As the move to a new future in the automotive industry, Audi jumps in with a slew of new electronic vehicles sharing the spotlight with traditional gas-powered vehicles. Audi will make even-number lines dedicated to EV models and the gas models will adapt to odd number system.
With the new Audi EV models hitting the market, the e-tron SUV is now named the Q8 e-tron. Audi just didn’t give it a new name, they also gave it an updated look of the front fascia with newly designed LED lighting clusters and a one-piece grill. One thing I noticed is the lack of badging on the side of the vehicle until you look near the doors and notice them laser etched on the vehicle. There are charging ports on both sides of the Q8 e-tron.
The luxury appointed leather-clad interior is a nice, serene place to pass the miles away. The heated and ventilated seats also offer massage for those sitting in front. The cabin is spacious with good vision that not all EV models offer. The modern Audi virtual cockpit allows for different views, including a map display and the usual speedometer. The MMI system takes a few minutes to learn, and some simple functions seem buried in menus when a knob would have sufficed. The two central screens make sense when it breaks up some HVAC functions on one screen.
Sliding behind the wheel of the 2024 Q8 e-tron offers that solid Audi feel that past owners will welcome. It differs when you hit the start button and it’s pretty much silent. Once you are on the move, this is a quiet ride without much outside noise getting in. Acceleration takes off as soon as you stab the go pedal. The instant power is fed through all four wheels with the famous quattro system. The Q8 e-tron handles the normal commute like a pro with a suspension that soaks up bumps. It does much better in the curves, and it feels more alive when compared to the original e-tron. The higher mpge allows you to close in on 300 miles on a single charge to help alleviate range anxiety.
Cost: $74,400; as tested $88,990
MPG: 80 mpge city; 83 mpge highway
Options: $10,400 Prestige package; $595 Madeira brown; $4,100 black optic package; $400 rear side air bags; $1,195 destination charge
Safety: Parking system plus with park assist; head-up display with sign recognition; adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist; Audi active lane assist; Audi side assist with pre sense rear; Audi pre sense city low speed collision assist
Things to know: Audi e-tron is now the Q8 e-tron, the flagship electric SUV, with improved performance and more range.
Pros:
- Performance that meets or exceeds gas-powered crossovers
- Well-appointed interior with high level of fit and finish
- A hushed ride will rival the top ultra luxury rides
Cons:
- Range suffers with higher speed and use of HVAC system
- Lots of menus to wade through to do simple tasks
- Public charging can be a pain and pricey; an updated home system makes life easier
