Audi’s OG electric SUV was refreshed recently, and now proudly wears the “Q8” badge alongside its original e-tron moniker. 

This is all part of the German automaker’s plan to introduce more electrified models into their line-up. As such, it is no longer sufficient to designate their EVs as “e-tron” cars. More sophisticated naming conventions, therefore, are needed to distinguish each car’s position in the overall e-tron food chain.

The newly rebadged Q8 e-tron still serves as Audi’s electric flagship. The test car as featured in this article, is the entry-level variant. Though “entry-level” doesn’t always equate to affordable. At least, not when you are talking about cars that cost almost half a million dollars.

What has Audi Changed on the Outside?

It may now wear a new badge on its tailgate, but there’s no getting away from the fact that this is a facelifted version of the e-tron SUV. As such, there are limitations to what can be altered in a mid-life refresh.

The most noticeable superficial change is to the front fascia. It now gains an all-new grille, which packs a front lightbar and Audi’s latest 2D logo. These changes aren’t all just for show only – there are also aerodynamic gains with the new bits up front too. 

You’ll also find the make and model designation now applied onto the B-pillar trim of the vehicle. What makes this feat all the more amazing is how Audi manages to thoroughly revamp the way the Q8 e-tron looks, without really having to drastically alter the base vehicle.

We’ll have a separate article doing a deep dive on the actual cosmetic differences between the pre and post-facelift e-tron 50 models.

Unchanged Cabin

There are no changes to the interior of the Q8 e-tron SUV. This is no bad thing, as the cabin, despite being styled back in the mid-2010s, still looks snazzy and modern today. A trio of digital screens serve up all of the driving, climate and infotainment data that you’d ever need.

Each screen plays its own role, and the clear-cut UI manages to disseminate information without it ever becoming overwhelming for the end-user. The car is also sound ergonomically, so you’d not feel fatigue even on longer journeys. There’s also plenty of head and knee room for all occupants. 

You’d be able to settle into a comfortable posture even if you find yourself sitting in the middle seat. Also, build quality is up to your usual Audi standards. All materials used feel premium, and all touchpoints are logically and ergonomically laid out.

The Driving Experience

Most of the major alterations have been made to its drivetrain. The pre-facelift car had a 71 kWh battery pack, and a combined output of 308 bhp. It’d also do about 300 kilometres on a single charge in the real world.

The Q8 e-tron 50 now sports a battery pack with a sizable capacity and power bump. Output has risen to 335 bhp (456 bhp is available on ‘Boost’ mode), and the larger 95 kWh battery pack translates into a significantly greater range of closer to 400 kilometres in the real world.

It isn’t the most rapid electric car I’ve ever tested off the line, but it is still plenty quick enough to get you in some serious trouble with the law if you aren’t paying attention to your speedometer. The refinement, stability and sure-footedness means you’d easily stray over the legal posted limit, leaving most of the other cars for dust too.

Subtle Luxury

If something isn’t broken, you shouldn’t be looking at ways to fix it. That was the ethos Audi took with the e-tron SUV. The cabin survived the facelift with no changes, as it never needed one to begin with.

Audi’s MMI and Virtual Cockpit still looks up-to-date, with modern graphics being displayed on crisp, high-resolution screens. The car has always been sound ergonomically, and that definitely didn’t need any changes.

Alterations made in the Q8 update were out of necessity, and they continue to strengthen the e-tron breed. It is definitely a worthy flagship, and a solid option for buyers looking for a premium electric SUV!

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