Audi Korea has announced the launch of its large premium all-electric SUV models, the ‘New Q8 e-tron’ and ‘New Q8 Sportback e-tron’, as well as the high-performance model ‘New SQ8 Sportback e-tron’, which will be available starting June 10.
The ‘New Q8 e-tron’, a refreshed version of Audi’s first-ever all-electric car, the ‘Audi e-tron’, combines sleek and sophisticated design with dynamic performance and the latest technologies. This pure electric SUV embodies ‘Audi DNA’, showcasing a new front singleframe that reflects Audi’s electric vehicle design language and a sporty rear design intelligently crafted for aerodynamic efficiency. Compared to its predecessor, the battery capacity and charging power have been increased, optimizing the balance between energy density and charging capacity for maximized efficiency. Moreover, enhancements to the motor, progressive steering, and suspension control systems further amplify the dynamic driving characteristics of the ‘New Q8 e-tron’ lineup.
The ‘New Q8 e-tron’ is set to be offered in standard and premium trims for the 50 e-tron quattro and 55 e-tron quattro variants, while the ‘New Q8 Sportback e-tron’ is available in the standard and premium versions of the 55 e-tron quattro, alongside the performance model ‘New SQ8 Sportback e-tron’, broadening customer choices. The ‘New Q8 50 e-tron quattro’ can travel a combined range of 298 km on a single charge (city: 299 km / highway: 297 km), while the ‘New Q8 55 e-tron quattro’ achieves a combined range of 368 km (city: 363 km / highway: 374 km). The ‘New Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro’ also offers a combined range of 351 km (city: 349 km / highway: 354 km), whereas the ‘New SQ8 Sportback e-tron’ provides a combined range of 303 km (city: 297 km / highway: 310 km).
Featuring powerful output and high-efficiency energy recovery, the ‘New Q8 e-tron’ delivers impressive performance. The ‘New Q8 50 e-tron quattro’ is equipped with two strong electric motors at the front and rear axles, generating a maximum power output of 340 horsepower (250 kW) and 67.71 kg.m of peak torque. It achieves a top speed of 200 km/h (electronically limited) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds.
Both the ‘New Q8 55 e-tron quattro’ and ‘New Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro’ produce a maximum output of 408 horsepower (300 kW) and 67.71 kg.m of torque. They share a top speed of 200 km/h (electronically limited) with an acceleration time of 5.6 seconds from rest to 100 km/h. The electric motors combine dynamism and precision, rapidly distributing torque as needed between the two drive axles.
The ‘New SQ8 Sportback e-tron’ showcases a maximum output of 503 horsepower (370 kW) and peak torque of 99.24 kg.m, with a top speed of 210 km/h (electronically limited) and an impressive acceleration of 4.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.
The 114 kWh lithium-ion battery pack utilized in the ‘New Q8 55 e-tron quattro’ and ‘New Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro’ consists of 36 battery modules made up of 12 individual battery cells. It supports both slow (AC) and fast (DC) charging at home, in public spaces, or at Audi’s network charging stations, capable of charging at up to 170 kW (*for the 55 e-tron quattro and SQ8 Sportback e-tron) during fast charging. For safety, Audi has designed a secure battery placement structure to withstand high-speed collisions, with the battery housed low in the center, enhancing safety, sporty driving, and precise handling.
The range of safety and convenience systems included with the ‘New Q8 e-tron’ also stands out. The addition of a secondary slow charging port on the front passenger side increases charging convenience, while a set of ultrasonic sensors measures the distance between obstacles and displays the information on the MMI display through the front/rear parking assist system, surround view display, and Park Assist Plus, making parking easier. The ‘360-degree camera’ uses four cameras mounted around the vehicle to provide a comprehensive view of the surroundings through the surround view display, assisting with precise parking.
Safety features like Audi Side Assist, which detects vehicles in blind spots or from behind and sends warnings through the side mirrors, the exit warning system, and the intersection assist system have been integrated within ‘Pre sense 360°’, a system that warns of potential collisions based on the detection of cars approaching intersections. Moreover, the ‘Virtual Engine Sound’ (AVAS) alerts pedestrians to the vehicle’s proximity, showcasing a variety of advanced safety features designed to enhance the driving experience while prioritizing the safety of drivers and pedestrians alike.
The price for ‘New Q8 50 e-tron quattro’ starts at 108.6 million KRW, ‘New Q8 55 e-tron quattro’ is priced at 120.6 million KRW, ‘New Q8 55 e-tron quattro Premium’ is available for 131.6 million KRW, ‘New Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro’ costs 124.6 million KRW, ‘New Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro Premium’ is priced at 135.6 million KRW, and ‘New SQ8 Sportback e-tron’ starts at 154.6 million KRW (including VAT).
Audi is making extensive efforts to meet diverse consumer demands amidst the changing automotive market driven by electrification and digitalization, and to secure sustainable growth opportunities in the Korean market. Audi e-tron customers can utilize the ‘myAudiworld’ application for features such as locating and reserving charging stations, checking charging completion status, integrating credit cards with the e-tron charging credit card, and monitoring remaining charge. Additionally, the ‘Charging on Demand’ service is offered for customers unable to charge their vehicles directly on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Audi Korea guarantees all Audi e-tron batteries for eight years or 160,000 km and provides industry-leading warranties of five years / 150,000 km on general components including drive motors. Furthermore, all customers who have received their ‘New Audi Q8 e-tron’ will receive a charging credit worth 1 million KRW valid for five years.
Meanwhile, in celebration of the launch of the ‘New Audi Q8 e-tron’, Audi Korea is providing all customers who purchase the ‘New Audi Q8 e-tron’ with a limited-edition door entry LED light featuring the Audi logo and FC Bayern logo.
Audi Korea will also conduct various customer participation events on its official Instagram account, including showroom visit photo contests and test drive opportunities. The ‘Audi Summer Tour 2024’ showroom visit photo event allows participants to win ‘Audi Summer Tour 2024’ packages (sticker packs, phone straps) by following Audi Korea’s official Instagram, visiting a nearby Audi showroom, and posting photos with specific hashtags from June 11 to 30. Additionally, customers who apply for a test drive through Audi Korea’s official website from June 11 to July 15 and complete the test drive will be among the first to receive an ‘Audi Summer Tour 2024’ car air freshener, with a chance to win participation in the ‘Audi Summer Tour 2024 FC Bayern Fan Meeting’ for a chance to meet FC Bayern players through a lottery.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr