Audi has launched its Q8 e-tron and the Q8 Sportback e-tron SUVs in India as the facelift versions of its first-ever electric SUV named Audi e-tron. As a step-up model, the new Q8 e-tron comes with technical and design upgrades as well as an extended range. The price for the Audi Q8 e-tron starts from Rs 1.14 crore (ex-showroom) in India and are already up for bookings through Audi India’s online and offline portals for an amount of Rs 5 lakh. Deliveries for the new electric SUV are expected to begin soon.
To recall, Audi entered the electric vehicle market with its Audi e-tron, with the name soon becoming a marquee for Audi’s EV lineup. To give a distinct identity to the e-tron SUV, the company has now given it the Q8 e-tron name, along with other upgrades. The news of the recent launch had already been made public earlier this year. Now that the new electric SUVs are up for booking, here is all that is new on the Audi Q8 e-tron and the Q8 Sportback e-tron.
Audi Q8 e-tron, Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron: Design
In terms of changes over the outgoing model, the new Q8 e-tron comes with a dual-tone trapezoidal grille, a new front bumper, headlights, and a new Audi badge on the B-pillar. Even the Audi rings at the front are now different, with a two-dimensional look. At the back, the electric SUVs get new LED tail-light clusters, new spoilers as well as a new bumper.
Inside, the Audi Q8 e-tron and its Sportback variant get new recycled upholstery and trim options, with the same 10.1-inch touchscreen screen and the 8.6-inch screen for controls.
Audi Q8 e-tron, Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron: Performance
Audi Q8 e-tron will be available in two variants – 50 and 55. Both use dual motors with one motor set at the front and the other at the rear and thus come affixed with the term “quattro.” Both create the same 664Nm of torque while the latter produces a bit more power (408hp) over the Q8 e-tron 50 (340hp), also making it a bit faster.
As for the range, the 89kWh lithium-ion battery pack on the Q8 e-tron 50 produces a range of 491km and 505km (WLTP cycle), while the 104kWh battery pack on the Q8 e-tron 55 and e-tron Sportback 55 increases this to 582 km and 600 km respectively.
