Audi Q8 e-tron
After a few months of silence, Audi returns to talk about its e-tron models. A couple of weeks ago the Q4 e-tron MY 2023 was presented, while in these days it was the turn of a restyling of the e-tron with a decidedly showy livery.
On the occasion of the E-Cannonball, the annual gathering of electric cars that takes place in Germany, whose goal is to advertise the suitability of electric cars for long-distance travel, the house based in Ingolstadt has released a photo gallery of the new prototype.
The photos show a restyling that at first glance does not differ much from the current model presented in 2018. Looking more carefully, you can see that the fender and the grille have been stylistically updated, as opposed to the optical groups that seem identical to the current ones. However, it is clear that it is a prototype, also thanks to the writing on the side. No interior images have been released, but it can be assumed that they will also be revised and updated. Same thing for the engines, although in this case it is easier to imagine at least an update of the battery packs to improve autonomy and performance. The new e-tron will use a modified version of the Volkswagen Group's current MLB EVO platform, designed for the modular construction of front-engined cars.| ); }
When will we be able to see it on the roads? The restyling could be presented as early as 2023, while the new generation derived from a totally new project, probably not before 2026, at which time it seems that it will change its name to Q8 e-tron, becoming the most voluminous electric model of the entire range. | ); }
Audi e-tron prototype
2023 Audi Q8 E-Tron Possibly Teased With Camouflaged Electric SUV
In early March, Audi shared 'spy photos' of the facelifted E-Tron in the swoopy Sportback flavor and now we're possibly getting an official preview of the conventional body style in updated guise. The adjacent gallery was provided with the announcement of entering an E-Tron in the E-Cannonball in Hamburg, which took place last week. The peeps from Ingolstadt refrain from referring to the electric SUV as the facelifted model, but it might just be.
For starters, the Four Rings are saying it's a prototype, which typically means it has new hardware not currently available on the E-Tron SUV that has been around since 2018. The camouflage – although it's basically a livery – suggests the vehicle portrays a future model. The red bits lead us to believe we're looking at the hotter S variant with the tri-motor setup, but nothing is official at this point. Resculpted bumpers and a fresh pattern for the Singleframe grille further indicate it's the facelifted model.
Audi has already announced the next-generation model will hit the market in 2026 and go by the 'Q8 E-Tron' moniker. However, the name change is rumored to take place as early as next year with the mid-cycle facelift for the current-gen vehicle. Sources from within the German luxury marque told Autocar nearly a year ago the E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback will get a major battery upgrade and more efficient electric motors to push range beyond 373 miles (600 kilometers), presumably in the WLTP cycle.
The Q8 E-Tron will be positioned above Audi's forthcoming Q6 E-Tron, which will ride on a dedicated electric car platform. The bigger of the two electric SUVs sits on an adaptation of the MLB Evo architecture shared with the gasoline-fueled Q8. Lest we forged that aside from a Q4 E-Tron, the company is now also selling a Q5 E-Tron in China where it's essentially a luxed-up version of the Volkswagen ID.6 three-row electric SUV.
Audi isn't saying a word about when the E-Tron facelift will be revealed, but the Paris Motor Show is taking place next month. If we won't see it in the City of Light, perhaps the electric SUV will break cover at the Los Angeles Auto Show in the second half of November.
Source: Audi