Audi SQ8 E-tron – Electric Car Review

Overview – Audi SQ8 E-tron

The 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron Sportback are two new electric vehicle (EV) models introduced to the Audi lineup for the 2024 model year. The updated flagship electric SUV, the SQ8 e-tron, replaces their previous model, the e-tron. The new model is available in two body styles, a standard SUV and a Sportback coupe. The car is powered by three electric motors and produces 496bhp and 717lb ft of torque, with a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.

Based on the comfort-oriented Q8 e-tron SUV, the SQ8 e-tron duo offer a sportier look and higher power output, with a 106-kWh battery pack. It can be charged quickly via a DC fast-charging station and will likely offer around 240 miles of range. As with all of Audi’s EV models, the SQ8 e-tron comes with the brand’s latest tech, including the Virtual Cockpit digital gauges, touchscreen infotainment with Wi-Fi connectivity, and a suite of driver-assistance features.

The “Q8” rebranding possibly hints at the automaker’s future nomenclature. This latest model boasts noteworthy design updates, such as a single-frame “mask,” an E-Tron-branded rear diffuser, and innovative lighting elements. These enhancements also significantly improve aerodynamics, reducing the coefficient of drag by around eight percent.

Audi SQ8 E-tron – Energy And Carbon Efficiency

It also has brake harvesting technology, which allows it to harvest electricity for a longer period of time. Unfortunately the Audi SQ8 e-tron has a pretty high carbon emissions figure when compared to other cars, at 143 gCO2/mi.

This is significantly higher than the other vehicles, such as the Volkswagen ID5, which has a figure of 92 gCO2/mi. This means that the Audi SQ8 e-tron produces around 50% more carbon emissions than the VW and around 35% more than the Hyundai IONIQ 6. This suggests that while the Audi SQ8 e-tron is a powerful and luxurious car, it is not the most efficient in terms of carbon emissions.

EV Engine, Power And Performance

The SQ8 e-tron’s three-motor electric powertrain with one on each rear wheel and one on the front axle produces 496 horsepower and is estimated to reach 60 mph in around four seconds. It also features torque vectoring, which allows more power to be sent to the outside rear wheel when cornering, allowing for more control and stability.

The handling is confident and relatively athletic in normal driving, but it doesn’t quite match the crisp responses of other S-branded Audi models. The coupe version is slightly more efficient due to its more aerodynamic shape.

Interior Comfort And Cargo Dimensions

The interior of the SQ8 e-tron is spacious and quiet, with leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and heated front and rear seats. It also features a power-operated rear liftgate and a power-adjustable steering column. Cargo dimensions include a total interior volume of 84.3 cubic feet and a maximum cargo capacity of 56.1 cubic feet.

The Q8 e-tron has a new Audi badge, which is a plastic piece with the Audi logo. It also has heated front seats, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, four-zone climate control, LED headlights, and 21in or 22in alloy wheels depending on the model. The SUV has a total cargo capacity of 33 cubic feet, while the coupe has a total cargo capacity of 23 cubic feet.

Infotainment, Tech And Connectivity

The SQ8 e-tron is equipped with two high-resolution screens, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display mounted into the dashboard and a smaller 8.6-inch display connecting the dash to the center console. It also features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-dash navigation, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a Bang & Olufsen stereo system, four-zone climate control, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot

The SQ8 e-tron has a variety of tech and connectivity features, such as digital door mirrors, high-tech safety equipment, power-closing doors, and a panoramic roof.

Safety Features

The SQ8 e-tron comes with a full suite of driver-assistance features, including automated emergency braking, LED headlights, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering.

The SQ8 e-tron has a variety of safety features, such as high-tech safety equipment,, and power-closing doors.

Warranty Information

The Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron Sportback offer a limited warranty of four years or 50,000 miles, and a powertrain warranty of four years or 50,000 miles. The electric components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles, but there is no complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Final Thoughts

The SQ8 e-tron offers a powerful electric powertrain and a luxurious interior, but its shorter driving range makes it less attractive than key competitors. Still, it is a great addition to the Audi lineup and should offer a great driving experience for those who want a bit more performance from their EV.

It is not the most efficient electric car weighing in at 2.7 tonnes, making it quite heavy. It is best suited for those who are looking for a car to cruise in, rather than one that is particularly sporty.

Technical Specifications