Audi’s naming strategy remains as bewildering as ever with the introduction of the new Q8 e-tron. This isn’t your conventional Q8 with an internal combustion engine. Instead, Audi has given a facelift and a new name to its first electric vehicle, the e-tron SUV from 2019.

Despite its shared name, the Q8 e-tron doesn’t share much with its combustion-engined sibling. Confused? You’re not alone.

Navigating Audi’s evolving electric landscape might require a map and a compass, but one thing’s for certain: this SQ8 e-tron is the big bad wolf of the Q8 e-tron range, even if it has to do so in a rather understated and quintessentially Audi manner.

Aggressive Outside

With its decidedly more aggressive front end, the Audi SQ8 e-tron with its Sportback tapered rear strides ahead as the more fashion-forward sibling in Audi’s latest lineup.

While Mercedes-Benz parades the egg-shaped EQE SUV and BMW presents the polarising iX, the Audi has that distinct business-class flair.

A front grille blends seamlessly into hypnotic headlights and a full-width light bar that demands attention from the rear.

The 22-inch rims add a finishing touch to the ensemble, though they do nibble a bit at the range.

Business Inside

Stepping into the Q8 e-tron, you find yourself enveloped in Audi’s hallmark of premium quality. The interior design eschews flamboyance for functionality, featuring a layout that prioritises logical access to controls and a clutter-free environment.

The usual Audi polish then – crisp, slightly sterile, yet undeniably well-crafted.

Everything from the shut lines to the tactile switchgear speaks of quality, although the haptic touchscreen controls might take a bit of getting used to. Unlike the BMW iX, which flirts with eccentricities, the Audi opts for understatement.

The centre console, though aesthetically pleasing, feels like a missed opportunity for better utility; there’s the deep cubby with cupholders that, while spacious, seems to let smaller items roam freely onto the seats.

Audi has wisely given the HVAC controls their own screen, which means no fumbling through entertainment settings just to adjust the temperature – a relief to those of us not quite sold on the all-digital interaction.

Rear space is quite generous, and while the sloping roofline does not overly encroach on headroom, it’s the SUV that offers a bit more vertical leeway. The middle rear seat, squeezed by the imposing centre console, might not be the best spot for adult comfort on longer journeys.

And all occupants are wrapped in premium Valcona leather, which especially pops in this bright red shade.

Boot space is ample in the Sportback at 528 litres, expanding to 1,567 litres with the seats folded. Plus, there’s a handy 62-litre frunk, perfect for stashing charging cables or keeping your valuables out of sight.

In crafting the Q8 e-tron, Audi has managed to maintain its signature blend of functionality and luxury without veering into the realms of unnecessary innovation that we sometimes see from other brands. This measured approach keeps the Audi faithful coming back for more.

Full Blast Power

Beneath its sculpted exterior, the SQ8 e-tron houses a behemoth 114kWh battery pack snugly fitted under the cabin floor.

It’s powered by not one, not two, but three electric motors, amassing a formidable 496bhp and a staggering 973Nm of torque. While these numbers might not set the world alight compared to the monstrous outputs of some EVs pushing past 600bhp, the real joy of the SQ8 isn’t just in the raw stats but in its drive.

Weighing in at a hefty 2,650kg, the SQ8 e-tron could easily be a lumbering beast, yet it dances almost deftly, defying its mass with each turn.

This agility owes much to an extra motor at the rear axle that not only boosts power but also enhances torque vectoring, allowing for sharper, more responsive handling that feels like it’s bending the laws of physics.

Driving this beast on twisting back roads showcases its prowess. Unlike its standard sibling, the SQ8 feels sprightly, aided by a quickened steering response and a suspension setup that’s taut yet forgiving, ensuring a ride that’s as composed as it is thrilling. The body control is exceptional – carving corners with minimal roll and impacts that are efficiently managed without drama.

What’s more, Audi has rethought the suspension geometry for the ‘S’ model, opting for a firmer setup with wider tyres and more aggressive camber. The result is a ride that might echo the dynamism of a BMW M car rather than the cushy glide typically associated with Audi SUVs. 

