Audi’s flagship electric SUV evolves,
refining driving experience, usability


(May 30, 2023) HERNDON, Va. — Providing the most sophisticated and seamless electrification experience within the Audi portfolio, the new 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron has been refined with increased driving range, higher-power and faster charging capabilities, and improved driving dynamics compared to the prior model. 

The latest iteration of Audi’s flagship electric SUV – the Q8 e-tron – delivers quicker acceleration with sprints to 60 mph in as little as 5.3 seconds for the Q8 Sportback e-tron with ultra package, as well as efficiency gains through aerodynamic advancements and improvements to both battery cell chemistry and packaging; increasing the capacity of the battery pack.

The Q8 e-tron also benefits from two years of DC fast charging included at no additional cost via the Electrify America network; true customer conveniences such as Plug & Charge, which eliminates the need to present a separate payment card at select charging stations across the country; and one week of complimentary Audi on demand rental benefit through the Always Audi program.

Along with a host of technology changes to make EV ownership even more seamless, redesigned steering hardware and suspension software sharpen the responsiveness of the 2024 Q8 e-tron while continuing to set standards in ride comfort to match its very quiet cabin. Elegant design enhancements not only heighten the on-road presence of Q8 e-tron models, they optimize aerodynamic function while incorporating Audi’s sleek new two-dimensional rings logo and Singleframe projection light grille.


Following the successes of e-tron, and the brand’s commitment to fully electrify by 2030, Audi is making a clear statement that the 2024 Q8 e-tron is its flagship electrified SUV. The Q8 e-tron receives a more aerodynamic wheel lineup, along with new treatments to the front and rear fascia as part of distinguishing new design elements which serve both aesthetic and functional purposes.

To emphasize Audi’s lighting expertise, the Q8 e-tron’s Singleframe grille receives an available all-new lighting design activated whenever the headlights or parking lights are turned on. This innovative projection lighting emanates from beneath the hood line and provides visual depth to the new two dimensional Audi logo on the grille. The Q8 e-tron will also be the first Audi model to feature laser-etched model badging on the B-pillar.

The 2024 Q8 e-tron features a higher-capacity battery, but one which has been engineered into the existing packaging space. The increased energy density of the battery pack can be attributed to advancements made to both the structure and manufacturing process of the prismatic battery cells.

In addition to the improved energy density, the new construction incorporates so-called “stacking” technology. This process permits better use of the casing’s physical space compared with the previous winding technology, resulting in a cell that increases capacity while taking up the same amount of physical space.

With a 23-percent greater net capacity of 106 kWh (114 kWh gross) from the previous model e-tron, the new Q8 e-tron improves on the battery pack’s usable capacity, utilizing 93 percent versus the previous 91 percent, thanks to adjustments to the battery management system. Coupled with advancements in cell technology and cell chemistry, the maximum DC charging power has also been increased from 150 kW to 170 kW, permitting recharging from 10 to 80 percent capacity in about 31 minutes.



Under ideal Level-2 charging conditions, the Audi Q8 e-tron can  recharge in around 13 hours at 9.6 kW (240V/40A), or in around 6.5 hours at 19.2kW (240V/80A).

The asynchronous electric motor on the rear axle for the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron was also modified and now incorporates 14 motor windings instead of 12. The increase in windings improves efficiency by generating a stronger magnetic field from a similar electrical input, which in-turn produces more torque. When additional power is not needed, the new motor topology requires less energy to generate similar torque, which reduces consumption and increases driving range.

All Q8 e-tron models benefit from Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system thanks to asynchronous motors positioned front and rear. The Q8 e-tron is rear-wheel biased under normal driving conditions; sending most power to the rear wheels via the higher efficiency motor with 14 windings. The front axle of the Q8 e-tron is primarily utilized when higher performance is called upon, in particularly low traction situations, or where additional stability is needed, such as a slippery or curvy road.

The result of all these updates is an EPA estimated range of 300 miles for the Q8 Sportback e-tron with ultra package, an increase of around 30 percent compared to the 2023 e-tron Sportback. The range and charging improvements greatly expand the everyday flexibility and usability of the Q8 e-tron, allowing owners to travel farther and get back on the road faster; making BEV ownership even more seamless.