Ausi SQ8 Sportback e-tron (2024): Test, Price, Configuration

Audi’s first electric model was born as the e-tron in 2018, but it has been going by a different name since the facelift at the beginning of 2023. Audis flagship electric model now goes by the name Q8 e-tron, or SQ8 e-tron in sports version. And in both cases you can still choose the SUV-coupe shape (Sportback in Audi jargon). This name change is the result of a general reorganization of the Audi range, which is still underway, in preparation for the transition to electric mobility.

What hasn’t changed, however, is that the (S)Q8 (Sportback) e-tron is still built in Belgium. They roll off the production line at Audi Brussels in Vorst. Another constant: these pioneers in electrification within the Audi range are still built on a ‘hybrid’ platform, which means they lack the latest developments in electric mobility technology. So there is no 800 V architecture, unlike the Audi e-tron GT and Q6 e-tron, which came to the market more recently.

Solid, but refined

Cosmetic changes for the Q8 e-tron (Sportback) facelift can be found mainly on the nose. There we see, among other things, a redesigned grille and a new Audi logo, led by an LED line. Engineers have also worked on airflow thanks to various flaps to reduce air resistance and thus improve range. With its high roofline, the Q8 Sportback is the most stylish of the family. Its Cx value now drops to 0.24, compared to 0.27 for the previous e-tron version of the Q8.

Although quite large, with a length of 4.92 m and a width of 1.94 m, the Q8 Sportback e-tron is well proportioned. If desired, you can still put (optional) campera glasses on it to increase the effect of the future and make it easier to break in the air. But in practice, the 7-inch screens on the door panels prove to be unusable. The display makes it harder to drive and estimate distances than with regular mirrors. It’s best to try them before you order…

Authentic Audi interior

Audi has resisted the temptation to ditch the entire dashboard in its electric SUV. In fact, very little changed with the facelift. You still get an ergonomic driver’s station, although here too the usual buttons and switches have been largely replaced by touch-sensitive surfaces. However, with its two vertically arranged screens, the MMI Touch Response system remains easy to use, without having to dig through complex menus.

The standard Audi Virtual Cockpit completes the picture, with beautiful graphics and a very sharp display. A head-up display can be optionally included. But the Q8 e-tron does not have the option of adding an additional passenger screen for on-the-go viewing pleasure, unlike its younger sibling, the new Q6 e-tron.

What remains impressive about the Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback is the care that Audi has paid to the finish and quality of materials. In addition to electric cars, these models are the first real Audis!

Room

With a wheelbase of nearly 3 meters (2.93 m) that it shares with the regular Q8 e-tron, the SQ8 e-tron Sportback offers ample space for its rear passengers. Its sloping roof only takes away a little headroom, especially if you opt for the large panoramic glass roof. But there is still enough space for two adults. However, the middle rear seat is sacrificed and it is not very comfortable.

Note that the Q8 e-tron has not been able to resist the trend of integrated door handles which can be difficult to use. Opening the door is not always easy: the opening sometimes doesn’t work the first time, meaning you have to press the button twice to get in. It’s not a big problem, but it can be frustrating.

In fact, the Q8 e-tron Sportback offers a large trunk of 528 liters. That’s less than its brother and the usual rear SUV (569 liters), but in practice you don’t notice this: there is always enough space. In addition, there is a small front trunk (62 liters) in which you can store your charging cables and, if necessary, an additional pocket if necessary.

Improved frequency, but…

In addition to the aerodynamic improvements we mentioned above, it is the improvement of the powertrain of the e-tron family of the Q8 that has had an impact and a facelift. The aim was to improve the electrical independence of all versions. In real terms, the battery of the base version 50 quattro (two motors, 340 hp/664 Nm) has increased from 71 kWh total to 95 kWh. This means that this model already has a range of 492 km, or even 504 km as a Sportback.

The less impressive evolution is the quattro 55 (two motors, 409 hp/664 Nm) and for the top version the SQ8 e-tron (three motors, 504 hp/973 Nm), in which the battery capacity has increased from 95 kWh to 114 kWh . bad In theory, they offer 582 and 458 kilometers of autonomy respectively (or 599 and 471 kilometers in the case of the Sportback).

But that’s the theory. How many kilometers can you drive in practice with the e-tron SQ8 Sportback as our test model? Expect around 350 km. With 106 kWh of usable capacity, and an average practical consumption of around 30 kWh/100 km on mixed courses, you shouldn’t expect more than 300 km before you need to find a charging station. It is quite possible to reduce consumption somewhat (+/- 26 kWh/100 km) by not driving too much on the highway and by having a very light right foot. But higher is also possible. At the end of our test week, we averaged 31.8 kWh/100 km.

The good news is that Audi has also adjusted the maximum fast charging capacity slightly higher. That’s now equivalent to 170 kW with a larger battery (still 150 kW on the entry-level version). It is slightly better than before, but remains weak for the flagship, and far from the 270 kW that the younger brother Q6 e-tron achieves, or the 240 kW of the Kia EV9. Those models usually enjoy the new 800 V architecture.

Undeniable performance

However, you can’t have too many criticisms of the SQ8 Sportback e-tron when driving it. It may not be the most economical electric SUV, nor the model that returns its electrons to the charger the fastest, but it is one of the most attractive on the market. As mentioned, this SQ8 has three electric motors, two of which are located on the rear axle, each of which is responsible for its rear wheel. This makes it possible to distribute the torque in a vectorial way, which significantly improves the dynamics of this colossus, although it still weighs a good 2,700 kg. But you feel this mass only when you break hard.

In terms of performance, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in the SQ8 Sportback e-tron takes just 4.5 seconds with Boost mode, which gives you a maximum power of up to 370 kW (503 hp) and a torque of almost 1,000 Nm ( 973 Nm) is obtained. For comparison: SQ6 e-tron can produce 380 kW (517 hp) and 0 to 100 km / h in 4.3 seconds. And with the greatest autonomy of WLTP (598 km). Respect for elders is hard to come by…

Back to our SQ8 Sportback e-tron, we can say that the acceleration is explosive, but always feels smooth and natural. The model seems to be able to manage this generous power reserve perfectly, unlike some electric dragsters… The handling and control of the body is also of a very high level.

But even when you’re driving quietly, it’s a pleasure to sit in the SQ8 Sportback e-tron. Then you enjoy good sound insulation and driving comfort that remains pleasant, despite its sporty character.

Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron price

If you get the Sportback silhouette, you will have to pay 2,000 euros compared to the regular Q8 e-tron SUV. The electric Audi Q8 Sportback in Belgium starts at 81,480 euros as a quattro 50 and from 93,690 euros as a quattro 55. If you want to enjoy the extras that come with the sporty version of the S, you should count at least 105,490 euros. And although the basic equipment is already extensive, the final bill can still go up a lot if you are tempted by the many options that Audi offers. For example, our stylish SQ8 Sportback e-tron had a list price of 137,460 euros. In comparison: the SQ6 e-tron is available from 96,150 euros.

High judgment

The Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron may be an electric car with a longer driving range or lower consumption, but it’s still an excellent SUV coupe: powerful, well equipped and well finished. This means it deserves its status as the flagship of Audi’s electric family. But with its more sophisticated electronic architecture, its little brother the SQ6 e-tron threatens to burn out the end of its career…