Q8 55 and SQ8 Sportback introduced for the new line of Audi E-Tron electric SUVs
Starting in 2024, Audi E-Tron electric SUVs will be getting a number of updates including improved battery capacity, face lifts, and name changes. By the end of the following year, these modifications should help clear up any confusion for the buying consumers.
With its new name comes a subtle makeover for the Q8 E-Tron lineup. The front fascia of the crossover has been updated to be more aggressive and similar to the Q4 and GT models of Audi E-Tron electric SUVs. A modified version of the brand’s interlocking rings logo is positioned directly below an LED light bar that joins the headlamps on the car’s updated grille. The modifications, albeit seemingly insignificant, serve to emphasize the new Q8 E-Trons are all-electric.
The crossover will be offered in the US in two different all-wheel drive variants — the Q8 55 E-Tron and the SQ8 Sportback E-Tron (previously the E-Tron S). The 402 horsepower, 490 ft lbs of torque dual-motor powertrain of the Q8 55 can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds with a max speed of 124 mph. The SQ8’s tri-motor configuration can produce up to 495 horsepower and 718 ft lbs of torque, while accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds with a max speed of 130 mph.

Both Audi E-Tron electric SUV models now have a much larger battery capacity. Although the size of the pack itself may not have changed, its energy density has increased to 114 kWh, an upgrade of 19 kWh. As a result, the range of the 2024 electric Q8s will be improved in both the Q8 55 E-Tron and SQ8 Sportback E-Tron models.
“Thanks to an adjustment to the battery management system, the battery capacity usable for customers has increased as well,” states Audi. “At a high-powered charging station, the Audi Q8 50 e-tron reaches a maximum charging performance of 150 kW. With the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron, the maximum charging performance increases to up to 170 kW.”

Both models also provide faster DC charging rates. Drivers are able to charge their batteries from 10% to 80% of their capacity in just over a half hour thanks to an increase in the maximum charging rate from 150 to 170 kW.
Starting February 2023, the updated Audi E-Tron electric SUV series will first become available in Europe for a starting price of €74,400, or roughly $75,100. By the end of April, the new Q8 E-Trons will arrive in the States. Get ready, orders begin later this month.
