The new Audi Q8 55 e-tron fast tracks the future of EVs

THE FUTURE IS bright for the automotive industry. Electrification isn’t the scary word it once was (only a short time ago), and in 2023, consumers are able to witness just what the future of EV holds. For German automotive powerhouse Audi, it starts with the Q8 55 e-tron.

This luxury, five-door, all-electric SUV was first teased in 2016, but officially released to the public in 2019, to much acclaim. It was Audi’s first tangible offering in response to the push from parent company Volkswagen Group to electrify its entire lineup of cars by 2030. Now, the new electrified SUV fleet brings with it its own x-factor that many consumers will either love or at least appreciate; it doesn’t really look electric, and it handles just as well as any other Audi Q model right now.

But the fact is that it is an all-electric vehicle, which is a definite win not only for Audi and its mission to reach full electrification, but for consumers who are ready to make the leap into the realms of EV.

Esquire put the new Q8 55 e-tron through its paces last week, taking the scenic road from Melbourne to Bendigo for an incredible driving experience that highlighted just what this EV can do. On paper, we love the idea of improved aerodynamics, higher charging performance and expanded battery capacity. In reality, the Q8 55 e-tron lives up to the hype. The exterior is a sight to behold, the interior is extremely plush—even for Audi’s standards— and there’s enough options to stand out from the pack (Audi are even offering a special Launch Edition of the Q8 55 e-tron for the Australian market only, featuring several sporty interior and exterior highlights that slightly differ from the core lineup).

The arrival of the new Audi Q8 55 e-tron and Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron models replaces the Audi e-tron SUV—it has a new name and a new identity, signifying its position as the new flagship SUV within Audi’s electric portfolio.

So yes, the Q8 55 e-tron is the first model in the Audi range to feature its newly designed corporate identity, which features a flat, two-dimensional design of the four rings on the front and rear of the Q8 55 e-tron for the very first time. It makes for a very clear statement to the world that the Audi Q8 e-tron is the flagship model in the electric SUV and crossover range, systematically building on Audi’s electric design language.

The refreshed exterior is flattering from all angles, and truly signifies Audi’s penchant for designing formidable-looking vehicles. Highlights include the shift to a three-dimensional front design, with a newly structured Singleframe mask that extends beneath the headlights. This, in combination with the newly designed underride guard, makes the front appear wider to create a more pronounced SUV look.

There are also several other exterior design changes that have been introduced, like the new optional virtual side mirrors to assist in reduced aerodynamic drag, but are also a supposed godsend during those moments of unruly weather occurrences. To be honest, it was a little disconcerting to take in a digitalised viewing of the vehicle’s side, but you soon get used to the sensation.

While the new Q8 55 e-tron is available as a classic SUV, it also comes available as the dynamically-styled Sportback that combines the spaciousness of an SUV with the elegant lines of a large coupé.

Reaching 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, the new Q8 55 e-tron isn’t the zippiest EV we’ve experienced, but that’s not to say it doesn’t handle just as well as any other EV on the market; it does. The unmistakable driving experience is typical to Audi, with the perfect balance of dynamics and comfort—one feature isn’t compromised to maximise the other.

The Audi drive select dynamic handling system offers drivers a range of different driving settings to maximise the terrain your might be covering—offroad, allroad, auto, efficiency, dynamic, individual, and comfort. This combination of versatile suspension, a low centre of gravity and powerful electric motor offers optimum traction, outstanding dynamics, and superior stability on all terrain and in all weather conditions.

This, together with an extensive range of infotainment and connectivity features, allows for the seamless integration between vehicle and driver—you get all the latest tech perks without ever being distracted from the journey ahead. The Q8 55 e-tron includes approximately forty driver assistance systems with up to five radar sensors, five cameras, and twelve ultrasonic sensors supply. You’ll also find the full suite of safety assistance systems including parking sensors, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist—arguably one of the car’s greatest features—head-up display, lane departure warning, lane change warning (side assist), rear cross-traffic assist, intersection assist, autonomous Emergency Braking, plus much, much more.

As for battery and charging—the two areas to cause potential trepidation in purchasing an EV—the Q8 55 e-tron has a new 114kWh battery with expanded capacity, with an increased charging performance by 20 kW to 170kW. The battery can be recharged from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in an approximate 31-minute charge. With these improvements, you’ll get an approximate 454km range. Brake recuperation is also incorporated into the drive, a nifty feature, which allows the battery to regenerate its charge and feed it directly to the battery.

The Q8 55 e-tron also comes with a 7.2kW charging system, a second AC charging port on the passenger side for road-parking convenience, an e-tron compact charger and the required wall bracket. And thanks to Audi’s partnership with JETCharge, the Q8 55 e-tron also comes with a complimentary standard installation for charging at home.

Pricing for the new Audi Q8 55 e-tron range starts from $153,900; and $165,900 for the Audi Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron and Audi Q8 55 e-tron Launch Edition.

audi.com.au