The Q8 E-Tron's exterior has received a makeover, with an updated nose and grille. The headlights have a new lamp signature, and the area around the grille now features electric shutters that close around the radiator. Additionally, the grille is illuminated for added effect.
Audi also modifies the wheel spoilers located on the underbody. The ones in front of the standard Q8 E-Tron are larger than before. Furthermore, the Q8 Sportback E-Tron now has these aero elements present both at the front and rear ends. The SQ8 Sportback E-Tron however, only consists of wheel spoilers at its back.
The Q8 E-Tron now has a drag coefficient of 0.27, as opposed to the previous model's 0.28. Similarly, the Sportback's figure is now 0.24, down from 0.26 for the older model.
2023 Audi SQ8 e-tron
Audi's electric SUVs boast new recycled upholstery and trim options in a cabin that has received some light revisions, including changes to the multimedia interface (MMI). As standard, the system comes with MMI Navigation Plus as well as a E-tron route planner.
The line-up stays the same, offering 50, 55 and S models. The upgraded drivelines use a revised electric motor for a reduced current and lower power consumption under constant cruising conditions. As before, both SUVs' 50 and 55 models use two asynchronous motors (one at the front, one at the rear) with the more potent S variant continuing with a third additional motor at the rear. Power and torque for the 50 models increase to 335 hp and 490 lb ft but stay the same for the 55, which offers 396 hp and 490 lb ft.
The battery has a capacity of 89 kilowatt-hours (95 kWh gross). In the WLTP test, this setup provides 305 miles (491 kilometers) for the boxy body and 314 miles (505 kilometers) for the Sportback. The Q8 55 E-Tron and Sportback produce 402 hp (300 kW) in Boost mode and 490 lb-ft. They get a battery with 104 kWh net (114 kWh gross). This provides 362 miles (582 kilometers) for the more angular body or 373 miles (600 kilometers) for the Sportback.
2023 Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback
Finally, the SQ8 E-Tron and its Sportback counterpart have three electric motors - one at the front axle and two at the rear. This setup makes 496 hp (370 kW) and 718 lb-ft (973 Nm). The vehicles use a 104-kWh battery. The boxy version of the model can go 267 miles (494 kilometers) on a charge, and the Sportback pushes the distance to 319 miles (513 kilometers).
The Q8 50 E-Tron models can charge at up to 150 kW from a DC fast charger. The 55 and SQ8 variants increase this figure to 170 kW. The larger one can recoup 261 miles (420 kilometers) after plugging in for 31 minutes.
The Q8 E-Tron and Sportback will launch in Europe in February 2023. Prices in Germany will start at €74,400. Deliveries in the US will start in late April, but Audi will disclose prices closer to launch.
Source: Audi