Efficiency is where the SQ8 e-tron might raise eyebrows. Achieving only 320km on a full charge under mixed driving conditions (well below the official estimate) and approximately 27.4kWh/100km suggests that this model might be more suited for those with access to a home charger than long-distance travellers reliant on public charging.

Still, if you need a quick juice up, the car is rated for a maximum of 170kW at a suitable DC station, meaning you’ll be on your way in a couple of minutes.

There’s Room For Growth

It’s clear that Audi has upped its game with the Audi SQ8 e-tron, churning out a performance SUV that significantly outshines its predecessor.

Yet, despite its enhanced allure, the SQ8 e-tron still treads the path laid out by the original e-tron, which only found its stride after adopting the Q8 badge. There’s nothing inherently wrong with it, but it does feel a little dated compared to its rivals.

It seems Audi knows this too, possibly casting a wistful eye towards the future even as it rolls out this model. The future is set to ride on Volkswagen’s cutting-edge Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, and Audi is already developing new models with it.

With such a foundation, it’s a fair bet that an even hotter Q8 e-tron will be among them.

Technical Specifications

Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron quattro

Engine: Three Electric Motors
Power: 370 kW (496 bhp)
Torque: 973 Nm
Gearbox: Two-stage planetary gearbox with single gear (A)
0-100km/h: 5.1 seconds (claimed), 4.1 seconds (in Boost mode)
Top Speed: 210 km/h
Battery Capacity: 114 kWh
Drive Range: 471 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 31.2 kWh/100km (claimed)

Price: S$644,810 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Audi Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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The idea of a Coupe SUV has always been an oxymoron. SUVs are not sleek. Never were and will never be, so why try to pretend that it has any sporting intentions, let alone try to look as if it does?

Well, what do I know? Virtually every major car manufacturer has one of these now; an SUV with a raked rear profile and (usually) lowered suspension and (also usually) big wheels.

The Audi Q8 is one such car. Launched in 3.0 TFSI and RS Q8 variants earlier, it now offers an ‘S’ version that sits between the two to complete the range.

So what is it?

It’s a tuned-down, softer version of the RS Q8. You get the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 with about 15% less power. Yet, the SQ8 still pushes out a hefty 500 bhp and 770 Nm of torque.

All that power translates to a century sprint of just 4.1 seconds. Pretty quick for a 2-plus tonne SUV. But we all know speed isn’t everything, and while the SQ8 does go about its duties effortlessly, the weight can be felt when you start to throw it into some sweeping bends and corners.

But most owners of this black Hulk will likely be cruising along lengthy highways than carving corners in a B-road anyway, and the SQ8 does that tremendously well. Audi’s adaptive air suspension allows you to swap modes and experience both Comfort and Dynamic ride characteristics, making it a rather versatile sports SUV; in the former mode, it essentially turns into a larger, taller GT cruiser that will fit four to five adults comfortably on longer drives.

What is it like inside?

Speaking of being comfortable, the interior of the SQ8 is where I feel the car shines. I’ve always appreciated an Audi interior; the SQ8 doesn’t disappoint. A perfect mix of gloss carbon fibre, aluminium trimmings, perforated leather and Valcona leather seats create the ultimate sports-luxe ambience.

Audi’s Virtual Cockpit greets you when you ignite that V8, and the dual-touchscreen panels, already used in many higher-end models in the Audi range, give you access to all the controls.

They’re easy to use once you’re familiar with them, but they continue to irritate me as they leave fingerprints all over the surface.

As expected with a car of this positioning (and price), wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.

Get round to the back, and while this Coupe SUV loses the flexibility of an additional row (like the Q7 has), it does have a sizeable boot at 605 litres, which increases to 1,755 litres with the rear backrests folded down.

Hmmm, not sure about the exterior, though.

Looks-wise, the SQ8 is one of those cars that will take time to grow on you. My first experience with the Q8 was similar. It started with a ‘why’ before it turned into a ‘wow’. As with most things visual, it’s subjective.

In the exterior design department, personally, the Porsche Cayenne Coupe does the whole Coupe SUV best. Next in line would be the GLC Coupe – but the Q8 doesn’t fall that far behind. However, the BMW X4 and X6 still have some way to go in that area.

