Audi is once again testing the updates to the 2023 e-tron and e-tron Sportback electric SUVs, ahead of an upcoming refresh. This time, they were seen with little camouflage and little mirrors. Show
Whereas the e-tron Sportback was seen with actual side mirrors, the standard body e-tron was caught by our photographers with wind slicing rearview cameras instead. The digital side mirrors are much loved among designers and EV makers for their superior aerodynamic qualities and are offered on 2022 e-tron in certain trims and locations. A gap in the camouflage at the front, meanwhile, show yet again that the updated models will be getting a honeycomb grille and the headlights will be updated despite their shape being similar to those found on the existing model. Read Also: Facelifted 2022 Audi E-tron And E-Tron Sportback To Offer A 373-Mile Range  Aesthetic updates, though, are expected to be pretty mild for this refresh. Both inside and out, the all-electric SUV is likely to be pretty familiar to fans of Audi. The major changes are happening under the skin. Reports from 2021 suggest that the e-tron will be getting a notable range increase with this update in order to compete in an ever-growing EV field. The European e-tron is expected to get 373 miles (600 km) of range in 2023, thanks to improvements in the battery pack, more efficient motors, and an improved energy recovery system. That is a huge improvement over the existing model, which tops out at 274 miles of (441 km) on the WLTP cycle. The e-tron may also get a new name, since the moniker has come to be used on all electric Audi models. Rumors suggest that it could become the Q8 e-tron, though those remain unconfirmed. Expect to see the 2023 e-tron and e-tron Sportback make its debut later this year and to go on sale as a 2023 model year vehicle. PHOTO GALLERYmore photos... Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-MedienThe Audi e-tron that debuted as the brand’s first all-electric SUV in September 2018 has received its mid-life facelift. In addition to a cosmetic refresh and technical revisions, it goes by the name Audi Q8 e-tron. In this story, we take a detailed look at the differences between the old and new electric SUV models: New nameIn what can be described as an unusual move, Audi has changed the name of the e-tron series in the middle of its lifecycle. The refreshed Audi e-tron and Audi e-tron Sportback have arrived as the Audi Q8 e-tron and Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron, respectively. Audi likely plans to reposition these models to the same segment as the Q8 in the next generation, which is the explanation for the name change. In late 2021, Audi confirmed that the next-gen Audi Q8 e-tron would be introduced in 2026, manufactured at Audi’s plant in Brussels. As the 2024 e-tron has received comprehensive changes, and the Q8 brand is associated with a high-end SUV, Audi’s marketing division may not have felt the need to wait until 2026 for a car worthy of the Q8 e-tron nameplate. The 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron features a new 3D Singleframe grille that is flatter and has bigger, honeycomb-shaped openings and inserts. It connects the headlights, creating one unit and highlighting the SUV’s width. The new grille is available in different colors, which gives customers a greater degree of personalization. A new projection light integrated into the upper edge of this panel visually forms a connection with the horizontal DRL stripe inside the headlights. The Audi logo has a flat look in a new, two-dimensional design. New pentagonal, visibly more prominent pentagonal housing for the air curtains follows the structure of the headlights. The front bumper is also new, and it gives the Q8 e-tron a sportier and more assertive styling. Even the headlamp washer is a new, rectangular piece, which shows Audi’s attention to detail. On the sides, the Q8 e-tron features new alloy wheels. Like its predecessor, the Q8 e-tron is available with virtual mirrors in select markets. Developed and supplied by Spanish company Ficosa, the digital mirrors work in tandem with 7-inch OLED displays sourced from South Korea’s Samsung Display. In the U.S., these futuristic mirrors aren’t available, and we don’t expect them in the Q8 e-tron either, as NHTSA hasn’t approved their use. At the rear, the Q8 e-tron has a revised bumper with a new blade and a new diffuser with four vertical fins. With a drag coefficient value of 0.27 Cd, the Q8 e-tron is slightly more aerodynamic than the e-tron (0.28 Cd). The Q8 e-tron is the first Audi featuring a self-healing system in the area around the grille. This system, which is in addition to the powered shutters, further improves the airflow at the front of the vehicle and prevents undesired losses. Another point worth noting is that the spoilers on the front wheels of the Q8 e-tron are larger. InteriorThe interior design of the Audi Q8 e-tron is no different from the e-tron. Audi offers light brown walnut wood and Tech Layer as two new decorative inlay options. The latter is available with a new anthracite-colored sustainable technical material partially made from recycled PET bottles. Also new are the plastic covers for the seatbelt buckles, which partially consist of mixed automotive plastic waste treated through a chemical recycling process. Safety & driver assistanceAudi has used improved digital Matrix LED headlights on the Q8 e-tron. The orientation light of these optional headlights marks the vehicle’s position in the lane to assist the driver in keeping the vehicle centered. Plus, there are three new features: enhanced traffic information, the lane light with a direction indicator, and the orientation light on country roads. Audi equips the Q8 e-tron with up to five radar sensors, five cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, which