The Audi E-Tron SUV and Sportback are among the first all-electric SUVs of their kind. Now, they’re changing with the context—and that’s for the better.
Just a week ago, we were able to drive a number of refurbished vehicles, renamed the Audi Q8 E-Tron SUV and Sportback 2024, with the right context: one of the newest, most dynamic landscapes. in the world, in Lanzarote, known as the volcanic island.
When the E-Tron SUV arrived in spring 2019, there was no direct competitor — with the quirky Tesla Model X and much smaller Jaguar I-Pace being the closest alternatives. Now with an expected range of about 300 miles, the improved Q8 E-Tron is a reasonable product for the mid-range market, besides being bmw ix, Cadillac lyriq, Mercedes EQS . SUVand Rivian R1S.
As before, the Q8 E-Tron series, like the smaller version Q4 E-Tron lineup, offered with two body styles: SUV and Sportback. Both are identical in front of the front seats, but the Sportback has a coupe-like tapered roofline that limits space for the rear seats and cargo to create a distinct design compared to SUVs. is different.
2024 SUV Audi SQ8 E-Tron
2024 SUV Audi SQ8 E-Tron
2024 SUV Audi SQ8 E-Tron
Audi shows a clear self-awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of the E-Tron models in the way it works to improve these models for mid-cycle refreshes. In short, it’s not much of a hassle in terms of accommodation, cabin comfort or the look and feel of these models; but it focuses most of its efforts on one thing: Increasing the range of the Q8 E-Tron.
Scope is more important—and here it is
That refers to something Audi executives — especially those on the U.S. side — have freely acknowledged since around the time the E-Tron debuted. While the original E-Tron offers an impressive level of reliability across the range, no matter what, it’s the EPA number that matters in the end for shoppers.
As a result, the Q8 E-Tron has a larger power pack—now at 114 kwh, compared to 95 kWh before, and resulting in an available capacity of 106 kWh. The overall battery box is the same size, but Audi has fitted more prismatic cells of the same size into it than before; it was also switched to the new nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) cell chemistry.
With the battery pack providing 23% more usable energy than before, Audi sees a range increase of 30% or better. That’s partly because it’s made some significant aerodynamic improvements, adding active grille shutters and rethinking underbody aerodynamics, especially to improve drag. adds 0.02 in US spec models, up to 0.27 for the Sportback and 0.29 for the SUV—most notably with an underbody spoiler that directs airflow around the wheels car.
2024 SUV Audi SQ8 E-Tron
This gives an improvement, compare my observations here with other drives of the E-Tron family. That said, the location Audi chose offers very mild temperatures and no significant elevation gain, so this isn’t any serious test of the Q8 E-Tron’s driving range. I ran 2.5 miles per kwh, according to the trip computer, in the least efficient model of the series, the SQ8, covering about 85 miles in a zigzag pattern on the volcanic island—most of it. kept at about 45 mph or less, but there were a few bangs to higher speeds. Then, in a much shorter ride on the Q8 S-line, I managed to hit that number.
That’s definitely an improvement in performance over what I’ve seen in similarly mild conditions with the upcoming model, and at around 265 miles multiplied, it shows world range. real is improved by at least 25%.
Faster, but no faster acceleration
I’ve driven many dual-engine E-Tron SUVs and Sportbacks, and the first change I’ve noticed, applicable to both models, is that it handles sharper on slow but curvy island roads. big—faster, I’ll sum it up as is. To give that impression, Audi has replaced the steering rack with one with a faster ratio (14.6:1, compared to the previous 15.8:1). It also gets stiffer front-axle joysticks and new bushings that help it complete quick directional changes without causing additional bumps.
For the upcoming 2023 E-Tron, there is no longer a standard spring version of this electric SUV; all versions have adaptive air suspension, allowing 3.0-inch body height adjustment. Audi has also tweaked the Q8 E-Tron’s steering, suspension and ride height, as well as torque distribution. The Q8 E-Tron offers five core modes: offroad, allroad, efficiency, comfort and automatic. They really take advantage of the versatility of this vehicle’s ride height and flexible traction.
2024 SUV Audi SQ8 E-Tron
The system in both versions still defaults to rear-wheel drive in light cruise conditions, although it now transfers power to the front engine more quickly when needed.
All Q8 E-Tron models have all-wheel drive. The Q8 E-Tron Advanced and S-line models have a dual-motor setup, while the S models, which have the SQ8 badge, have a three-motor setup that allows for physics-defying handling by providing braking impact in the rear wheel inside while continuing to move forward power on the outside.
Core performance stats for the Q8 E-Tron family have not changed much in the US. The Q8 E-Tron 55 has a dual-motor system that produces 402 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque, while the SQ8 E-Tron offers three engines, with two of them in the rear, for total output of 496 hp and 718 lb-ft.
