By Sue Mead
It’s not simply a name change, though the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron has nomenclature that’s evolved from “e-tron” to “Q8” to “Q8 e-tron.” And, now there are two iterations of Audi’s flagship electric SUV–the standard 2024 Q8 e-tron, and the new 2024 Q8 e-tron Sportback, that latter of which harkens back to Audi’s 2021 Grandsphere concept. The pair of premium electric crossovers have come to market with some notable upgrades as an evolution of Audi’s commitment to electric driving, and to keep pace with the quickly-evolving EV market. Think of these flagships as a pair of siblings with the same DNA but with different looks, slightly different manners, and slightly different specs.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron
I motored both versions of this freshened model on a ride and drive over a course of more than 200 miles through a swath of rural and meandering Connecticut roadways. The route provided the perfect opportunity to check out the Nutmeg State’s melody of fall colors and the assess the upgraded Audi models.
What’s the same? Audi is a German manufacturer that is well-known for making automobiles with luxurious looks and smart technologies. The auto company claims these new top-of-the-line models “provide the most sophisticated and seamless electrification experience within the Audi portfolio.” Both e-trons use Audi’s lauded quattro all-wheel-drive system, with electric motors that spin in the front and rear; the vehicles are rear-wheel-biased under normal driving conditions. Power is sent primarily to the back wheels, saving the front axle for times when higher performance is called upon, such as when the driver switches from the standard “D” mode to the “S” sport mode, when it’s engineered to use both front and rear motors. Power is also distributed to both axles when traction is limited by snow, ice, or any low-grip surface.
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What’s new? There are styling changes outside and in, including increased battery range, higher-power charging, and improvements to handling. From the outside, the Q8 e-tron has coupe-like, low-slung sedan styling with a long front spoiler, pronounced haunches over its wheel arches, and a tapered roofline that nips at the rear, and that speaks to its sporty mission. The Q8 e-tron Sportback has a more traditional SUV look, with a windswept profile and a slightly larger back end with a raked liftback that brings a bit more cargo-carrying capacity. Both body styles have seating for five.
Designers worked their mojo to enhance the Q8 e-tron’s aerodynamics to add efficiency and increase range. To this end, there are new treatments on the front and rear facia as well as a more aerodynamic wheel lineup. Added for 2024 is a new two-dimensional rendition of Audi’s traditional four-ring logo fixed to an attractively-crafted new grille.
Inside is a well-appointed luxury-level cabin with high-resolution screens that include a digital gauge cluster–described as a virtual cockpit–with two flush-mounted touch screens in the center: a 10.1-inch sits on top, and 8.6-inch is below. Standard are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while available is a Bang and Olufsen-brand audio system, a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless smart-phone charger. There are a variety of upscale options, such as head-up display and massaging seats. Even the base Premium trim level has 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, air suspension, heated front seats, LED lamps, a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery. The interior feels roomy and has good cargo-stowing space, aided by a flat floor and deft packaging of the underfloor battery pack.
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Notable, too, is the quiet interior. Even when sprinting from 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds—a thing made possible by ordering the available performance-enhancing Ultra package—the cabin remains remarkably serene.
Thanks to improvements in battery design and packaging, Audi has increased the range of standard Q8 to 285 miles (up from 266). The more aerodynamic Q8 Sportback is rated to travel up to 300 miles on a single charge. Both versions of the Q8 deliver 355 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque.
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The regenerative braking system, which recaptures energy normally lost during deceleration, is driver adjustable, and can be set to apply more, or less, braking assist, though no setting delivers true “one-pedal” operation as found on some other electric vehicles.
I was impressed by the good ergonomics and comfortable, well-bolstered seats. Improved handling comes from redesigned steering hardware and suspension software making the e-trons feel more responsive overall.
Fast Facts:
- For 2024, the Q8’s maximum charge rate has increase from 150 kW to 170 kW. At capacity, the Q8 will go from a 10-percent charge to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. Not that not all public fast chargers facilitate charging at this rate.
- Two years of Electrify America fast charging is included with a 2024 Q8 purchase. A new “Plug and Charge” feature at some Electrify America locations eliminates the need for payment cards.
- The new Q8 e-trons are equipped with a wide array of standard driver-assist features including adaptive cruise control and self-parking assist. Key safety features include standard forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning.
- The 2024 Q8 e-tron starts at $74,400 while the 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback starts at *77,800, not including the $1195 destination charge.
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2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Gallery
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