Four variants to be made available for booking at present are the Q8 e-tron advanced 50 quattro (estimated from RM369,000 to RM379,000), Q8 e-tron Sportback advanced 50 quattro (RM374,000 to RM384,000), Q8 e-tron S line 55 quattro (RM456,000 to RM466,000) and Q8 e-tron Sportback S line 55 quattro (RM466,000 to RM476,000).
As standard, the Q8 e-tron advanced 50 quattro will have a 95kWh lithium-ion battery as standard for its electric motors to produce 340PS and 664Nm.
A two-stage ratio planetary gearbox with a single gear manages power delivery to the electric all-wheel-drive system.
Range has been rated at 410km on a full charge with consumption of 24kWh per 100km on the combined cycle - according to the Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).
The sleeker Sportback variant is able to provide 415km of range and consumes a lower 23.7kWh per 100km (WLTP).
Although both fully-electric SUVs use 20-inch wheels as standard, the e-tron advanced 50 quattro gets Graphite Gray five-spoke dynamic style wheels with 255/50 series tyres while featuring an adaptive air suspension system.
The Sportback variant, however, receives Graphite Gray five-spoke “Aero” ring style alloys that partially obscure the red brake callipers.
Additionally, the Q8 e-tron advanced 50 quattro gets 569 litres of luggage capacity, but the Sportback variant is limited to 528 litres. Both are equipped with a powered tailgate.
On the exterior, standard equipment includes LEDs for the headlights with high-beam assist and rear combination lights as well as a high-gloss styling package. The Sportback variant uses Matrix LED headlamps.
The aluminium accent interior comes fitted as standard with matte leatherette for its upper dashboard that houses gloss-black buttons with haptic feedback.
The double-spoked multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters is wrapped in leather, the Sportback variant boasts of Valcona leather upholstery and dark matte brushed aluminium inserts.
Both variants will arrive equipped with the Audi virtual cockpit plus, Audi Connect Navigation & Infotainment system, Audi smartphone interface, Audi phone box light system as well as an MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch response.
For added comfort and convenience, front passengers will have powered front seats with four-way lumbar support and driver memory function as well as quad-zone climate controls and auxiliary air conditioning.
For safety, both variants are equipped with eight airbags, Audi pre sense (front and rear), Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, efficiency assist, swerve assist, turn assist, lane departure warning and cross traffic assist (front and rear).
The Q8 e-tron S line 55 quattro and Q8 e-tron Sportback S line 55 quattro both use a larger 114kWh battery.
Power has been rated at 408PS and 664Nm and is able to provide 481km of range (487km - Sportback) while equipped with 21-inch wheels.
The Q8 e-tron S line 55 quattro rolls on five-spoke black turbine-style wheels with 265/45 series tyres and supported by an adaptive air suspension system.
The Sportback variant uses Black Metallic five-spoke “Aero” structure style alloys instead and uses a sport adaptive air suspension system.
In terms of equipment, both variants are equally equipped with Digital Matrix LED headlights and LED rear combination lamps, single-frame projector lighting, virtual exterior mirrors, panoramic glass roof and door entrance LED projector lights (front and rear).
Additionally, they are fitted with a sportier S line interior package which includes Valcona leather with an embossed “S” logo, front and rear aluminium scuff plate inserts with front "S" logo illumination.
Furthermore, there's a sports contoured three-spoke flat-bottomed leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with paddle-shifters, Audi virtual cockpit plus, Audi connect Navigation & Infotainment system, Audi smartphone interface, Audi phone box Light, MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch response, Air ionizer and aromatization and power-assisted door closing system.
For safety, both variants will come equipped with eight airbags, Audi pre-sense (front and rear), Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, efficiency assist, swerve assist, turn assist, lane departure warning and cross traffic assist (front and rear) among others.
“The e-tron range reinforces Audi’s identity as a pioneer for the future and a perfect showcase of Audi’s technological aspirations.
“I am very delighted to announce that the full range of Audi e-tron - including SUV, Sportback and RS models will be in the market within the next few months,” said PHS Automotive Malaysia managing director Erik Winter. - JAY WONG
