The year was 2019 when Audi launched its first mass-produced electric car, the e-Tron. This E-segment SUV, which is also available with a “coupé” (Sportback) type body, could see its commercial name modified with the arrival of its imminent restyling, scheduled for the end of 2022.
The renewed model will be called the Q8 e-Tron, following the nomenclature system used in the rest of the Audi range. Thus, the German manufacturer’s electric SUV offer will be perfectly staggered with three models: the already known Q4 e-Tron, the Q6 e-Tron (2023), and the Q8 e-Tron that concerns us today.
It is interesting to note that these vehicles will use three completely different platforms: the Q4 e-Tron sits on top of the MEB already seen in models like the Volkswagen ID.4; the Q6 e-Tron will debut the advanced PPE, developed jointly with Porsche; and the Q8 e-Tron will continue to rely on an adapted version of the thermal MLB Evo.
As can be seen from the spy photos taken during the vehicle’s winter tests, its design will not change much; not surprisingly, it has barely had time to age (at least aesthetically). However, some elements such as the headlights (more stylized) and the Singleframe grille (smaller) will be modified to adapt their design language to the latest releases of the brand.
The Audi Q8 e-Tron will exceed 600 kilometers of autonomy
However, most of the changes will be concentrated in the mechanical section, since the current 95 kWh battery (which provides a maximum autonomy of 436 km WLTP to thee-Tron and 446 km WLTP to the e-Tron Sportback) will give way to a new 110 kWh pack that will allow both models to overcome the 600 km WLTP barrier.
The vehicle’s powertrain will also be more efficient, while the charging system will be updated (currently reaching a peak power of 150 kW in direct current). Still, it’s unlikely to adopt an 800-volt electrical system like thee-Tron GT and e-Tron Q6, as it would require too many modifications.
The Q8 e-Tron will last on the market until 2026, the year in which its direct replacement will be launched. Although this model will retain the trade name Q8 e-Tron, it will be completely new, larger, and more technologically advanced. It is not yet clear if it will be based on the PPE platform or if, on the contrary, it will make use of the future SSP, scheduled for that same year.
