► Audi SQ8 e-Tron Sportback review
► More range, more tech, improved handling
► Priced from £100k
Welcome to the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback, the artist formerly known as the Audi e-Tron Sportback. That’s right, Audi’s flagship electric SUV-coupe that was first launched in 2018 has been treated to a spot of rebranding in order to bring it in line with another revision to Audi’s model naming convention. More on that in a bit…
For now, let’s talk about the car. It’s essentially a facelift version of the Audi e-Tron but the changes extend to more than a nip and tuck around the headlights – even if the visual modifications are minimal. Indeed, the biggest departures are a much-improved range, tweaked handling characteristics and yet more technology. At the time of writing it’s been over four years since Audi entered the market with its e-Tron debut SUV, so this update has been designed to boost its chances alongside rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Jaguar I-Pace, BMW iX and Tesla Model X.
What’s changed on the outside?
Look closely and you’ll spot a few small updates. For example, the design of the front and rear bumpers and surrounds has been refreshed, while there’s now an LED light bar stretching between the headlights. Below it, Audi’s ‘new corporate identity’ (read: new logo) makes its debut and shows off a more pared back 2D design, rather than the chromed 3D arrangement seen before.
The grille also features a self-sealing system that improves aerodynamics, as does air curtains underneath the headlight, fins in the wheel arches and underbody spoilers – the result being a drag coefficient that drops from 0.26 to 0.24. New alloy wheel designs also feature as does model designations on the B-pillar.
While we’re on the subject, Audi’s new naming strategy decrees that even-numbered models – such as the Q8, A4 and A6 – will eventually become all electric and take the e-tron prefix, while existing petrol and diesel models will switch over to odd numbers of the range. As for the combustion-powered Q8 models, they’ll still exist (with the same badge) for the foreseeable future but their days are numbered.
What’s new under the skin?
As it often is with EVs, the buzz word here is range. See, when the original Audi e-Tron debuted in 2018, it’s maximum 249-mile range (SUV bodystyle) looked serviceable. That was coming up to five years ago, however, so in the meantime cars like the Mercedes-Benz EQE and BMW iX have caught up and gazumped Audi’s offering.
Predictably, Audi wasn’t best pleased about this so has gone and worked on the Q8 e-Tron’s powertrain and battery offerings. Thus, the entry-level 50 model gets an 89kWh battery capacity while the 55 and SQ8 get 106kWh. Maximum range in the SUV is up to 281 miles with the smaller battery and 330 miles with the larger unit, up to 290 and 343 miles for the Sportback – a considerable increase.
Charging hardware has also been improved, with the 50 getting 150kW fast charging capability and the 55/SQ8 170kW. For both, that means a 10-80% charge in around 30 minutes and the potential to gain around 76 miles in just 10 minutes.
On the handling side, Audi was keen to improve the car’s ability on a twisty road, so set about with changes to the ESC system, air-suspension calibration and steering rack – making it quicker and requiring less input for direction changes.
How does the Q8 e-Tron drive?
We’ll caveat this by saying that, as yet, we’ve only driven the SQ8 Sportback version so there will likely be very small differences in how each bodystyle handles. Either way, the SQ8 feels every bit as quick as its 718lb ft of torque and 496bhp values would suggest. Quattro all-wheel drive is of course standard, and works by employing one motor on the front axle and two on the rear (the latter complimented by electronic torque vectoring).
It’s not quite Tesla Model S levels of violent speed, but the instant acceleration and smoothness of power delivery is impressive, even if it is totally devoid of character. The handling, too, is capable and feels sharper than before (the quicker steering certainly helps) but if you’re hoping the S badge will turn this 2.6-tonne SUV into a sportscar then expectations best be tempered.
In a fit of optimism, Audi has given drivers the option to put the ESC into a reduced sport mode or off entirely. Best advice is to leave it firmly on, but the option to fettle shows that the more unhinged side of Audi’s S and RS division is still present and correct.
As for comfort, it appears unchanged following the sharpening up of the car’s dynamics – and that’s a good thing. Despite the 22-inch wheels on the SQ8, it rides well (although the standard 20-inch wheels will likely be even comfier) and the refinement is also excellent. Indeed, many EVs suffer from a perceived increase in road and wind noise thanks to the absence of an engine to act as ‘white noise’ and cover up the sound, but not the Q8 e-tron.
Speaking of wind noise, the Virtual mirrors clearly help to keep it low yet that’s about all they’re good for. Seemingly the answer to a question nobody asked, they’re not as clear as regular mirrors, not as easy to adjust and mess with your spatial perception. Trouble is, if you go for the top-spec Vorsprung model they come fitted as standard…
Anything else?
As you can imagine, the interior quality is superb. Spacious and beautifully appointed, there’s a choice of cabin materials including walnut, grained ash and carbon, while components – such as the seatbelt buckle covers – are made out of recycled plastic from old Audis.
Double-decker central touch screens are fitted as standard, as is Audi’s excellent Virtual Cockpit digital dash – the latter still going strong nine years after we first saw it on the TT. The optional Digital Matrix LEDs are also worth a mention, not least because they contain 1.3 million pixels that can change direction up to 5,000 times a second. In practice, that means useful features such as a lane orientation light that helps the driver place the car within the lane.
Verdict
The name change of Audi’s flagship electric SUV is a little confusing, but the car underneath is definitely worth it. Throughout 2022, the e-Tron’s range in particular was flagging behind newer rivals and Audi’s wasted no time in addressing this. As before, it’s a lovely place to sit and drive around in, but now there’s even more tech and handling ability to go alongside. We’d still question the wisdom behind those virtual mirrors and at 2.6 tonnes it is extremely heavy, but if you liked the Audi e-Tron you’ll love the Audi Q8 e-Tron.
Specs for the Audi SQ8 e-Tron Sportback Vorsprung