All comments – iAuto tests the dynamic Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron (+ VIDEO)

Is the Q8 e-tron really a Q8?

Audi tends to confuse people’s minds in their names from time to time. A striking example from 2017, when the numbers denoting engine capacity were replaced by hard-to-understand charades denoting power – from 30, denoting cars with 109-128 hp, to 70 machines with at least 536 horsepower. With the new Audi models, these designations will soon no longer be found, however, the space does not remain empty, and the name confusion must continue. This time it’s about the Q8. We previously looked at the upgraded Audi Q8 with a 3-liter V6 engine. But the same name is given to the model we previously knew as e-tron. OK – to clarify, the full name is Q8 e-tron. It got the flagship name as a result of modernization.

Like what’s the big deal? You might think that identical models. One is “ordinary” – with internal combustion engines, the other with electric ones. Both look and cost similar. But there are also more significant differences. In almost every dimension (except weight), the previously known Q8 is larger than the electric Q8. 8.5 cm in length, 6 cm in width, 7.6 cm in height. The wheelbase is 6.7 cm longer, and the ground clearance is an impressive 7.3 cm higher. Well, numbers are numbers, but in life this difference in size is very noticeable. So if the Q8 seems too small for you, check out its ‘bigger’ version.

The e-tron model is the pioneer of Audi’s electric models, which was slightly refreshed last year. The most significant changes have affected the design of the lights and the front radiator grille. In technical terms, the model has a larger capacity battery – 106 kWh net (there is also an 89 kWh battery). Minus the model name badge on the rear, it will be difficult for the uninitiated to tell the pre- and post-upgrade models apart. The Q8 e-tron is available in two body versions – as an SUV and SUV coupe Sportback.

POWER VERSIONS

• 50 quattro: 95 kWh (89 net), 250 kW (340 HP), 664 Nm, 19.5-24 kWh/100 km, 0-100 km/h – 6 sec.;
• 55 quattro: 114 kWh (106 net), 300 kW (408 HP), 664 Nm, 19.9-24.4 kWh/100 km 0-100 km/h – 5.6 sec.;
• SQ8: 114 kWh (106 net), 360 kW (503 HP), 973 Nm, 25.3-29 kWh/100 km 0-100 km/h – 4.5 sec.

SIZES

• Length: 4901 mm
• Width: 1935 mm
• Height: 1616 mm
• Wheelbase: 2928 mm
• Min. luggage capacity: 528/569 liters
• Max. luggage volume: 1567/1637 liters
• Net weight: 2585 – 2725 kg

Conservative but long-lasting design against the background of other manufacturers

We were given the most powerful SQ8 Sportback e-tron to test, in ‘Soneira’ red, which is one of the brightest colors available, unless you opt for the Audi exclusive livery for €4,189. Reddish-orange color alternates with black accents throughout – radiator grille and decorative inserts in the front bumper, side mirrors and moldings, window frame, roof rails and rear bumper. Thus, a balanced composition was created, which both attracts attention and makes the car visually slimmer, but the “black color style package plus” will add an additional 1076 EUR to the price of the car. The standard SQ8 e-tron would have these accents in metallic grey. It is possible to replace the side mirrors with cameras, but in the case of the Q8 e-tron, their screens are placed in the cabin in not very easily visible places in the side doors. It is possible to decorate the front with the projection light of the decorative grid or the LED light strip between the headlights.

Similar to the Q8 standard model, the e-tron’s original design was designed to age slowly, so only a few accents have been changed as part of the modernization. If other automakers deliberately make their e-mobiles more different, either for style or efficiency, Audi’s electric model has maintained a conservative look for the automaker. It fits very well into the range of current models. The only thing that conveys its electric nature is the Latvian blue license plate.

The interior of the modernized model is left unchanged. Although the design is several years old, it still looks quite modern. The info system is also neat and works well. If only there are complaints about the voice assistant, which is quite difficult to work with even in English. In terms of design, the interior of the particular SQ8 e-tron is designed in black tones with metallic gray accents. The Valcona genuine leather seats, embroidered in a diamond-shaped texture, look impressive. They provide high comfort and good body stability during faster maneuvers. Although the cabin of the Q8 e-tron is noticeably smaller than the Q8, a passenger of the same height can enjoy the comfort behind a 190 cm tall driver. Taller people may have to deal with headbutting the sloping roofline of the Sportback body version.

Audi engineers have overturned the laws of physics

The SQ8 Sportback e-tron is not only a good looking car but also a very capable car. It is equipped with 3 electric motors that provide 503 HP power and 973 Nm torque. Thus, the car has convincing dynamics – 4.5 seconds to 100 and immediate acceleration at any speed, stops even faster. Handling is also as easy and precise as a compact sports car. This car has a curb weight of 2725 kg – how does it get it all ready? Magic or have the Germans discovered new physics? Thanks to the placement of the batteries, the Q8 e-tron has a low center of gravity, which helps handling. But in lower power versions, the Q8 e-tron is not only slower, but also clumsier than the SQ8 e-tron. The spell lies in the power vector system. The rear axle is driven by two of the three electric motors, which can give more power to each wheel as needed. The effect of this system is most felt in sport mode, when it can give significantly more power to the rear outer wheel, helping to reduce the cornering radius.

At the same time, the SQ8 Sportback e-tron is able to be a comfortable and tireless travel companion. The consumption of a dynamic test drive is around 31-33 kWh per 100 km, but when driving more calmly, it will be closer to 28 kWh per 100 km. According to the WLTP, the SQ8 Sportback e-tron is said to be capable of driving 474 kilometers, but in reality they will be more like 400. It should be taken into account that since the launch of the e-tron, electric car technologies have developed and become more efficient. Consequently, the Q8 e-tron has to compete with other dynamic electric cars that offer better energy consumption. The SQ8 e-tron can charge up to 170 kW at a DC charger. At this speed, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in about half an hour.

Prices

In the less powerful versions, the Q8 e-tron is offered in two standard configurations – “advanced” and “S line”, while the SQ8 e-tron has only one standard configuration.

Q8 e-tron prices

• 50 quattro
  • advanced: 72,600 EUR
  • S line: 83,400 EUR
• 55 quattro
  • advanced: 89,900 EUR
  • S line: 94,500 EUR
• SQ8: 103,900

Q8 Sportback e-tron prices

• 50 quattro
  • advanced: 81,400 EUR
  • S line: 85,600 EUR
• 55 quattro
  • advanced: 92,500 EUR
  • S line: 96,700 EUR
• SQ8: 106,100

As standard, the SQ8 e-tron is equipped with a wide range of safety and comfort equipment, but the list of additional equipment is much longer. As they say, luxury costs money. Our tested car was luxuriously equipped, so its price also increased from EUR 106,100 to EUR 134,423.

Pros and Cons

+ Incredibly light and precise handling for the mass of the car

+ Attractive, slow-aging design

+ High comfort

– Older technology may make the SQ8 e-tron a less attractive choice

– Screens and glossy finish on the front panel attract dust quickly