Audi prices up facelifted Q8 e-tron SUV

14 November 2022

The Audi e-tron has been renamed the ‘Q8 e-tron’, as part of a midlife facelift that introduces minor exterior and interior design changes and battery improvements that increase the SUV’s range. The updated model line is now on sale.

First launched in the UK back in early 2019, the Audi e-tron was the German manufacturer’s first production electric car. Going on sale in the UK this month, Audi is hoping that the Q8 e-tron will be able to challenge the sales of newer large all-electric SUVs like the BMW iX, as well as the Tesla Model Y, which currently occupies a place in the UK’s best-seller’s list.

Like the current e-tron range, the Q8 e-tron will be offered in the regular SUV and ‘Sportback’ coupé-SUV body styles, which both come with drivetrain upgrades and styling tweaks.

The range of trim grades on offer is unchanged, consisting of the entry-level ’50’ model, the mid-range ’55’ and the top-spec ‘S’ trim – all of these variants being four-wheel drive.

The Audi Q8 e-tron range – Sportback model (left) and SUV model (right)

The standard SUV is powered by a 89kWh battery, while the more powerful ’55’ and ‘S’ trims make use of a larger 106kWh battery. ’50’ and ’55’ Q8 e-tron models pair the battery with two electric motors, while the ‘S’ is fitted with three electric motors, which boosts the range-topping model’s power output and top speed.

Trim grade	Battery size	Electric motors	Power output	Top speed	Battery range
Q8 e-tron ’50’	89kWh	Two (one in front, one in rear)	340hp	124mph	281 miles (290 miles for Sportback)
Q8 e-tron ’55’	106kWh	Two (one in front, one in rear)	408hp	124mph	330 miles (343 miles for Sportback)
Q8 e-tron ‘S’	106kWh	Three (one in front, two in rear)	503hp	130mph	284 miles (295 miles for Sportback)

When it comes to battery range, the middling ’55’ option can travel the furthest on a single charge – Audi promising a range of 330 miles in SUV guise. Prior to this facelift, the Audi e-tron offered a maximum battery range of 252 miles.

Due to its sloping roofline that improves aerodynamics, Audi claims that Sportback models are more efficient than SUV variants across each trim level, asserting that the ’55’ Sportback can muster a range-leading 343 miles on a full battery.

The manufacturer says that 89kWh models can charge from 10% to 80% in 28 minutes, while 106kWh models can complete this task in 31 minutes.

Exterior styling changes include a new-look front grille that is enclosed by black inserts and re-designed chevron-shaped air intakes on the lower front bumper. While the Matrix LED headlights are the same shape, they come with additional functions, including an orientation light for country roads and a lane light with a direction indicator.

Stepping inside, the cabin looks largely the same post-update, but Audi say that the updated e-tron now features insulation and damping and carpeting made of recycled materials. Parts of the dashboard can be specced in a material made out of recycled plastic bottles too.

Key trim level features

Entry-level ‘Sport’ (from £67,800)

20-inch alloy wheels finished in grey
Adaptive air suspension
Matrix LED headlights
LED rear lights
Power-operated tailgate
Keyless entry
Electrically adjustable and heated front seats
Leather upholstery
Four-spoke leather steering wheel
Ten-inch infotainment display compatible with navigation
Lower nine-inch touch screen display for car functions
Audi Virtual Cockpit
10-speaker Sound System
Wireless smartphone charging
Cruise control with speed limiter
Lane departure warning
Rear-view camera
Front and rear parking sensors
Traffic sign recognition

‘S Line’ (from £72,800)

All ‘Sport’ features that are not replaced
21-inch alloy wheels finished in grey
Adaptive sport air suspension
Sportier front and rear bumper design
Rear privacy glass
Valcona leather upholstery with ‘S’ branding
Three-spoke leather steering wheel with ‘S’ branding

‘Black Edition’ (from £75,150)

All features from lower trim levels that are not replaced
21-inch alloy wheels finished in black
Audi beam with e-tron logo
Door mirrors in black
Black window surrounds and grille and bumper accents

Range-topping ‘Vorsprung’ (from £89,800)

All features from lower trim levels that are not replaced
22-inch alloy wheels
Digital Matrix Lights
Audi Beam with Vorsprung logo
Virtual door mirrors
Automatic windscreen wipers
Heated leather steering wheel
Electronic steering column adjustment
Audi virtual cockpit plus
Technology Pack Pro
Tour Pack
City Assist Pack
Parking Assist Pack

The brand says that 40 driver assistance systems are available in the Audi Q8 e-tron, which make use of five radar sensors, five cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors fitted to the car. A ‘remote park assist plus’ feature will join the optional extras list sometime in 2023, which allows the driver to instruct the car to park on its own by using their smartphone.

Audi is now taking orders for the facelifted SUV this month, with prices starting at just north of £68k. Opting for a Sportback model adds a further £2.5k to the list price. The top-spec SQ8 e-tron in ‘Vorsprung’ guise costs around £115k. The first of these all-electric Q8 deliveries are expected to arrive in the UK in April 2023.

Now almost four years old, the Audi e-tron has received particular praise for its smooth and quiet drivetrain, practicality and overall refinement. As the all-electric SUV has received some reviewer criticism for its battery range, this update has the potential to increase its standing in our Expert Rating Index – it currently holds an Expert Rating of 72%.