08 e-tron heralds Audi range revamp

New name for Audi e-tron. Efficiency tweaks raise range

- Sean Carson

EVOLUTION improves the breed, and that's exactly what Audi is doing with its e-tron electric SUV, treating the car to major technology updates, more subtle styling changes, and an all-new name, as part of a mid-life refresh.

The e-tron SUV becomes the Q8 e-tron, with the new car still available in a choice of two bodystyles - the regular SUV and the swoopier Sportback model - as well as with three powertrain options. These Q8 e-tron models go on sale this month, with prices from around £69,000 and deliveries commencing in February next year.

The entry-level Q8 e-tron 50 features an upgraded 95kWh battery with up to 305 miles of range for the regular SUV and a claimed 313 miles for the more aerodynamic Sportback. The Q8 e-tron 55 and Q8 e-tron S both use a larger 114kWh battery. For the 55 model this delivers up to 361 miles in the SUV and 372 miles in the Sportback, while the hot SQ8 e-tron does up to 306 or 318 miles for the SUV or Sportback versions respectively. This represents an increase of more than 80 miles over its e-tron S predecessor.

The greater efficiency has been achieved by optimizing battery cell chemistry, Audi says, along with more advanced energy management software and packaging of the cells, plus tweaks to the rear motor windings. There are now 14 coils instead of 12, allowing the motor to generate more torque from the same electrical current.