Born from an ambitious facelift, the Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback offers notable improvements in performance, range, and comfort, all while preserving the sporty and luxurious essence that defines the brand. With a revamped design and cutting-edge technology, this model aims to reclaim its place amidst fierce competition in the premium electric SUV segment.
A Subtle Yet Effective Facelift
With its impressive dimensions—nearly 5 meters long and 1.94 meters wide—the Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback is an imposing vehicle. But beyond its size, it’s the attention to aerodynamics that stands out.
The exterior of the SQ8 e-tron Sportback has received targeted updates that give it an even more modern look. The reworked grille, paired with a sharper LED light signature, reinforces the model’s visual identity, especially in this sporty “S” version. This aerodynamic design allows for a drag coefficient of 0.24, optimizing both energy efficiency and on-road performance. The rear evolves more subtly, while the interior continues to impress with high-quality finishes and carefully selected materials.
Luxury and Technology Inside
Audi stays true to its reputation by offering an interior where luxury and technology blend seamlessly. The SQ8 e-tron Sportback boasts a high-end finish, featuring premium materials and a refined interior layout. The dual MMI touch response interface, a signature of the brand, makes managing onboard functions easy with its two stacked screens, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience.
The virtual cockpit, standard in this model, is another highlight of this onboard technology, offering exceptional resolution and clear display of driving information. As for the interior space, while the roofline may give the impression of being a bit tight, rear passenger comfort is far from overlooked. Only the center seat might feel slightly cramped.
The spacious cabin guarantees comfort for all passengers, and the trunk, with over 600 liters of capacity, makes it a perfect option for long journeys.
Improved Performance and Range
The biggest innovation in this facelift lies under the hood. Audi has reworked the electric architecture with a new 114 kWh battery in the SQ8 e-tron version, compared to 89 kWh in the standard version. This allows the SUV to claim a theoretical range of 513 km in the WLTP cycle, though in reality, it tends to hover between 350 and 400 km depending on driving conditions.
In terms of power, the SQ8 e-tron does not disappoint. The three electric motors deliver 503 horsepower and a massive 973 Nm of torque, providing blistering acceleration with 0 to 100 km/h achieved in 4.5 seconds. However, in dynamic mode, consumption can quickly rise, especially in urban settings or on the highway.
Exemplary Road Handling
Despite its hefty weight of over 2.7 tons, the SQ8 e-tron Sportback continues to excel on the road thanks to its responsive air suspension and a torque-vectoring system that optimizes agility. Although competitors like the BMW iX or Mercedes EQE SUV boast higher power figures, the Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback makes up for it with impeccable handling and recalibrated steering for increased precision. It handles winding roads with surprising ease, ensuring remarkable stability even at high speeds.
Charging and Pricing in Belgium
Audi has also improved the charging capacity of its SUV. With a maximum power of 170 kW in fast charging mode, it’s possible to charge from 10% to 80% battery in about 30 minutes, bringing the SQ8 e-tron in line with current rapid charging standards.
In Belgium, the SQ8 e-tron Sportback is positioned in the premium electric SUV category. The base version, the 50 quattro, starts at €81,480, while the sporty SQ8 version, packed with all performance options, starts at €105,490. With extras like camera side mirrors or a panoramic roof, the price can easily reach or exceed €137,000, reflecting its premium status.
Conclusion
The Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback is much more than just a facelift. With its technical upgrades and refined design, it regains ground against newer competitors, though without revolutionizing the segment. While its price remains high, it will appeal to those seeking an elegant and versatile electric coupe SUV, ready to take on the challenges of modern electromobility.
