Audi has taken the covers off its facelifted e-tron SUV models.
The e-tron and e-tron Sportback now have greater battery capacities that give them increased maximum range. They have also been endowed with the Q8 badge to reflect their status as Audi's range-topping and most prestigious electric SUV models.
The Singleframe can be specified in a brighter hue, and is illuminated, too Thus, the models are now known as the Q8 e-tron, Q8 Sportback e-tron, SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron.
Following the update, the Q8 e-tron models feature revised exterior designs. Up front, the Singleframe 'mask' has been widened, and can optionally ordered in other colours - such as aluminium - for a brighter look.
The Singleframe is now also illuminated, a move that also adds light to the brand's four-ring logo. Speaking of lights, the Q8 e-tron can be specified with Digital Matrix LED head lights, whose orientation light function now works on rural roads.
Audi also revised the indicator lights so that they are also reflected on the road when activated.
Q8 e-tron boasts improved aerodynamics, and the model's name is now engraved on the B-pillars At the side, the model's name is laser-engraved on the B-pillars, while at the rear, there's an available S line diffuser and new 'blade' for the rear end.
To help enhance efficiency, the carmaker improved the models' aerodynamics. The Q8 e-tron's drag coefficient was lowered from 0.28 to 0.27, while the Q8 Sportback e-tron's figure went from 0.26 to 0.24.
This was done through the use of optimised air curtains and wheel designs, along with new wheel spoilers. Previously only found on the front axle, they were also added to the rear axle.
Sustainability continues to play a part in the Q8 e-tron's production, with a large portion of recycled materials used in the cabin The updated e-tron range also features sustainable interior components. Recycled materials are used for the Q8 e-tron's insulation, damping and carpeting. The Tech Layer, a decorative inlay above the display, can be specified with a new anthracite-coloured material partially made from recycled PET bottles.
Spec the S line equipment package and the sports seats will be upholstered in synthetic leather and Dinamica. Dinamica is a material that consists of up to 45% recycled polyester fibres.
All furnishings will have optional decorative porous wood veneers such as grainy ash and sycamore. For the S line and edition S line versions, a carbon fibre structure is available.
The larger battery capacities are complemented by the higher charging rates The Q8 50 e-tron sees its net battery capacity rise from 64kWh to 89kWh, increasing its WLTP range from 480km to 500km. The Q8 55 e-tron's battery, on the other hand, sees net capacity go from 86kWh to 104kWh, improving this drivetrain's range from 580km to 600km.
The SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron both utilise the '55' drivetrain. However, given their triple motor setup and increased performance, the drivetrain in this application is only good for 500km.
Complementing the larger battery capacities is the higher charging performance, which was accomplished by optimising the battery management system.
The Q8 50 e-tron and Q8 50 Sportback e-tron can now charge at up to 150kW, up from 120kW previously, while the Q8 55 and Q8 55 Sportback models with the '55' powertrain, on the other hand, can now be charged at up to 170kW instead of 150kW previously.
The electric motors have become more efficient, too, which helps increase the models' range The Q8 e-tron's rear axle motor now features 14 coils instead of 12, which means that a stronger electromagnetic field can be generated using the same electrical input.
However, if extra torque is not required, such a setup has the advantage of lowering consumption and potentially increasing range, since the electric motor needs less electricity than before to generate torque.
To cope with the improved performance, Audi says that the car's electronic stability control 'will allow for even more manoeuvrability in the future.'
For better handling, the progressive steering system was revised to respond quicker than before, with stiffer suspension bearings on the front axle further heightening its responsiveness.
The e-tron and e-tron Sportback now have greater battery capacities that give them increased maximum range. They have also been endowed with the Q8 badge to reflect their status as Audi's range-topping and most prestigious electric SUV models.
Following the update, the Q8 e-tron models feature revised exterior designs. Up front, the Singleframe 'mask' has been widened, and can optionally ordered in other colours - such as aluminium - for a brighter look.
The Singleframe is now also illuminated, a move that also adds light to the brand's four-ring logo. Speaking of lights, the Q8 e-tron can be specified with Digital Matrix LED head lights, whose orientation light function now works on rural roads.
Audi also revised the indicator lights so that they are also reflected on the road when activated.
To help enhance efficiency, the carmaker improved the models' aerodynamics. The Q8 e-tron's drag coefficient was lowered from 0.28 to 0.27, while the Q8 Sportback e-tron's figure went from 0.26 to 0.24.
This was done through the use of optimised air curtains and wheel designs, along with new wheel spoilers. Previously only found on the front axle, they were also added to the rear axle.
Spec the S line equipment package and the sports seats will be upholstered in synthetic leather and Dinamica. Dinamica is a material that consists of up to 45% recycled polyester fibres.
All furnishings will have optional decorative porous wood veneers such as grainy ash and sycamore. For the S line and edition S line versions, a carbon fibre structure is available.
The SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron both utilise the '55' drivetrain. However, given their triple motor setup and increased performance, the drivetrain in this application is only good for 500km.
Complementing the larger battery capacities is the higher charging performance, which was accomplished by optimising the battery management system.
The Q8 50 e-tron and Q8 50 Sportback e-tron can now charge at up to 150kW, up from 120kW previously, while the Q8 55 and Q8 55 Sportback models with the '55' powertrain, on the other hand, can now be charged at up to 170kW instead of 150kW previously.
However, if extra torque is not required, such a setup has the advantage of lowering consumption and potentially increasing range, since the electric motor needs less electricity than before to generate torque.
To cope with the improved performance, Audi says that the car's electronic stability control 'will allow for even more manoeuvrability in the future.'
For better handling, the progressive steering system was revised to respond quicker than before, with stiffer suspension bearings on the front axle further heightening its responsiveness.
