Audi’s top-of-the-line high-performance and high-spec SQ8 e-tron is now available to order in the UK. The launch price is at £97,500 and the first models are set for a summer 2023 delivery.
The flagship offerings within the new Q8 e-tron model lineup are available both in SUV and Sportback guise, Audi’s name for its coupe versions. The S version is fitted with a unique triple electric motor setup as standard that develops 503PS and 973Nm of torque.
“We’ve already seen huge interest and demand for our new Q8 e-tron model lineup with its introduction to the UK market back in March,” said Andrew Doyle, Director Audi UK. “The arrival of the SQ8 e-tron completes our new-look electric flagship model range and sets a new benchmark for performance and driving dynamics in the segment.”
Both the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron make use of the larger 106kWh (net) battery that delivers a fully electric range of up to 276 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. Much like the standard Q8 e-tron model line-up, the new S variants also debut Audi’s new corporate identity visible with the new two-dimensional Audi rings on the front and rear of the vehicle, plus the model designation now printed on the b-pillar.
The line-ups comprise two trim levels: Black Edition and Vorsprung. Equipment highlights across the lineup include adaptive air suspension, quattro all-wheel drive, progressive steering, S-specific exterior styling and a Park Assist Pack that includes a 360-degree camera.
Inside, electrically adjustable front super sport seats with S embossed logo in Valcona leather are standard, along with comfort and safety features such as Audi Virtual cockpit plus, keyless-go, head-up display, Bang & Olufsen sound system, four-zone automatic climate control, extended LED interior lighting pack and three-spoke flat bottomed steering wheel in perforated leather.
The entry-level Black Edition model starts at £97,500 for the SUV and £100,000 for the Sportback. It kicks the range off with a high level of standard equipment including features such as 21-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, full leather super sports seats, four-zone climate control and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
This model is then available with various option packages including a Technology Pack Pro S (£2,595), with exterior grille illumination, a panoramic sunroof, USB-C in the rear, heated rear seats and advanced key.
A Tour Pack (£1,995) is also available, which includes adaptive cruise with active lane assist, emergency assist, predictive efficiency assistant, turn assist and swerve assist. And finally, the City Assist Pack (£1,125) adds Audi pre-sense rear, exit warning, cross traffic assist front and rear, lane change assistant and park assist with parking aid.
These packs are optional on Black Editions and standard on Vorspring models, which are priced at £114,500 for the SUV and £117,000 for the Sportback model.
Audi is hopeful the SQ8 e-tron will boost its EV sales further as the German manufacturer looks to make headway with its range-wide electrification programme. In 2022, Audi delivered 118,196 electric vehicles to customers last year – a 44 per cent increase over the previous 12 months.
By 2025, Audi said that it’ll offer more than 20 models with all-electric drive in the most important markets worldwide and achieve roughly 40 per cent of its sales with electrified variants. These will of course be underpinned by a range of models with classic layouts covering every relevant market segment from the compact class to the luxury class.
