Electric benchmark

Audi Australia will build on its Q8 e-tron range in the new year with the addition of not only the entry-level Q8 50 e-tron, but the range-topping SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron. These all-electric S models will offer customers the pinnacle of all-electric performance for the SUV ranks as well as benchmark luxury appointment and state-of-the-art technology.

Set to arrive in the second quarter of 2024, the SQ8 e-tron ($173,600*) and the SQ8 Sportback e-tron ($180,600*) apply the coveted S treatment to these full-sized luxury SUVs and add an all-electric twist that puts them in a class of their own.

The only electric vehicle on the Australian market driven by three asynchronous electric motors – two on the rear axle and one on the front – this model takes performance to the next level, delivering a huge 370kW and nearly 1000Nm of torque (973Nm to be precise) on boost. That’s enough to see the SQ8 e-tron models hit 100km/h from zero in 4.5 seconds, which is impressive enough as it is, but takes on a new significance given the size and opulent outfitting of these vehicles.

Top speed is governed to 210km/h should you need it and with power going to the road through all four wheels thanks to the electric quattro system, grip and road holding in all conditions is exemplary.

The SQ8 e-tron models use a 106 kWh (net) battery (114 kWh gross), which is the largest currently available in a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). This offers DC charging performance of up to 170 kW which can deliver charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in a shade over half an hour (31 minutes to be exact).

In keeping with the ’S’ tradition, the SQ8 e-tron models tend to the subtle end of the spectrum in terms of their styling. The most obvious visual indicator for those who like to spot vehicles in traffic  is the Singleframe projection light – a lighting strip which runs between the front Matrix LED headlights and is unique to SQ8 e-tron. This design/lighting feature is mirrored on the rear of the vehicle where a strip light spans the sculpted rear end visually enhances the vehicle’s width as well as serving its tailight function. Those familiar with other Audi S models will immediately recognise the aluminium-look finish on the wing mirrors as a standard S styling feature – here on mirrors that are electrically-adjusted, heated and feature auto-dimming and memory functions. But of course another telltale S feature, that of the distinctive quad exhausts, is of course absent on these all-electric models.

Whether in the more traditional SUV body style or the athletic Sportback design, the SQ8 e-trons are both aerodynamic triumphs, the former with a drag coefficient of 0.30 and the latter a 0.27 adding to their sporty appearance as well as contributing to range and reduced wind noise.

Like the Audi Q8 55 e-tron models that were launched locally in October, the SQ8 variants feature the Audi four-ringed logo in its new, two-dimensional format, while other features like the controllable cool-air intakes and new wheel spoilers are not visible but work towards the overall efficiency of the vehicle.

Impossible to miss though are the 22-inch Audi Sport alloy rims which are larger than those featured on the predecessor e-tron S models. These feature a five-arm design finished in titanium grey which sets off the brake callipers finished red to perfection.

Metallic paint (excluding Soneira Red), privacy glass and a panoramic sunroof are all standard equipment on the SQ8 e-tron models.

The Audi S treatment continues inside the sumptuous cabin, where the brand’s reputation for beautifully executed interiors is on display. Valcona leather features throughout and heated S Sport front seats are embossed with the familiar S logo as well as the distinctive diamond pattern. Standard inclusions are extensive and impressive, with everything from the four-zone climate control and colour ambient lighting, to the Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 16 speakers all included.

Indeed the list of standard equipment includes Audi smartphone interface (Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay), Audi phone box light with wireless charging (for mobile phones with the Qi standard), Digital radio DAB+ and two USB outlets both for the front seats with charging and connectivity and two more for the rear with charging function.

Likewise Audi connect plus is included with all of the connected functions that this system adds to the equation, such as navigation and infotainment as well as security and assistance.

For a vehicle like the SQ8 e-tron that is very much driver focused, the inclusion of heads-up display makes perfect sense and the Audi virtual cockpit features additional S displays  – e-tron, Sport and Classic.

Over and above the standard equipment, customers will also be able to option their SQ8 e-tron with a Sensory package that includes additional equipment and styling features. These include the addition of Digital Matrix LED headlights and LED entrance lighting on the front and rear doors, as well as soft close and latching doors, heated outer rear seats, manually operated sunshades for the rear windows and the upper and lower dashboard elements upholstered in leather. Also included is the addition of an air quality package.

In terms of charging, customers will also be able to opt for a 22kW AC charging package for even greater convenience, with an additional second onboard charger (up to 22kW three phase) and an Audi connect charger, up to 22kW AC three phase.

Safety and driver assistance systems too are well represented with everything from Emergency Braking (AEB) including pedestrian and cyclist detection, collision avoidance assist, turn assist, exit assist, intersection assist, rear cross-traffic assist and lane charge warning (side assist).

The systems also include front and rear parking sensors and 360-degree cameras which include kerb view function for negotiating difficult parking situations, as well as a tyre pressure loss indicator.

Arriving in Australia in the second quarter of next year, the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron will be offered with the brand’s six years of Audi scheduled servicing, six years Audi roadside assist and a six years public charging subscription to the Chargefox network – Australia’s largest EV charging network of which Audi Australia is a founding partner.

As with all Audi models, the SQ8 e-tron also comes witha five-year warranty and 12 years manufacturing warranty for bodywork against corrosion perforation for new vehicles, as well as an eight-year battery warranty.

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)