Audi has launched the Q8 e-tron in India. Prices start at Rs 1.14 crore for the SUV and Rs 1.18 crore for the Sportback (prices ex-showroom. The Q8 e-tron is essentially a facelift of what was previously known as the e-tron. Both the SUV and the Sportback are available in two trims – 50 and 55 – with a maximum range of up to 600km on the WLTP cycle. Bookings for the Q8 e-tron are underway for a token amount of Rs 5 lakh.
While the name has been changed from e-tron to Q8 e-tron to simplify the model lineup, Audi has not done a lot when it comes to exterior styling. There is a new mesh design for the grille, as well as an LED bar which runs the width of the nose. This also features the brand’s new 2D logo. The front and the rear bumper have been reprofiled. The 20-inch alloys now come with a new design.
Changes to the cabin are even less than the exterior. The Q8 e-tron uses a dual-screen setup with a 10.1-inch display and an 8.6-inch display in the centre for the infotainment and climate control/seat ventilation settings respectively. The car features a fully digital instrument panel, a 16-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control and a 360-degree camera.
The biggest changes to the car are under the skin though. This is mainly the battery which has now grown to 114kWh in the 55 variant. The smaller battery is now a 95kWh pack, up from 71kWh. The Q8 e-tron 55 gets a dual-motor setup with 408bhp and 340bhp in the Q8 e-tron 50.
Given the fact that the Sportback is more aerodynamic, it comes with a claimed range of 600km for the Q8 e-tron Sportback 55 and 505km for the Q8 e-tron Sportback 50. The Q8 e-tron SUV gets a slightly lower range, claimed at 491km and 582km for the 50 and 55 respectively.
Audi is providing a 22kW AC charger with the Q8 e-tron, while the cars come with support for 170kW DC fast charging. The Q8 e-tron competes against the BMW iX and the Jaguar i-Pace.