Audi says the denser battery pack weighs about 44 pounds more than the previous 95 kWh pack, but the 15 pound weight reduction of the underbody shield plus a few other items almost makes up for that. With the same gear ratio, Audi says it can hit the same 62 mph in 2022: 4.5 seconds for the SQ8, while the US model Q8 55 will land in around 5.6 seconds. .
2023 Audi SQ8 E-Tron Sportback
Front and rear, all versions of the E-Tron have asynchronous (induction) motors, but regardless of version, the motor mounted on the rear axle now has 14 coils instead of 12. That allows the engine to operate in low-torque mode with less power than before—a necessity for “slipping”.
Off-line torque has never been the strength of these motors over rival permanent magnet motors; but Audi says they offer better efficiency at high speeds and cut reliance on rare earth materials. While the SQ8 doesn’t offer a standing start like some trams do, it jumps enthusiastically from the start, with instantaneous, almost electric-game quality. body — and the body movements of lifting and squatting are surprisingly small compared to other full-size electric SUVs.
Precise brakes, non-dramatic interface
The interface of the car has also not changed much. There’s still a very slight amount of rebound when you lift the accelerator in Drive, while with the paddles on the steering wheel you can click between three recovery modes—the slide mode is like the most simulated Neutral.
The Auto setting for resilience is the default, and once you know how and why it enhances resilience in some situations—mostly for map data, but also when you’re tracking track another vehicle—it’s a great driving companion because it allows for a smooth, drama-free one-pedal driving pattern (to stop you, of course).
2024 SUV Audi SQ8 E-Tron
Audi is not a believer in the powerful single-pedal driving offered by other EVs and sees that as a negative for efficiency and range in most cases. Unlike the Tesla or the Lucid, which doesn’t spin add any regenerative force to the brake pedal, and unlike most other EVs that physically combine the brake pads, the E-Tron uses a braking system that does all the force. brake 0.3 g or less with engine/generator, switch to brake pads only for stronger braking or in the last few inches of a stop.
In real-world driving—like driving ahead at a stop or sneaking behind timid rental car drivers on the island—the E-Tron’s brake feel is superb. and the system results in accuracy at traffic lights and in parking, which some other electric vehicles do not have. That certainly includes luxury rivals like the Mercedes EQS SUV and the BMW iX. Furthermore, Audi boasts that it recovers more energy than is physically incorporated in the brake pads.
Charging makes range easier to reach
Despite having a larger battery pack, it may take less time to travel longer distances at roadside charging stops. There’s no chance to quickly charge the Q8 E-Tron on the go, but Audi has insisted that it’s managed to increase the charging curve where it’s needed. The toll peak has been raised from 150 kW officially (or 155 kW informally) to 170 kW and it occurs in a state of about 60% toll—where passers-by will inevitably notice. That means even with the larger battery pack, it can charge from 10-80% in just 31 minutes. The Q8 E-Tron, on the other hand, comes with an 11 kW built-in charger—enough to fully charge in less than 10 hours.
2024 SUV Audi SQ8 E-Tron
Range, charging and driving issues aside, there’s surprisingly little to distinguish the Q8 E-Tron from the upcoming E-Tron. There has been an effort to arrange the trims above and below the body so that the whole car looks more harmonious than before and the new Audi logo that adorns the grille, with the new frame and pattern, seems small. a little more than before. The SQ8 has a slightly brighter exterior than the Advanced or S-Line models, but with a menu full of trim options you can make your way.
The cabin has been a strong point of the E-Tron, and Audi has left it mostly alone with some refreshed materials. There’s a lighter walnut trim on the menu, and Dinamica microfiber and synthetic leather seats for the S-Line. Just like before, the Q8 E-Tron feels like a true luxury car in the way it cancels out road and wind noise, provides comfortable seats, supports adults around, and offers a solid, intuitive gear lever that most are happy to use. The central two-screen layout has a 10.1-inch touchscreen for communication, entertainment and navigation above, and an 8.6-inch haptic confirmation screen below is primarily dedicated to climate control. The instrument display shows a lot of versatility if you use the switch on the steering wheel and there is a head-up display available. Audi continues to seek US license for its products virtual exterior mirror (based on camera)so now we have physical mirrors.
2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron
2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron
2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron
Audi suggests that the new US-market model will receive a slight price increase during the transition to the Q8 E-Tron 2024, but no major repositioning. Currently, the 2023 Audi E-Tron SUV starts at $71,995, including destination, while the E-Tron Sportback starts at $75,790. The starting price for the S version is $ 89,395 and $ 91,995 for the two body styles, respectively.
That puts the faster, farther-drive E-Tron in the midst of today’s luxury electric SUV scene — a place that will continue to change rapidly, like those volcanic lands.
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Internet Brands Automotive accepts travel to a remote island, plus food and lodging, to bring you this driving report.
