The luxury brand Audi began selling in Argentina the Q8 E-Tron, the largest, most powerful and luxurious electric SUV from the German brand. It is offered with two body variants and a range of 600 kilometers.
This is the evolution of the E-Tron electric model, which arrived in the country at the end of 2020 and became the German company’s first battery-powered model. On that occasion he also arrived with two silhouettes.
Now it adds the name Q8, which ends up sharing it with the SUV that has an internal combustion engine. Both also agree to be the most exclusive that Audi offers in the local market.
But beyond the name change and the aesthetic update, the strongest new features have to do with its propulsion system, particularly its battery, which can now provide a range of up to 600 kilometers on a charge.
Available in the Q8 E-Tron and Q8 E-Tron Sportback versions, the new model of the four rings brand is offered to US$233,850 already US$243,850 respectively, both with four-wheel drive.
Evolution everywhere
New Audi Q8 E-Tron Sportback.
The aesthetic changes with respect to the variants sold until now show a more noticeable differentiation with respect to the combustion models. Despite this, the concepts of a more conventional SUV and an SUV with a more sporty character are maintained between both models.
Despite that, the measurements in both are practically the same. Both measure 4,915 mm long, 1,937 mm wide and have a wheelbase of 2,928 mm. The only difference between the two is in the height: 1,619 mm for the Sportback and 1,633 mm in the more sober variant.
Both the Audi Q8 55 E-Tron quattro and the Audi Q8 Sportback 55 E-Tron S line quattro They have a power of 408 HP and a torque of 664 Nm, thanks to two motors, each located on each axle.
The measurements of both versions of the Audi Q8 E-Tron are almost identical.
The declared autonomy is up to 582 kilometers for the SUV and 600 kilometers for the Sportback (in the previous model it declared just over 400 kilometers). Both versions accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. They have four-wheel drive and the maximum speed is electronically limited at 200 km/h.
The growth in autonomy is directly related to new battery. In the new Audi Q8 E-Tron, the high-voltage battery system operates with a nominal voltage of 396 volts.
The battery now has a storage capacity of 114 kWh. Compared to the previous model, technology and cell chemistry have experienced improvements. During production, individual cells are placed in layers using a stacking system. This results in up to 20% greater energy density in the same space, the brand explained. The battery capacity has also been increased by updating the management system.
Digital interior for the Audi Q8 E-Tron.
On the other hand, the thermal management system guarantees a DC fast charging up to 170 kW and long battery life. The thermally operating system cools and heats the high-voltage battery. In addition, it cools the electric motors, power electronics and the battery charger.
The new Audi Q8 E-Tron is equipped with air suspension and controlled damping. This allows the vehicle to adapt to different road conditions. Additionally, the ride height can be adjusted by a total of 76 mm depending on the driving situation. The air suspension has also been modified to optimize lateral dynamics.
On the other hand, the electronic stabilization control (ESC) system now offers even more room for maneuver especially in tight corners. According to the brand, it is noticeably more agile thanks to its improved progressive steering. The steering ratio has been updated for a much more direct response.
Quality details in the new Audi Q8 E-Tron.
At the slightest movement, drivers have greater control to maneuver effortlessly and with superior precision even in curves. The effect of this more direct steering ratio is enhanced through a stiffer front axle bearing that applies steering movements more directly to the wheels.
Optionally, customers can equip their Audi Q8 E-Tron with exterior mirrors with cameras, which not only give it a technological and sporty appearance but also improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle, contributing to greater energy efficiency.
In operation, the images are digitally processed and displayed on 7” 1280 x 1080 px OLED screens. These screens have automatic brightness control and proximity sensor. They also integrate a touch control system to adjust the image section, field of view and zoom. They have an automatic heating function to prevent the cameras from fogging up or freezing.
The Audi Q8 E-Tron Sportaback declares a range of up to 600 km.
The lighting system stands out for its striking design. The technology carried in the new Audi Q8 E-Tron combines a camera system with LED light sources and precise optics for highly adaptive light distribution.
Approaching vehicles are detected within the system limits and the light beams are dimmed to avoid glare, while other vehicles the LED diodes turn on and off conforms to the contour of the approaching vehicle to keep the road illuminated.
Among its equipment, the Bang & Olufsen audio system stands out, which includes 16 speakers, a panoramic roof and a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems.