work together to let the EV’s 40-odd driver assistance systems do their work. Unlike the e-tron, the new model features remote park assist plus (2023-release), with which the vehicle can maneuver itself into even the tightest parking spaces. Customers can use remote park assist plus through the myAudi smartphone app to control their Q8 e-tron’s parking procedure. Once parked, the EV automatically turns itself off, puts on the parking brake, and locks the doors. New specificationsThe Audi Q8 e-tron, like the model it replaces, comes in three variants, namely 50, 55, and S. The 50 and 55 variants use two motors, while the S variant sports three motors, which means there’s no change in this aspect. However, the power and torque figures have improved, albeit only in the base, 50 variant. PerformanceWhile the e-tron 50 powertrain produces 230 kW and 540 Nm of torque, the Q8 e-tron 50’s powertrain generates 250 kW in boost mode and 664 Nm of torque. The former doesn’t feature a boost mode. While the old model has a top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph), the new model can go further up to 200 km/h (124 mph). Audi has modified the asynchronous motor concept on the rear for the Q8 e-tron. There are 14 coils generating the electromagnetic field, instead of 12 in the case of the e-tron. As a result, the magnetic field is stronger while the electricity input is at a similar level, and that means there’s more torque available. If the extra performance isn’t needed, the electric motor requires less energy to generate torque, which means lower consumption and a higher range. Range and chargingA big improvement in the Q8 e-tron is in the range aspect, thanks to new battery packs with a higher energy storage capacity. Instead of the e-tron 50’s 64 kWh battery pack, the Q8 e-tron 50 has an 89 kWh battery pack. Thus, while the former can travel up to 341 km (212 mi) on a full charge (WLTP), the latter has a much higher range of 491 km (305 mi). The Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron share a 106 kWh battery pack instead of the e-tron 55 and e-tron S’ 86 kWh unit. While the old models manage 441 km (274 mi) and 372 km (231 mi), respectively, the new models’ range figures are 582 km (362 mi) and 494 km (307 mi), respectively (WLTP). In the U.S., the e-tron is among the least efficient BEVs on sale, and the Q8 e-tron can’t come sooner. The e-tron 55 and e-tron S consume 43 kWh/100 mi and 46 kWh/100 mi. The e-tron’s range figures are terribly low, with the 55 variant capable of 226 miles and the S variant depleting at 208 miles. We expect the Q8 e-tron’s 55 and S variants to be capable of around 275 miles and 250 miles, respectively. The e-tron 50 can accept DC charging at up to 120 kW, while the Q8 e-tron 50 charges at up to 150 kW on direct current. The Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron’s maximum DC charging input is 170 kW, which is an improvement of 20 kW over the e-tron 55 and e-tron S. Below are the charging times:
Ride & handlingIn addition to performance, range, and charging improvements, the Q8 e-tron offers improved handling. The gear ratio of the progressive steering system is different, which has resulted in improved responsiveness. The new model has a different tuning for the springs of its air suspension. Moreover, the suspension bearings on its front axle are more rigid, which has led to more direct transmission of steering movements to the wheels. The feedback on the steering wheel is also better in the new model, says Audi. All chassis control systems of the new model have some revisions.
Price & Release DateThe Audi e-tron is available in the U.S., with prices starting at USD 70,800 (excl. USD 1,195 destination charge). The Q8 e-tron will arrive stateside by the end of April 2023. Expect it to be slightly costlier than the model it replaces, which received price hikes with the MY2023 update. Rising popularityAudi’s sales report confirms that the e-tron is becoming increasingly popular across the globe. The company sold 81,894 units of the all-electric Audi e-tron range in 2021, which was a growth of 57.5% compared to 2020. In the United States, Audi enjoyed a record year for electric vehicle sales in 2021, with an impressive increase of 52.5% over 2020. The Audi e-tron SUV’s sales grew modestly in Europe (+10.3%) but sharply in China (+68.7%), with both regions being major volume drivers for the brand. Between January and September 2022, Audi delivered 36,565 units of the e-tron and e-tron Sportback combined. Compared to 36,124 units shipped in the first half of 2021, that marked a 1.2% year-over-year increase in another year that was marred by semiconductor chip shortages and other supply chain challenges. TopElectricSUV saysAudi launched the e-tron as its first global electric SUV in 2018 and isn’t abandoning the conversion electric vehicle in pursuit of newer and modern e-trons based on the PPE or MEB platforms. By adding style, efficiency, range and giving it space to operate above the upcoming Q6, Audi is rather setting new expectations from its oldest electric SUV! Audi Q8 e-tron FAQsWhat is the Audi Q8 e-tron release date?The Audi Q8 e-tron with all-around improvements is officially expected to reach dealerships in the U.S. by April 2023. What are the visual changes on the Q8 e-tron?Revised Singleframe grille with a structured surface and horizontal inserts, new headlamp & taillamp graphics, and different bumpers & wheels. What is the Audi Q8 e-tron range (WLTP)?The Q8 e-tron can travel more than 582 km (362 miles) in the WLTP metric, thanks to significant upgrades. Featured Image Source: Audi With a Master’s Degree in Business Management & Administration, I’ve been working as an International Automotive News Editor since 2014, and have gained a wealth of knowledge and insight into hybrid and electric vehicles. |
