Audi Q8 55 e-tron updated, priced for Oz

BY MATT BROGAN | 6th Sep 2023

AUDI Australia has confirmed the arrival, specification, and pricing of its new Q8 55 e-tron range this week, the SUV and Sportback range to replace the e-tron SUV as the new flagship of the German brand’s EV portfolio.

The new model range is said to deliver an optimised drive, improved aerodynamics, higher charging performance and expanded battery capacity when viewed against the formidable predecessor and will include a Launch Edition available for a limited time only.

Pricing for the revised line-up begins at $153,900 plus on-road costs, or $6500 more than the entry price to the predecessor (see full pricing table below).

Audi says it will first introduce the Q8 55 e-tron (SUV) and Q8 55 Sportback e-tron before offering the SQ8 e-tron (SUV) and SQ8 Sportback e-tron in 2024.

So, was ist neu?

Besides the new nameplate, the Q8 55 e-tron duo will feature the brand’s new corporate identity in updated two-dimensional badging, new ‘Q8’ logos, newly sculpted Singleframe frontal mask, wheel spoilers on the fully clad underfloor and new aerodynamic air curtains, and optional virtual mirrors.

Together, the changes contribute to an improved drag coefficient number of 0.27Cd (-0.01Cd) on SUV models and 0.24Cd (-0.02Cd) on the Sportback.

Dimensionally, the new Q8 55 e-tron is largely unchanged at 4915mm long, 1937mm wide and 1633mm tall. The Sportback is slightly shorter in height at 1619mm.

Elsewhere we find improved noise insulation in cooperation with quattro (all-wheel) drive and air suspension. Ride height may be adjusted by as much as 76mm.

The Q8 55 e-tron’s 2928mm wheelbase is said to ensure generous rear-seat legroom and cargo space of 569-litres (SUV) or 528-litres (Sportback); each with a 62-litre ‘frunk’ (front luggage compartment).

Motive drive comes from an asynchronous electric motor on each axle with the rear unit now enhanced to offer 14 coils (up from 12) to generate a strong magnetic field with similar energy consumption. Subsequently, the Q8 55 e-tron delivers 300kW and 664Nm and can accelerate 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 200km/h.

Audi’s seven-mode dynamic handling system offers “superior stability on all terrain and in all weather conditions” while a reduction in the steering gear “gives more agile control over the vehicle”.

Interior highlights include a pre-conditioning HVAC system and dual-zone climate control (four-zone in Sportback), LED ambient cabin lighting, leather-appointed upholstery, front seat heating, driver’s seat position memory, and 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats.

The Q8 55 e-tron is further equipped with a trio of screens for instrumentation (12.3-inch), infotainment (10.1-inch) and auxiliary functions (8.6-inch), as well as high resolution head-up display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity are standard, as is wireless device charging and dual USB ports front and rear.

Further, Audi says the model range now includes approximately 40 driver assistance systems with up to five radar sensors, five cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors supplying the central driver assistance controller with “environmental information interpretation”.

A comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems is offered as standard, including parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system with kerb view function, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change and departure assistance, autonomous emergency braking, and tyre pressure monitoring.

Battery capacity is now listed at 114kWh (gross) increasing DC charging performance to 170kW (+20kW). Audi says the battery may be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 31 minutes. A 7.2kW AC charging port is also available. The WLTP driving range is listed at 454km.

Complimentary installation of a JetCharge home charger is included in the purchase price of the vehicle.

Audi Australia is also offering all e-tron vehicles with a six-year subscription to the Chargefox public EV charging network, six years of scheduled servicing and six years of roadside assistance, as well as an eight-year battery warranty.

The Launch Edition includes S line exterior styling elements, 21-inch alloy wheels in metallic black, black exterior styling package, S line interior, Valcona leather upholstery, stainless steel pedals, black headlining, electric steering wheel adjustment and coloured LED ambient lighting.

“As the top of the electric SUV range for Audi, we are thrilled to welcome the Q8 e-tron to Australia,” said Audi Australia director, Jeff Mannering.

“With optimised drive, improved charging performance, a fresh design, and bigger battery capacity, I am confident this is the perfect fit for Australians looking for the ideal combination of uncompromised luxury and high everyday usability.”

2024 Audi Q8 55 e-tron pricing*: