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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For those seeking a high performance and sportier styled premium pure electric SUV, few can compete with the all-electric SQ8 Sportback e-tron. The e-SUV features a distinctive coupé-SUV roofline to enhance the exterior appeal and performance of the EV.
According to Audi, “the Sportback e-tron has the unmistakable dimensions of an SUV – with the dynamic silhouette of a sporty coupé”. Indeed, this is correct, in that, the length (4.9 metres), wheelbase (2.9 metres) and width (2.1 metres) of the SQ8 SUV and SQ8 Sportback are similar. However the key differences are in the height and the boot space.
The SQ8 SUV height is 1633mm, while the height for the Sportback is 1619mm. The Sportback has a smaller boot (528 L) compared to the SUV (569 L). Both body styles have a frunk (62 L). Also, given the sleeker roof, headroom is compromised in the cabin and rear-view visibility impacted.
However, in return, the aerodynamics and efficiency of the electric vehicle (EV) is improved, compared to a more traditional SUV body style. The SQ8 Sportback has an improved aerodynamic efficiency (0.24 Cd), compared to the traditional SUV (0.27 Cd). Moreover, for the latest generation e-tron Sportback, the drag coefficient has been reduced from 0.26 to 0.24 Cd.
The SQ8 Sportback pure electric SUV is available in only one EV battery size: 114 kWh. Audi claims that the SQ8 Sportback e-tron can achieve an electric range up to 295 miles (WLTP) on a fully charged EV 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 250 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 Sportback 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!
The SQ8 Sportback e-tron has an improved asynchronous motor concept. It has upgraded the previous generation 12 coils to 14, further improving the delivery of torque for the Q8 and also reducing the energy required. Unlike the Q8 Sportback e-tron, which has two electric motors, the SQ8 Sportback 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 SQ8 Sportback e-tron can achieve 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds (maximum power: 503 PS/ torque: 973 Nm). The top speed of the EV is 124 mph.
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 Sportback 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.
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 Sportback e-tron 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 Sportback e-tron (credit: Audi)
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