2023 Audi Q8 E-Tron replaces E-Tron electric SUV with increased range

Audi's E-Tron has received a major update, giving it a new name in the process.

The updated mid-size electric SUV was revealed late Tuesday as the 2023 Audi Q8 E-Tron, and is confirmed to reach dealers in the second quarter of 2023 in both regular SUV and coupe-like Q8 Sportback E-Tron guises

The original model is expected to arrive in the second quarter of 2023.

The original E-Tron was introduced in 2019 and met many of the right requirements for EV enthusiasts, but was let down by a low 204-mile range; a 2021 efficiency update increased the range to 222 miles, but rival EVs were by then 300 miles, which was well beyond the range of the previous model.

The Q8 E-Tron ameliorates this problem to some extent. In the U.S., the Q8 E-Tron will come standard with a 106 kwh battery (89 kwh batteries will be offered in other markets) and will have a range of up to 361 miles for a regular SUV and 372 miles for a Sportback, as measured by the WLTP cycle used overseas. These figures would still be about 300 miles under the more stringent EPA cycle.

Charging performance has also been improved. It is now capable of charging at up to 170 kW, and can charge the battery to 10-80% in about 30 minutes.

U.S. grades are expected to include the Q8 55 E-Tron and SQ8 E-Tron with 106 kwh batteries. the Q8 55 E-Tron will feature a dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrain with 402 hp. the SQ8 E-Tron will feature a three-motor all The SQ8 E-Tron has a top speed capped at 130 mph (124 mph for other grades).

While the power figures remain the same as the current E-Tron, tweaks have been made to improve efficiency. For example, some asynchronous motors have 14 coils that generate an electromagnetic field instead of the previous 12. This increases torque but consumes less energy if the extra performance is not needed.

Exterior styling changes are subtle and consist of a new fascia and a number of aerodynamic improvements, including the use of active shutters on the radiator to reduce drag. The Audi logo has also been changed to a flatter design.

Interior changes are even more subtle. New trim materials, greater use of recycled materials, and four-zone climate control have been adopted. The driver is greeted with a digital meter cluster and two additional touch-sensitive screens have been added to the center stack. These control the infotainment system and comfort settings.

As Audi's top-of-the-line model, the Q8 E-Tron is fully equipped with everything. Air suspension, Matrix LED headlights, Bang & Olufsen audio, glass panoramic roof, and wheel sizes up to 22 inches.

Specific details for the U.S. market will be announced closer to market launch next year.

Production of the Q8 E-Tron and Q8 Sportback E-Tron takes place at Audi's plant in Brussels, Belgium. Audi claims that the process is carbon neutral, partly due to the use of renewable energy.

Other Audi EVs planned for the next few years include the Q6 E-Tron, A6 E-Tron, and a production version of last year's Grandsphere concept After 2026, Audi will introduce only EVs. This means that there will be no redesign of the combustion engine Q8.