Formally known simply as the e-tron, the fully electric SUV that pioneered Audi’s line of electric vehicles (EV) is now called the Audi Q8 e-tron, and has just been launched in Malaysia. With prices starting from RM397,790, OTR with the Audi Assurance Package (AAP), the new Audi Q8 e-tron is available in two body styles – SUV and Sportback, with each coming with two variants.
This translates to a total of four variants of the Audi Q8 e-tron. This includes the Audi Q8 e-tron Advanced 50 Quattro, Q8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50 Quattro, Q8 e-tron S Line 55 Quattro, and the Q8 Sportback e-tron S Line 55 Quattro.
On the outside, all variants of the Audi Q8 e-tron get LED headlamps and LED combination lamps. The Q8 Sportback e-tron Advanced 50 gets the Black styling package, while the Q8 e-tron S Line 55 and Q8 Sportback e-tron S Line 55 get the brand’s Digital Matrix LED headlamps, virtual side-view mirrors, a panoramic glass sunroof, door entrance LED projector lights.
Wheels-wise, both the SUV and Sportback Q8 e-tron Advanced 50 get a set of 20-inch alloy wheels, but the Sportback variant gets red callipers as extra. The higher-spec Q8 e-tron S Line 55 SUV and Sportback get a set of larger 21-inch alloy wheels.
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Performance-wise, powering the Audi Q8 e-tron Advanced 50 variants are a set of dual motors, paired with a 95 kWh battery. Power is sent to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system, and combined output is rated at 340 hp, while the total torque available is 664 Nm. The 0-100 km/h sprint can be done in under 6.0 seconds, and the top speed for both the Advanced 50 variants is rated at 200 km/h.
As for range, the Audi Q8 e-tron Advanced 50 can achieve up to 410 km of range (WLTP), while the Sportback variant can go slightly further, at up to 415 km (WLTP). Both the Advanced 50 variants are fitted with Audi’s adaptive air suspension.
Charging the Advanced 50 variants can be done via 11 kW (AC), which will take 9.15 hours to fully charge. For even quicker charging speeds, the Q8 e-tron Advanced 50 series can support up to a maximum of 150 kW DC charging. Going from 10% to 80% of charge takes around 31 minutes, and a 10-minute quick charge can provide 123 km of WLTP range.
The higher-spec Audi Q8 e-tron S Line 55 SUV and Sportback variants are also powered by a set of dual motors, but paired with a larger 114 kWh battery. With power sent to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro AWD system, combined output is rated at 408 hp, while total torque is rated at 664 Nm. The century sprint can be achieved in under 5.6 seconds, and the top speed is also rated at 200 km/h.
Range-wise, the Audi Q8 e-tron S Line 55 SUV can carry you as far as 481 km (WLTP), while the Sportback variant can go even further, at up to 487 km (WLTP). The S Line 55 SUV is fitted with Audi’s adaptive air suspension, while the S Line 55 Sportback is fitted with the brand’s Sport adaptive air suspension.
Like the Advanced 50 variants, the S Line 55 variants take 11 kW AC charging as well. A full charge takes 11.30 hours with the 11 kW charger. 22 kW AC charging is also available for the S Line 55 range and can charge to full in six hours.
The 2023 Q8 e-tron S Line 55 and Q8 Sportback e-tron S Line 55 also take DC charging up to 170 kW. Like the Advanced 50 variants, charging the cars from 10% to 80% takes approximately 31 minutes, and a 10-minute quick charge can give up to 123 km of WLTP range.
Inside, all variants of the Audi Q8 e-tron get electrically adjustable leather seats with different configurations depending on the variants. Also included are the leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheels, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit Plus, the brand’s MMI touch response operating system, a set of 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch diagonal displays, and a head-up display. Audi’s Phone Box Light, the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System, and a four-zone climate control system also come as standard.
The Q8 e-tron S Line 55 and Q8 Sportback e-tron S Line 55 both get add-ons such as the S Line interior with red stitchings and stainless steel pedals, S Line seat inlays, and illuminated scuff plates with aluminium inserts. Sports contour flat-bottomed leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles, as well as power-assisted door closing, are also included with the higher-spec Audi Q8 e-tron variants.
Safety-wise, all variants of the Audi Q8 e-tron get the same amount of safety features as standard. This includes 8 airbags, Audi Pre Sense for both front and rear, Adaptive Cruise control (ACC) with speed limiter, efficiency assist, swerve assist, and turn assist, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), as well as Front and Rear Cross Traffic Assist (FCTA & RCTA). For more info on the Audi Q8 e-tron line-up, do check out our 5 Things video!
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