Audi is set to launch a new EV in India and this one shall come as a full-size electric SUV. Adding to its portfolio of electric cars in the country, the German carmaker will introduce the Audi Q8 e-tron next month, bringing yet another of its global offerings to India. The move has been confirmed by a senior executive of Audi India in a recent interaction.
As per Balbir Singh Dhillon who currently heads Audi India, the company is gearing up to launch the Audi Q8 e-tron on August 18. Speaking to PTI, Dhillon confirmed that the all-electric SUV by the German carmaker will be introduced in two of its existing variants – Q8 e-tron SUV and Q8 e-tron Sportback. The latter shall have an added battery capacity so as to offer more range to the buyers.
For those unaware, the Audi Q8 e-tron was launched by Audi in February this year for several of its international markets. The electric SUV marked its entry in a total of three variants, two of which are now making their way to India. The one being left out from the Indian portfolio is the Audi SQ8 e-tron. Of the two that are coming to India, the Audi Q8 e-tron comes with a 95 kW battery, while the Q8 e-tron Sportback comes with a bigger 114kW battery, thus offering extra range.
Speaking to PTI, Dhillon confirmed the launch – “We are basically strengthening our (electric vehicle) product portfolio and (bringing) what is available globally also for our customers in India.” The two electric SUVs have now even been listed on the Audi India website, with an option for potential customers to show their interest in the EVs.
The introduction of the two EVs in India marks an important strategy for Audi. The decision to bring the Q8 e-tron to India within the year of its global launch reiterates Audi’s commitment to bring its best electric vehicles to the Indian market. In his interaction, Dhillon made it clear, saying “We want to bring in India, and with the Q8 e-tron we want to strengthen our (EV) portfolio with what is the latest available across Audi’s offering.”
Once out, the Q8 e-tron will add to Audi’s current EV portfolio in India which comprises e-tron 50, e-tron 55, e-tron Sportback 55, e-tron GT, and RS e-tron GT. Notably, the Q8 e-tron will be imported as a fully built unit and would be one of the top-end variants in the portfolio.