For now, this is the most potent Q8 you can buy. It does offer quite a lot of car (literally) in one massive package. It looks (reasonably) good, sounds great, goes quick and delivers on both the practical and luxury fronts as well.

But yet, it also feels neither here nor there, much like the dilemma many top-tier Audi models face.

For me? It’s an RS6 all freakin’ day.

Technical Specifications

Audi SQ8 4.0 TFSI 
Engine: 4.0 litre Twin Turbocharged V8
Power: 373kW (500bhp)
Torque: 770Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed Tiptronic (A)
0-100km/h: 4.1 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 250km/h
Price: S$598,000 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Audi Singapore

Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@joel_tam)

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Most people would have forgotten by now that the original Audi e-tron launched way back in 2018, buried in the EV avalanche. A good pool of manufacturers has released new EVs since then, burying Audi’s electric SUV into the pages of obscurity. 

Of course, it was only a matter of time before a new e-tron update was revealed, and here it is, and it’s back with a vengeance. The new model is now been renamed the Audi Q8 e-tron, making it easier to differentiate from its older brethren.

With its new name, the Q8 e-tron is now denoted as the electric counterpart to the standard Audi Q8 SUV. Fear not if you’re not too keen on the boxy SUV body shape, as prospective buyers can also get it in the sexier coupe-SUV Q8 Sportback e-tron form, which is in the pipeline.

So what’s new?

A new grille with hexagonal slots sits front and centre, padded by new grille surrounds and new digital LED matrix headlamps. The rear bumper has also been sculpted more voluptuously.

The new bodywork has also improved the aerodynamics of the Q8 e-tron, dropping the drag coefficients of both the Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback to Cd 0.26 – 0.24 in the Sportback and Cd 0.28 – 0.27 in the regular Q8 e-tron. Pretty remarkable for a lumbering SUV.

Unfortunately, interior details have not yet been revealed yet, but we are guessing the Q8 e-tron will follow a similar design language to the current Audi e-tron GT.

Yes, it has a battery. A huge one.

Three motor variants will be available for the new Audi Q8 e-tron. Entry point to the range starts with the Q8 50 e-tron, which houses a 95kWh battery and twin-motor all-wheel drive. Peak power output sits at 335bhp, or 250kW, and a range good for up to 491km (WLTP). 

Spring for the more powerful Audi Q8 55 e-tron, and power jumps to 402bhp, or 300kW. Crucially, a higher capacity 114kWh battery is fitted as standard, allowing for a total range of up to 600km (WLTP). This puts it in firing range of the Mercedes-EQ EQS 450+, which is currently the top dog in terms of EV range you can buy in Singapore, at the time of writing. 

But, if you really want to be the fastest SUV, or by extension EV, on the block, then the Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron may be up your alley. Both feature three electric motors touting a combined power output of 496bhp, or 365kW. Not that impressive? Well, couple that with 973Nm. There you go. Shame that the top speed is electronically limited to only 210km/h. Total range for the SQ8 Sportback e-tron is rated at up to 513km (WLTP). 

Major EV improvements all round

Fast charging is even faster in both Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron variants, thanks to charge rates of up to 170kW. This equates to a 10 to 80 per cent charge in just 31 minutes. While not necessarily the runt of the litter, the base model Q8 e-tron has to make do with just 150kW on tap.

For trickle overnight charging, all Q8 e-tron variants will accept 11kW AC charging, with faster 22kW AC power also available.

The new e-tron is able to push more torque out thanks to more coil windings in the motors. The original e-tron SUV had 12 coils around the individual motor rotors, and this new version increases this to 14 coils. The extra windings enable more torque, plus it draws less power when the car is cruising at constant speeds. More powerful and efficient at the same time? Win-win!

Ride height can also be altered thanks to standard-fit air suspension, which can alter the car’s height by up to 76mm depending on the driving mode. Other notable updates include revised progressive steering, giving it a more direct and quicker input while driving. 

It’s coming really soon

The Audi Q8 e-tron is expected to arrive in Singapore beginning in the second half of 2023. Prices have not yet been released at the time of writing.

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