Same but different! Audi's first all-electric model gets a makeover and a new name - Q8 e-tron

Audi has lifted the lid on its Q8 e-tron, which is a heavily revised version of the e-tron electric SUV with a new name.

As reported, Audi is switching up its confusing naming strategy for electrified vehicles where previously e-tron was used for plug-in hybrids and its flagship electric SUV. The renaming to Q8 e-tron brings it into line with the Q4 e-tron and upcoming Q6 e-tron and, according to Audi, signifies the Q8 e-tron as the top model among the brand’s electric SUV line-up.

As part of the update, the Q8 e-tron gets a bit of a makeover, but retains most of the design elements of the e-tron that went on sale in Australia in late 2020, about two years after its global reveal.

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Changes over the e-tron include a new two-dimensional Audi badge, new model badging on the B-pillar and an illuminated badge on the front grille.

Speaking of, Audi’s ‘Singleframe’ grille gets a tweak and it is offered in body colour on S line grades. Further changes include new front lighting signatures.

Aerodynamics is improved thanks to the inclusion of wheel spoilers mounted on the underbody, and a self-sealing system around the grille as well as electric shutters that close the radiator automatically.

Inside the Q8 e-tron comes with a pair of vertically mounted digital touchscreens - 10.1 inch and 8.6 inch - which house most of the functions of the car. This is paired with Audi’s ‘virtual cockpit’ digital instrument cluster.

Audi is using recycled and sustainably sourced materials like PET recycled bottles and other mixed automotive plastic waste in the interior for some of the carpets, insulation and damping.

Like the e-tron, the Q8 e-tron will continue to be offered in more traditional SUV body style, as well as coupe-style Sportback, in 50 and 55 guise, as well as the SQ8 e-tron which replaces the e-tron S.

All Q8 e-tron variants are all-wheel drive. The Q8 50 e-tron pumps out 250kW/664Nm and provide a driving range of 491km for the SUV and 505km for the Sportback.

The 55 e-tron ups those figures to 300kW/664Nm and can drive for 582km (SUV) and up to 600km (Sportback).

At the top of the tree is the SQ8 e-tron that has three motors and pumps out 370kW/973Nm for a driving range 494km (SUV) and 513km (Sportback).

It does get a boost in battery capacity too, with the 50 now at 95kWh (up from 71kWh), while the 55 and SQ8 are up from 95 to 106kWh.

Maximum charging capacity using an ultra-rapid charger is 150kW for the 50 and 170kW for the 55 and SQ8, meaning the latter can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent battery capacity in about 31 minutes using the aforementioned charger.

Currently, Australian pricing ranges from $138,323 before on-road costs for the e-tron 50 SUV and it tops out at $173,823 for the e-tron S Sportback.

While the Q8 e-tron will start rolling into dealerships in Europe from March next year, Australian timing is unclear, however CarsGuide has contacted Audi Australia to confirm timing.

Other similarly sized premium electric SUVs include the BMW iX, upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQE, Jaguar I-Pace, and the Tesla Model X that is still on hold for Australia.