Sportback remain largely similar to the outgoing model. The center console features a twin touchscreen setup with a 10.1-inch infotainment system and an 8.6-inch screen for the auto climate controls. It also gets Audi’s latest Virtual Cockpit Plus digital instrument cluster. Key feature highlights include four-zone climate control, 16-speaker audio setup from Bang & Olufsen, a panoramic sunroof, and a new 360-degree camera.
Audi Q8 e-tron SUV, Sportback: Powertrain Details
The biggest changes to the Audi Q8 e-tron are what’s underneath the floor, the battery pack. The lower-spec 50 variants now get a 95 kWh battery compared to 71 kWh previously. Meanwhile, the higher 55 variants offer a 114 kWh battery pack, up from the previous model’s 95 kWh unit. It powers two electric motors, one on each axle, which make a combined peak power figure of 340 bhp (50 variants) or 408 bhp (55 variants). Both trims make the same peak torque figure of 664 Nm.
In terms of range, it varies depending on the variant and bodystyle. The SUV has a maximum claimed range of 491 kms and 582 kms for the 50 and 55 variants, respectively. In comparison, the Q8 e-tron Sportback’s 50 and 55 variants have a claimed range of 505 kms and 600 kms, respectively.
The German automaker is providing a 22kW AC wall charger bundled with the Q8 e-tron. Both models can support up to 170 kW DC fast charging. While using the home charger, it takes 4.45 to 6 hours to fully charge the battery, depending on the variant.
2023 Audi Q8 e-tron SUV, Sportback: Price in India and Rivals
Prices for the New Audi Q8 e-tron SUV starts from Rs 1.14 crore (ex-showroom), going up to Rs 1.26 crore (ex-showroom). The Q8 e-tron Sportback is priced between Rs 1.18 crore (ex-showroom) and Rs 1.30 crore (ex-showroom).
Audi Q8 e-tron siblings rival the likes of the BMW iX and the Jaguar I-Pace in India.
Read Also: Audi Q8 e-tron, Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron Bookings Open
