2024 Audi Q8 e-tron US pricing and availability is announced

The new 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron has been refined with increased driving range, higher power and faster charging capabilities, and improved driving dynamics compared to the prior model. The latest iteration of Audi's flagship electric SUV – the Q8 e-tron – delivers quicker acceleration with sprints to 60 mph in as little as 5.3 seconds for the Q8 Sportback e-tron with ultra package, as well as efficiency gains through aerodynamic advancements and improvements to both battery cell chemistry and packaging; increasing the capacity of the battery pack. The Q8 e-tron also benefits from two years of DC fast charging included at no additional cost via the Electrify America network; true customer conveniences such as Plug & Charge, which eliminates the need to present a separate payment card at select charging stations across the country; and one week of complimentary Audi on demand rental benefit through the Always Audi program.

To emphasize Audi’s lighting expertise, the Q8 e-tron’s Singleframe grille receives an available all-new lighting design activated whenever the headlights or parking lights are turned on. This innovative projection lighting emanates from beneath the hood line and provides visual depth to the new two dimensional Audi logo on the grille. The Q8 e-tron will also be the first Audi model to feature laser-etched model badging on the B-pillar.

The optimized aerodynamics reduce drag by more than six percent over the previous model e-tron, resulting in an improved coefficient of drag value of 0.29 in the Q8 e-tron SUV and 0.27 in the Sportback model. The improved aerodynamics contribute to improved efficiency and range. The 2024 Q8 e-tron features a higher-capacity battery, but one which has been engineered into the existing packaging space.

With a 23-percent greater net capacity of 106 kWh (114 kWh gross) from the previous model e-tron, the new Q8 e-tron improves on the battery pack’s usable capacity, utilizing 93 percent versus the previous 91 percent, thanks to adjustments to the battery management system. Coupled with advancements in cell technology and cell chemistry, the maximum DC charging power has also been increased from 150 kW to 170 kW, permitting recharging from 10 to 80 percent capacity in about 31 minutes. Under ideal Level-2 charging conditions, the Audi Q8 e-tron can recharge in around 13 hours at 9.6 kW (240V/40A), or in around 6.5 hours at 19.2kW (240V/80A).

The asynchronous electric motor on the rear axle for the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron was also modified and now incorporates 14 motor windings instead of 12. The increase in windings improves efficiency by generating a stronger magnetic field from a similar electrical input, which in-turn produces more torque. When additional power is not needed, the new motor topology requires less energy to generate similar torque, which reduces consumption and increases driving range.

All Q8 e-tron models benefit from Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system thanks to asynchronous motors positioned front and rear. The Q8 e-tron is rear-wheel biased under normal driving conditions; sending most power to the rear wheels via the higher efficiency motor with 14 windings. The front axle of the Q8 e-tron is primarily utilized when higher performance is called upon, in particularly low traction situations, or where additional stability is needed, such as a slippery or curvy road. The drive of all four wheels can also be adjusted manually by selecting the drive mode.

The result of all these updates is an EPA estimated range of 300 miles for the Q8 Sportback e-tron with ultra package, an increase of around 30 percent compared to the 2023 e-tron Sportback. The range and charging improvements greatly expand the everyday flexibility and usability of the Q8 e-tron, allowing owners to travel farther and get back on the road faster; making BEV ownership even more seamless.

The Q8 e-tron’s progressive steering is now more direct, with a quicker 14.6:1 steering ratio (prev. generation, 15.8:1) achieved through a new steering gear with the optimized gear ratio and new software implemented for improved driver feedback. Axle kinematics also play a major role, with the front-axle bearing now made more rigid. The vertical alignment of the suspension’s lateral and longitudinal components were also reworked to improve structural rigidity in all directions. These efforts were aided by the Q8 e-tron’s standard adaptive air suspension.

Befitting its flagship position within Audi’s electrified portfolio, the Q8 e-tron has the most sophisticated and luxurious interior design within the model range. The Q8 e-tron offers standard four-zone automatic climate control with a heat pump and comfort pre-conditioning. Three-stage seat ventilation improves comfort even at warmer outdoor temperatures and is included in Premium Plus and Prestige trim lines.

A highlight among interior options, as part of the Prestige trim, the standard eight-way power-adjustable individual contour seats wrapped in Valcona/Milano leather provide pneumatic leg and side bolster adjustment, power thigh extension, and include massage functionality.

The standard glass panoramic roof visually lightens the interior and reinforces the sense of sanctuary from the outside world. The glass elements of the roof open and close electronically, with the blackout sunshade controlled just as conveniently. When open, the two-part glass roof can efficiently improve cabin ventilation, and an integrated wind deflector is built in to minimize wind noise. An available dual pane acoustic glass for the side door windows further reduces noise, imparting a sense of calm while driving.

The Q8 e-tron uses the MMI touch response operating system. Its two large high-resolution displays– an upper 10.1-inch and lower 8.6-inch display with haptic touch technology – provide a clean, uncluttered interior design. Beyond operation with the two touch displays, many features can be activated through natural voice control.

On the Prestige trim, a standard head-up display projects critical driving information onto the vehicle’s windscreen. Audi connect services are included as standard, and also includes a six-month trial subscription to a number of Car-to-X Services such as online traffic sign information, hazard alert and on-street parking; the package also includes the traffic light information service for select U.S. cities.

The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron is anticipated to arrive in U.S. showrooms by Summer of 2023 and will be followed by the introduction of the SQ8 e-tron later this year; additional details of the SQ8 will be shared closer to its arrival in U.S. showrooms. The 2024 Q8 e-tron quattro's MSRP is USD 74,400 while the 2023 Q8 Sportback S Line e-tron quattro's MSRP is USD 77,800.