2024 Audi SQ8 e-Tron Gets Big Range Bump
Confused and delighted — that’s how we imagine Audi E-Tron customers are feeling after the unveiling of the revised electric SUV for 2024. Confused because what used to be simply the E-Tron is now the Q8 e-Tron; delighted because other than the name, the only major change is a big bump in range. The same goes for the SQ8 e-Tron (formerly known as E-Tron S) and SQ8 e-Tron Sportback.
Related: 2024 Audi Q8 e-Tron: Global Reveal Predicts Big Range Boost for U.S.
Range and Power
Revised cell chemistry and structure mean that the overall size of the battery pack remains the same, but energy capacity is increased, boosting range for the SQ8 e-Tron by nearly 20% and reducing charge times. The 2023 E-Tron S was capable of up to an EPA-estimated 212 miles, while the 2024 SQ8 e-Tron is rated at 253 miles, according to Audi. Among the many lessons EVs have to teach, however, is just how much bigger wheels impact efficiency: That 253-mile rating is with the standard 20-inch rims; spinning the optional 22s will drop the maximum range to just 218 miles.
As it was as the E-Tron S, the SQ8 e-Tron is powered by an electric motor on the front axle and two at the rear, one for each wheel. For powering out of turns or mixed-friction surfaces, the dual motors enable torque vectoring that can see one wheel receive up to 162 pounds-feet more torque than the other wheel. With all three motors engaged, the SQ8 e-Tron can produce a maximum of 496 horsepower and 718 pounds-feet of torque for brief periods in its boost mode — increases of 94 hp and 228 pounds-feet over the regular Q8 e-Tron. The SQ8 e-Tron can hit 60 mph from rest in just 4.2 seconds, Audi says.
Visual Distinctions
Visually, the SQ8 e-Tron is set apart from the regular Q8 e-Tron by silver rocker panel accents and metallic trim at the front and rear and on the mirrors. Fender flares widen the SQ8’s stance by 1.5 inches compared to the Q8 e-Tron’s. It squats on air springs with adjustable dampers for a customizable ride, and red brake calipers clamp rotors measuring 15.7 inches up front and 13.8 in the rear. Inside, the SQ8 e-Tron has standard leather seats with contrast diamond stitching, Audi’s carbon-square trim in place of the Q8 e-Tron’s open-pore wood, four-zone climate control, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Availability and Pricing
The 2024 Audi SQ8 e-Tron will be available in the fourth quarter of 2023. Full pricing (including $1,195 destination) is $90,995 for the SQ8 e-Tron and $93,795 for the SQ8 e-Tron Sportback.
More From Cars.com:
- Same SUV, Significantly More Range, Still Top of the Line: Audi E-Tron Renamed Q8 E-Tron for 2024
- Which Electric Cars Are Still Eligible for the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit?
- 2023 Audi E-Tron Lineup Sees New Standard Lights, Shuffled Equipment
- Audi E-Tron Vs. Tesla Model Y: How Do These Luxury Electric SUVs Compare?
- 2022 Audi E-Tron S and E-Tron S Sportback: More Money, More Power, Less Range
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