Q8 e-tron

Make
Audi
Segment
SUV

Audi is preparing to release an upgraded version of the fully electric e-tron, its BMW iX rival this week. However, the e-tron EV family has grown substantially in recent years, so the e-tron crossover will be rebranded as the Q8 e-tron to differentiate it from other models like the e-tron GT and Q4 e-tron.

The latest Q8 e-tron has been teased before in flashy fluorescent livery, and it's been teased once again in a new post by the automaker on social media, prior to a full reveal later this week. The teaser doesn't show much besides some high-tech animated lighting, and we also have visual confirmation of a new Q8 e-tron Sportback with its sportier coupe-like roofline.

Like so many other teasers, this one leaves everything else to the imagination. Although technical specifications are unknown, rumors have suggested that the Q8 e-tron could come with an updated powertrain and battery packs.

Currently, the 2023 e-tron is capable of an EPA-rated range of 226 miles or 225 miles in Sportback guise. Those numbers are now outclassed by the BMW iX which can go up to 324 miles on a full charge, so there is certainly room for improvement in this area when the Q8 e-tron arrives. The more powerful e-tron S with 469 horsepower is quick, but it can only cover 208 miles with 20-inch wheels and achieves 73 MPGe combined, far below the iX's 86 MPGe combined.

Over a year ago, it was promised that the new battery tech in the upgraded e-tron will allow for 373 miles of range, a vast improvement over the current model. More efficient electric motors and better energy recuperation will also help the new Q8 e-tron's cause.

The e-tron S can go from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds, exactly the same time as the e-tron S Sportback. That's hardly slow, but again, both the BMW iX and the Tesla Model X are quicker than the Audi.

All will be revealed when the new Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback are revealed on November 9.