Audi's original dedicated full-electric vehicle, the e-tron, launched in 2019, has been given updated styling, more range and a new name: the Q8 e-tron 55 and Q8 e-tron Sportback.
The Q8 e-Tron name makes a "clear statement" that the car is the top model among its electric SUVs and crossovers, Audi said in a statement.
The Q8 e-tron crossover and Q8 Sportback e-tron get improved aerodynamics, higher charging performance and battery capacity, and increased range of up to 582 km (362 miles) in the SUV version under the WLTP tests and up to 600 km in the Sportback version, Audi said.
A more energy-dense 114-kilowatt-hour battery pack replaces the 95-kWh unit in the same space.
The base 50 versions, with two electric motors, generate 250 kilowatts in boost mode and 664 newton meters of torque. The midrange 55 models, also with two motors, generate 300 kilowatts in boost mode and 664 newton meters of torque. The top-end SQ8 versions are powered by three motors, a unit up front and two motors bolted on the rear axle.
The Q8 e-tron can charge at a rate of 170 kilowatts, Audi says, going from 10 to 80 percent in 31 minutes on a DC fast charger.
The Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron will arrive in European dealerships at the end of February. The U.S. market launch will be at the end of April.
The base price for the Q8 e-tron in Germany will be 74,400 euros.
Since its introduction, the Audi e-tron has had sales of 150,000 units. Audi's electric portfolio now comprises eight models and by 2026, the company will only be releasing fully electric models on the global market.
