Audi e-tron & e-tron Sportback

The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron offers big EPA improvement

Audi is trying to steal the spotlight with its 2024 Q8 e-tron and its sportier sibling, the Q8 e-tron Sportback. After official data dropped from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the specifications for these all-new models have now been confirmed. Sure, they are flashy and give you more mileage, but let's cut through the glitz and glam for a moment. Are they truly as groundbreaking as Audi wants us to believe?

First off, you might want to forget the older Audi e-tron. The 2024 Q8 e-tron series arrives with a 114-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack (106 kWh usable), which is a considerable step up from the e-tron's 95 kWh. And in simple terms? That's a lot more juice for your road trips—specifically a 20% increase in total capacity. But let's not roll out the red carpet just yet; the main feature is more storage, not exactly technological innovation.

 
The Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar is a special EV SUV with chunky tyres

Audi uses Dakar Rally involvement to spin off a special Q8 e-tron, fits a roof rack

The 2024 Dakar Rally kicks off in a couple of days and Audi will be hoping that its range-extending RS Q e-tron can improve on its debut performance in 2022, where Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist finished ninth in class.

It’ll also be hoping that its involvement can sell a few road cars, because it has now revealed a special edition to celebrate the world’s toughest off-road rally.

Unfortunately, this isn’t some homologation special RS Q e-tron with numberplates. The ‘Edition Dakar’ is based on a Q8 55 e-tron quattro, which (for those that haven’t got to grips with the ludicrous naming system) is Audi’s biggest electric SUV with a 106kWh battery and twin electric motors producing 402bhp and 490lb ft of torque.

You won’t be surprised to hear that the powertrain has remained completely standard for the Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar, then. Audi reckons you’ll get 280 miles of range and a 0-62mph sprint of 5.9 seconds out of it though, which seems acceptable.

 
Audi introduces Q8 e-tron edition Dakar

In a move that blends style with rugged capability, Audi introduced the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar, an electric SUV inspired by the world-renowned Dakar Rally. This off-road-ready vehicle boasts increased ground clearance, striking design elements, and a powerful drivetrain for those who crave adventure beyond the asphalt.

The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar has its ground clearance raised by 31 mm and is fitted with General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires that promise to improve acceleration and braking on loose surfaces.

Built on the Q8 e-tron 55, powered by its 106 kWh net battery (114 kWh gross) and its drivetrain with two motors, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar delivers 300 kW in boost mode, propelling it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds. The WLTP-certified range of up to 487 km promises that this electric SUV is not just about performance but also practicality for everyday use.

Available in just three colors - Siam Beige metallic, Mythos Black metallic, and Magnetic Gray - the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar stands out with its distinctive exterior. The widened wheel arches give it a confident stance, while optional decals inspired by the legendary RS Q e-tron add a touch of exclusivity. Limited to 99 units, these wrapped models also feature frosted lettering on the D-pillar indicating the serial number.


 
Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition

The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is based on a Q8 advanced 55 e-tron quattro. The net battery size is 106 kWh (gross: 114 kWh) and the quattro drivetrain, with its two motors, delivers 300 kW in boost mode with a torque of 664 Nm. This means the vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.8 seconds with the standard tires. With the General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires, the car reaches 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The range according to the WLTP is up to 487 kilometers. The top speed is limited to 200 km/h (124 mph).

Compared to the base model, the electric SUV with General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires has 31 millimeters higher ground clearance and is designed for better handling on loose surfaces such as gravel or snow. In the base setting, the vehicle has a ground clearance of 206 millimeters. At higher speeds, the vehicle gradually lowers - by 15 millimeters at 85 km/h (53 mph), 17 millimeters at 100 km/h (62 mph), and 13 millimeters at 120 km/h (75 mph). This optimizes driving stability at high speeds for improved aerodynamics and range. In conjunction with the front angle of approach of 20 degrees and the rear angle of approach of 26 degrees, the electric SUV is well prepared to tackle light off-road terrain. The vehicle has a ramp angle of 19 degrees.

 
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