Audi AG, a Bavaria (Germany) based luxury automotive manufacturer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG (Volkswagen Group), the Germany automotive group. Audi manufacturers across nine production facilities globally. In Germany, the company’s manufacturing facilities are based in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. The Audi e-tron family is series of electric and hybrid cars introduced since 2009. The first e-tron concept car was introduced at the 2009 International Motor Show (Germany). The Audi all-electric e-tron portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) includes:
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
Overview Audi AG, a Bavaria (Germany) based luxury automotive manufacturer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG (Volkswagen Group), the Germany automotive group. Audi manufacturers across nine production facilities…
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If you are seeking a sportier performance with the latest-generation Audi e-tron pure electric SUVs, the S performance badge is the variant to consider. Though the higher performance Audi SQ8 e-tron SUV has much in common with the Audi Q8 e-tron SUV, there are some key differences.
Unlike the Q8 e-tron, which has two electric motors, the SQ8 e-tron incorporates a three-motor concept i.e. three electric motors. A 124 kW electric motor on the front axle, and two 98 kW electric motors in the rear. This allows for a boost performance up to 370 kW. The rear motors are in constant use, while the front motor is activated on demand, to boost power.
The all-electric, all-wheel drive (AWD) SQ8 e-tron can achieve 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds (maximum power: 503 PS/ torque: 973 Nm). In comparison, the Q8 55 e-tron can achieve 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds (maximum power: 408 PS/ torque: 664 Nm). The top speed of the SQ8 EV is 124 mph.
Like the Q8, the SQ8 e-tron also has an improved asynchronous motor concept. It has upgraded the previous generation 12 coils to 14, further improving the delivery of torque for the SQ8 and also reducing the energy required.
The SQ8 is also being manufactured at the Audi Brussels carbon-neutral factory. The manufacturer claims that it is the world’s first carbon-neutral, high-volume automotive manufacturing facility in the premium segment. The Audi SQ8 e-tron is available as both a standard SUV and as a Sportback.
The SQ8 pure electric SUV is available in only one EV battery size: 114 kWh. Audi claims that the SQ8 e-tron can achieve an electric range up to 284 miles (WLTP) on a fully charged battery. Of course, the real-world zero-emission electric range will differ from the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test procedure (WLTP) quoted range. Expect a real-world e-range closer to 240 miles. Certainly, a useful and practical range for short and long distance travel.
Audi has marginally improved the high-speed DC charging capability of the latest electric SUV. The EV offers ultra-rapid DC charging up to 170 kW, as standard. The EV battery can be charged up to 80% in 31 minutes. At 50 kW DC it will take up to 1 hour and 18 minutes to achieve 80% charge.
The SQ8 e-tron has a three-phase 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard, with the option to upgrade to a 22 kW AC onboard charger. If you expect the majority of the charging to be done at home, upgrading to a 22 kW AC onboard charger will not be required, as most homes in the UK are powered by single-phase power supply i.e. in reality you will be charging at 7.4 kW AC.
For those fortunate enough to have access to 11 kW three-phase EV charging at the workplace or any other public charging points, the 114 kWh will take up to 11 hours and 30 minutes, and for 22 kW AC charging, it will take up to 6 hours. Of course, charging at single-phase (7.4 kW AC) will take longer compared to three-phase EV charging. At 7.4 kW AC, it will take up to 18 hours to achieve a full charge. We at e-zoomed recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to charging an electric car, this way, charging times are always shorter!
In terms of interior quality, equipment and technology, the EV reflects the premium price tag. The e-SUV comes with Audi Technology Pack as standard, which includes the premium Bang & Olufsen sound system (16-speakers/705 watt). The SQ8 EV has 40 driver assistance systems, supported by five radar sensors, five cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors.
The EV also incorporates remote paring assist plus, which is perfect for those tight parking spaces. The SQ8 also uses the MMI touchscreen operating system, as is the case with the other Audi electric cars. The SQ8 has two high-resolution displays, 8.6 inch and 10.1 inch. Also as standard is a head-up display and multi-coloured interior ambient lighting.
In terms of practicality, the SUV is only available as a five-seater, but offers ample cabin space for passengers. The EV has a boot size up to 569 L. The EV also has a frunk (62 L). For those unfamiliar with a frunk, it is a term used to describe a front storage compartment in an EV, perfect for storing an EV cable.
Though the exterior styling has become more attractive, Audi continues to maintain a more traditional look for its electric cars. Having said that, the EV does incorporate the futuristic side-view mirrors i.e. cameras replacing the traditional mirrors. Also as standard is the Audi black styling pack.
As is the trend now with global automotive manufacturers, Audi is also keen to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, in particular, in regards to materials used for production. Audi has used recycled materials for insulation, damping and carpeting. The EV also incorporates recycled automotive plastic waste.
The all-Electric Audi SQ8 e-tron SUV will be available in the UK from 2023. Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-2%) tax charge for pure electric cars. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
The All-Electric Audi SQ8 e-tron SUV (credit: Audi)
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