As promised in our Audi Q8 e-tron 50 review, here’s a deep dive on the alterations and improvements made to the facelifted e-tron SUV!
It is unusual for an automaker to change a car’s model designation in a mid-life refresh. Part of the reason behind the change is Audi’s drive for a wider range of electrified options. Though it is also likely that it signifies the introduction of some significant enhancements over the car it succeeds.
Let’s unpack all of the changes Audi made to the e-tron 50 SUV to transform it into the Q8 e-tron 50!
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words
Rather than simply describing the changes, we’ll let some photos of both cars do the talking.
The most obvious visual changes are in front, with the new Q8 now wearing an all-new front fascia. This appears to have been heavily influenced by the styling of its e-tron GT stablemate. It also gains a lightbar up front.
There are actually functional improvements to this all-new front end. The new wheels and wheel spoilers, the e-tron SB’s drag coefficient drops to 0.24, from the 0.26 previously. The SUV sees a 0.01 drop, from 0.28 to 0.27.
Also, this is the first Audi model to wear the German marque’s new 2D logo. No other exterior changes have been made. There are also no visual changes to the interior, though the car never really needed it to begin with.
However, there’s a new option for the material of your cabin. Made partially out of recycled plastic bottles, it allows the car to be certified as net-carbon-neutral for the European and American markets.
Changes Where It Truly Matters
The most significant changes are to the mechanical gubbins of the e-tron SUV. We’ll break down the specification differences between the pre and post-facelift e-tron below:
| e-tron 50 | Q8 e-tron 50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 308 bhp 540 Nm | 335 bhp 664 Nm |
| Battery (Usable) | 71 kWh | 89 kWh |
| Range | 328 km (SUV) 347 km (SB) | 491 km (SUV), 505 km (SB) |
| Charge Rate | DC 120 kW, AC 11 kW | DC 150 kW, AC 11 kW |
The updated car can charge at a faster rate, at up to 150 kW DC versus just 120 kW of the original car. Audi repackaged the battery components in the pack, allowing for greater energy density but also increased weight (of about 20 kilograms).
Revisions were also made to the rear motor of the Q8 e-tron, with 14 coils now generating the electromagnetic field needed for propulsion. This is up from the 12 of the e-tron SUV, creating more torque with the same amount of energy.
Higher spec versions of the Q8 e-tron (the 55 and the SQ8) will come equipped with a 106 kWh battery pack. DC fast charging will also receive a bump, and is now rated at up to 170 kW. All Q8 models can also be upgraded to charge at AC 22 kW, up from the standard 11 kW.
Revised, and Truly Competitive
The premium electric SUV segment continues to hot up. Car makers have had to up their game in order to continue producing competitive products. The changes Audi has made are subtle, but they go a long way in ensuring the e-tron lineage remains strong and relevant for years to come.
The base car may be close to half a decade old now, though its competitiveness and relevance is proof that Audi really put a lot of thought into future-proofing their offerings. And this ethos bodes well for the buyers of the Q8 e-tron, as their investment is likely to be secured for years to come!
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