The Audi e-tron SUV range has become the Q8 e-tron. Here’s all you need to know about the new electric SUV from the Ingolstadt-based brand.

If you’re confused, don’t panic as we were too initially. Essentially, the e-tron SUV range has been renamed Q8 e-tron and based on that numbering system, it would be fair to assume there’s going to be a Q6 e-tron in the new future as there’s already a Q4 available in some markets overseas.

It’s not just a name change either, with numerous upgradesin terms of efficiency, technology and design applied across the range. Speaking of, the Q8 e-tron will be available in your standard SUV shape, as well as the more aggressive-looking Sportback shape. There’ll also be performance-biased S-badged models too.

Visually, there’s a radical change to the nose with new lamps, illuminated parts of the grille and there’s a revised Audi logo. Some work has been done to the aerodynamics of the car to make it cut through the air with less resistance, and Audi claims its drag coefficient has been reduced.

More: Want to buy an electric Audi, browse stock here.

The range will feature three powertrains and two battery sizes. In base trim, the Q8 50 features an electric motor on each axle producing 250 kW and 664 Nm. This battery has 89 kWh (95 kWh gross) and is said to provide a range of 491 km for the SUV and 505 km for the Sportback. This model is said to sprint to 100 kph in just 6 seconds.

Next up is the Q8 55 e-tron which has 300 kW and 664 Nm from a bigger 104 kWh battery (114 kWh gross). A range of 582 km is being claimed, with 600 km for the Sportback. This is fractionally faster with a claimed sprint time of 5.6 seconds to 100 kph.

If you’re wanting something rapid, then the SQ8 e-tron features 3 electric motors, with one driving the front wheels and two powering the rear axle. A monster 370 kW and 973 Nm are on tap, from a 104 kWh battery. A range of 494 km is claimed, with the Sportback going out to 513 km. All ranges are based on the WLTP test. From a standstill, the SQ8 variants will hit 100 kph in 4.5 seconds.

150 kW fast charging from a DC box is supported, with the 55 and SQ8 able to support 170 kW. If you plug in for 30 minutes, you should get around 420 km of range. Otherwise, 11 kW AC power for charging is standard, but you can optionally select 22 kW.

Inside is all the plush luxury you’d expect in this neck of the market. There are a few high-res displays, with the driver receiving the latest version of Audi’s excellent digital instrument cluster. Cool-looking cameras that replace the traditional side mirrors are optional.

A panoramic glass roof, two-zone climate control is standard, but customers can opt for a four-zone as well as nice things like massage front seats. Under the skin, Audi says its cabin features recycled materials for insulation, carpeting and sound dampening.

At this stage, there’s no word on local introduction, but the Audi Q8 e-tron range will be hitting European streets in February 2023.

*Update:* Audi SA has confirmed the Q8 e-tron range will be reaching our shores towards the end of 2023.

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