Audi’s merely named e-tron SUV was the posh model’s first EV toe within the water, however what to do when your increasing electrical automobile line-up all characteristic that e-tron badge?
Simplify issues by killing it off, that’s what.
Then introduce a brand new massive SUV with extra acquainted Q8 nameplate, and bung 55 e-tron after it to indicate this because the model’s flagship electrical SUV.
From launch, Australia will get solely the 55 mannequin, however cheaper Q8 50 and sportier SQ8 e-trons comply with subsequent yr to spice up the vary. Each wagon-backed SUV and costlier Sportback our bodies can be found for these 5 seaters.
Chief rivals are the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, because the status German EV stoush bubbles alongside properly.
What does the Audi Q8 55 e-tron price and what options do you get?
Till the cheaper Q8 50 e-tron lands, the Q8 55 e-tron’s a costlier proposition than the BMW iX (from $130,900) and Benz EQE (from $134,900).
The wagon-backed model is $153,900 plus on-roads, whereas a higher-spec Launch Version of the identical and a sleeker Sportback mannequin are each $165,900 plus prices.
A sweetener from the get-go are six years of free public charging (Chargefox), six years scheduled servicing and 6 years roadside help. Audi even come and match a primary house charger so that you can boot.
Normal package is beneficiant. The entry-level mannequin will get 20-inch alloys, adaptive air suspension, LED headlights, rear dynamic indicators, aluminium roof rails, keyless entry and begin, fake leather-based trim, energy heated entrance seats, electrical tailgate, 12.3-inch infotainment display, 12.3-inch digital cockpit, wi-fi Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wi-fi telephone charger, head up show and a 3 yr subscription to Audi Join Plus.
The wagon back-only Launch Version provides 21-inch black metallic wheels, S line bumpers, black exterior styling pack, black roof rails, S Sport entrance seats in Valcona leather-based, diamond distinction stitching, color inside lighting package deal, Sport steering wheel and chrome steel pedals. It seems to be correctly sporty with crimson physique over black rims.
Extras above the conventional wagon for the Sportback model are 21-inch alloys, Valcona leather-based Sport seats and four-zone local weather management. Plus that coupe-like physique.
Possibly the sleeker styling of the Sportback is your aesthetic bag, nevertheless it does compromise rear head area a bit. For a similar cash the wagon with Launch Version package seems to be the choose. The black wheels actually add some much-needed toughness to the automotive, and it feels an expensive step up inside.
Audi don’t miss you with choices. It’s $6900 for a 22kWh on-board charger, $3400 for a glass sunroof and $3500 for ‘digital’ mirrors the place screens and cameras substitute aspect mirrors. Don’t do it – they’re an pointless frustration that don’t enhance on glass.
It’s an additional $2300 to dive into metallic paint colors. This feels steep, however upgrading to a B&O 3D sound system for $1750 seems to be extra bargainous. It truly is a pumping system, and with the Q8’s general cabin hush you may go full live performance corridor expertise.
Regardless of the Q8 e-tron’s measurement it’s only a 5 seater. Rear head room’s wonderful, however leg room’s stingier than anticipated. The again seats don’t recline, sadly, however materials high quality stays wonderful for these within the second row.
Practicality smart, it’s a protracted however not particularly deep boot, providing 569L (wagon) and 528L (Sportback).
What’s powering the Audi Q8 55 e-tron?
A monster of a battery, that’s what. It’s a hefty 114kWh unit (106kWh usable), trumping the BMW iX xDrive50’s 112kWh effort.
However whereas the Bimmer can handle 549km WLTP vary, the Q8 55 e-tron falls quick with 454km WLTP.
When you think about an entry-level Tesla Mannequin 3 claims 513km with a battery round half the dimensions of the Q8 e-tron’s, you may effectively think about this SUV is sort of the vitality gobbler.
Official consumption is 25.6kWh/100km, and our assorted take a look at returned simply over 26kWh/100km. Our first 60km registered effectively over 30, then dropped impressively to the late teenagers. Hills made a mighty distinction to consumption, it appears.
However cling on. When these Q8 e-trons have been first introduced, a variety of round 600km was mooted. What occurred?
Since then, Audi’s ditched the overly-optimistic NEDC vary take a look at, and settled on the extra real-world WLTP measure. However, fairly daftly, its vary is quoted as a ‘worst case situation’ utilizing 22-inch wheels. I’ve no thought why, as 22s are solely non-compulsory match – as commonplace the Q8 SUV rides on 20s, and Sportback and Launch Editions on 21s.
Bigger rims are massively detrimental to electrical vary – Hyundai, for instance, informed me the distinction between the 18-inch and 20-inch rims on its Ioniq 6 penalised vary by round ten per cent. Audi Australia didn’t know the vary distinction the smaller wheels make to vary.
There’s an electrical motor over every axle, combining to ship 300kW and 664Nm. With a lift mode enabled, that hauls the Q8 e-tron to 100km/h in an all-you-need-for-a-family-SUV 5.6-seconds. With enhance off, it’s a nonetheless fast 6.5 seconds to hit the ton.
What’s charging like for the Audi Q8 55 e-tron?
Over the outgoing e-tron, the Q8 e-tron’s most DC charging efficiency is up by 20kW to 170kW.
Audi quotes the ten % to 80 % battery recharge time at roughly 31 minutes.
It comes commonplace with a 7.2kW charging system, with AC ports handily on either side of the automobile. No embarrassing clamber out of the automotive to verify which aspect the cost port is.
Being such an enormous battery, you may price possibility ($6900) 22kW charging functionality, giving an empty to full battery in round six hours.
Whereas most homeowners will house cost the vast majority of the time, it’s an honest bonus snaring a free six yr subscription to the Chargefox public charging community, together with its ultra-rapid chargers powered by 100% renewable vitality.
Hitting 80 per cent cost within the time it takes to take pleasure in a espresso, sandwich and roadside stretch provides you with the nice and cozy and fuzzies.
How does the Audi Q8 55 e-tron drive?
It’s quick on outright thrills, however good grief it is a competent, polished and splendid factor to dwell with.
The air suspension (with a journey peak adjustment vary of 76mm) and 7 totally different drive modes give wonderful bandwidth to optimise the drive for outright pillowy consolation, or for a firmer, sharper really feel.
Regardless of these huge rims (journey high quality stays soft even on the bigger 21-inch wheels), the Q8 e-tron makes quick work of absorbing crummy surfaces and bumps. Barely a peep from the motors (accurately) and wonderful cabin insulation lock in a serene journey expertise.
Present it a clean freeway, drop the suspension to its lowest peak (in Dynamic mode) and it’s fairly limo-like, particularly within the plush surrounds of Valcona leather-based on the pricier fashions.
Discover some corners and put the shoe in and it handles and turns in effectively, however you actually really feel the load – over 2500kg earlier than passengers – and sit too loftily for it ever to really feel correctly sporty.
Efficiency is, to my thoughts, spot on for this sort of automobile. It’s fast, definitely, however refuses to sacrifice linear smoothness for outright head-pinning acceleration.
It feels confidently succesful when pinning the throttle, with prompt response and enduring surge whereas feeling impressively steady and composed.
Regeneration is accessed by steering wheel paddles, and doesn’t spoil the serenity by being too robust. It doesn’t come to a whole cease by pulling on a paddle, however in case you interact site visitors jam help it well follows the automotive in entrance to permit all ft off driving – wonderful when enduring rush hour.
Brake pedal really feel is unnatural at instances – nothing uncommon there for an EV – whereas Audi’s lane centring driver help is a bit over-zealous, continuously pulling and making little changes on lengthy corners. It appears wholly pointless, ruining the smoothness, so we discovered ourselves at all times turning it off.
One other minor grumble is having local weather management by a display. It’s fiddlier than correct dials and knobs, and the display wants a very good prod earlier than it responds with haptic suggestions. It’s not preferrred whenever you’re on a bouncy or twisty highway.
What’s the possession of the Audi Q8 55 e-tron like?
There’s a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, whereas the battery is roofed for the standard eight years or 160,000kms.
You’ll want to go to the service centre each 24 months or 30,000kms, however Audi’s supplying you with six years free right here, together with six years of roadside help. In case you’re planning lengthy distances, it’s an honest possession proposition.
The Audi Q8 55 e-tron verdict
It’s dear subsequent to its BMW and Benz rivals, heavy, and its electrical vary is suitable fairly than distinctive.
However the Q8 55 e-tron’s silky clean drive and splendid, good, and tech-filled cabin are robust promoting factors, aided by the potential for six years of zero greenback working prices.
If the incoming (in 2024) Q8 50 higher worth matches entry-level BMW iXs and Mercedes EQEs, this huge Audi will look a extra interesting prospect. The SQ8 e-tron additionally due then will push it onto the purchasing listing of these demanding their EVs can go warp velocity.
For now, the Q5 55 e-tron Launch Version seems to be the choose when it comes to full-on luxurious, lush drive expertise, sensible physique and glossy, sporty beauty.
Audi Q8 55 e-tron rating:
3/5
Audi Q8 55 e-tron specs
Battery and motors
114kWh (106kWh usable) Lithium-ion battery
Max energy: 300kW
Max torque: 664Nm
Twin motor, all-wheel-drive
2-stage planetary gearbox with a single gear
WLTP vary: 454km
Energy consumption: 25.6kWh/100km
Charging
170kW DC charging (10-80% approx 31mins)
7.4kW Wallbox (0-100% 690 minutes)
170kW max charging capability
DIMENSIONS
Size: 4915mm
Width: 2189mm
Top: 1633mm
Wheelbase: 2928mm
Boot area: 569L to 1637L
Weight: 2520kg