2024 Audi Q8 e-tron brings a new name, a Fresh Face

The Audi e-tron has been refreshed, becoming the Q8 e-tron and sporting a new front end with a mask-like grille that puts it in line with the smaller Q4 e-tron.

Power output is unchanged, but the Q8 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron are expected to improve their range estimates thanks to a redesigned rear electric motor and better aerodynamics.

Audi says the Q8 e-tron can charge at a rate of 170kW, going from 10 to 80 per cent in 31 minutes on a DC fast charger.

Since Audi first launched the e-tron SUV in 2019, it has added the voluptuous e-tron GT sedan and the smaller Q4 e-tron crossover to its electric arsenal. Now, the original e-tron is gaining a new moniker to differentiate it from its fellow electric Audis as part of a substantial overhaul.

Rechristened as the Q8 e-tron, the facelifted EV arrives with fresh styling and increased range, and the sleek Sportback and more powerful S (now called SQ8 e-tron) variants also return. (The new name doesn’t eliminate confusion entirely, however, as there are also distinct gasoline-powered Q8 and SQ8 models; calling it the Q6 e-tron would’ve been a better move in our opinion.

While Europe receives a base model with a smaller battery and less power, the only configurations that will be sold in the United States are the Q8 e-tron 55 and the SQ8 e-tron, which replaces the e-tron S. Power outputs are unchanged from before.

The 55, with all-wheel drive via a dual-motor setup, maxes out at 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque in Sport mode.

The SQ8 e-tron, meanwhile, packs three electric motors, with a 166-hp unit up front and two 131-hp motors housed on the rear axle producing a combined 496 hp and 718 pound-feet of torque in Sport mode. The 55 model reaches 62 mph in a claimed 5.6 seconds while the SQ8 drops that sprint to 4.5 ticks.

Top speed for the 55 is limited to 124 mph, and the SQ8 e-tron can hit 130 mph.