First Look: 2023 Audi Q8 E-Tron line up

German marque Audi has refreshed its groundbreaking E-Tron electric SUV model for 2023 by renaming the range as the Q8 E-Tron. This was meant to clearly define this offering as the four-ringed marque’s flagship electric SUV model to customers.

The range features a traditional SUV-styled Q8 E-Tron and a sportier Q8 Sportback E-Tron twin, the latter featuring Audi’s signature and sporty, coupe-like swooping roofline. Above them as well sits the more powerful SQ8 E-Tron, which also can be had in either standard SUV or Sportback body styles.

Common styling changes in both include a restyled front fascia sporting a new grille with electric shutters and illumination, as well as restyled headlamps. Tweaked too are the underbody’s wheel spoilers, with the ones in front of the standard Q8 E-Tron now enlarged. These aero elements are primed in the Q8 Sportback E-Tron’s front and rear too, whereas the SQ8 Sportback E-Tron only has them at the back.

Of course, these aerodynamic tweaks didn’t just jazz up this electric SUV’s styling, they also brought forth enhanced aerodynamic efficiencies across all bodies compared to the E-Tron models it succeeds. Drag coefficient ratings now reads at 0.27 for the Q8 E-Tron (down from 0.28 previously) and 0.24 in the Sportback (down from 0.26 prior).

Underneath, the Q8 E-Tron sees the options for two battery capacities and three powertrain setups available. Starting with the Q8 50 E-Tron and Sportback, there’s a motor primed on each axle delivering up to 335 HP (250 kW)  in Boost mode plus 664 NM of twist. Primed with an 89 kWh battery pack, the standard-bodied variant offers a total driving range of 491 KM whilst the Sportback edges that further to 505 KM instead.

Slotted above that are the Q8 55 E-Tron and Sportback variants, which boasts a higher 402 HP (300 kW) rating in Boost mode whereas torque remains the same at 664 NM. These variants also get a larger 104 kWh battery pack, which in turn provides up to 582 KM in range in the standard-bodied SUV form, whilst the more aerodynamic Sportback twin edges that further to 600 KM.

Added pep in the SQ8 E-Tron and its Sportback counterpart stems from having a tri-motor setup – one on the front axle and two at the rear – that delivers 496 HP (370 kW) and 973 NM. Said motors are juiced by a 104-kWh battery as well, offering up to 494 KM in range in standard SUV form. The Sportback version of which, on the other hand, pushes range further up to 513 KM instead.

As for performance, the SQ8 E-Tron duo stands fastest in the range thanks to their ability at despatching 0-100 KM/H in just 4.5 seconds whilst enroute towards an electronically-governed V-Max of 210 KM/H. The mid-spec 55 E-Tron duo sees their century sprint times read at 5.6 seconds, whereas the base 50 E-Tron variants does the same in a slightly slower 6.0 seconds. Additionally, both the 50 and 55 spec variants share the same electronically-governed 200 KM/H V-Max.

Powertrain aside, the Q8 E-Tron range sees all variants riding on Audi’s air suspension system that can alter the ride height by up to 76 MM. To match this, Audi also tweaked the steering ratio for quicker turn responses.

On board, the cabin sees slight changes as well. Up front are three high-res screens that consist of a 10.1-inch infotainment touschreen unit plus an 8.6-inch unit for the HVAC control on top of the digital instrument panel for drivers. Notably, a head-up display (HUD) is available as an option and, for markets that allow, side-mirrors will be replaced with rear-facing side cameras accompanied with their respective displays primed on each side.

Beyond that comes a host of premium amenities such as a panoramic glass roof with black-out sun shade, dual-zone automatic climate control with a quad-zone setup available as an option, as are massage functions for the front seats. Notably, the posh and tech-laden cabin now boasts EU and US net-carbon-neutral certifications thanks to insulation, sound-damping and carpets made from recycled materials.

On the driver assistance front, the Q8 E-Tron sees the addition of a new remote parking system feature too.  Effectively, this allows customers to control the tech from a smartphone without being in the car. 

Lastly, in terms of market availability, Audi says the refreshed 2023 Audi Q8 E-Tron line-up will enter both the German and European market first at the end of February 2023, followed by the US at the end of April 2023. Entry into other markets is expected to follow suit after that.

Check out more images of the new 2023 Audi Q8 E-Tron range in the extensive gallery prepared below.