2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron Flagship Electric SUV starting at $75,495

The 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron, an updated version of the older E-Tron, will go on sale this summer starting at $75,495. Audi has made a number of updates, including a significant increase in range,

which is a steep increase from the 2023 E-Tron's starting price of $71,995.

Prices for the coupe-like 2024 Q8 Sportback E-Tron start at $78,895. All prices include destination.

The original E-Tron came out in 2019 and met many requirements for EV enthusiasts, but was let down by a low 204-mile range; a 2021 efficiency update increased the range to 222 miles, but rival EVs were by then 300 miles was well beyond the range of the previous model.

The EPA has yet to release range estimates for the Q8 E-Tron and Q8 Sportback E-Tron, but Audi says the latter is expected to produce a 300-mile estimate. Among the major upgrades is a new 114 kwh battery that will come standard for the U.S. market.

Charging performance has also been improved. According to Audi, it can now charge at up to 170 kwh and can charge the battery from 10-80% in about 30 minutes. Buyers will receive two years of DC fast charging at no additional charge through the Electrify America network.

Only one powertrain will be offered at launch: a 402 hp dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 0-60 mph acceleration in just over 5 seconds. A sportier SQ8 grade will join the lineup by the end of the year, Audi has confirmed; the SQ8 will feature three-motor all-wheel drive (two motors in the rear and one in the front) and is expected to produce 496 hp

.

These horsepower numbers are unchanged from the E-tron, but there have been some tweaks to improve efficiency. For example, some asynchronous motors now have 14 coils that generate electromagnetic fields, compared to 12 in the past. According to Audi, this increases torque but consumes less energy when extra performance is not needed.

Exterior styling changes are subtle and consist of a new fascia and a number of aerodynamic improvements, including active shutters on the radiator to reduce drag. The Audi logo has also been changed to a flatter design. Overall aerodynamic drag is reduced by about 6% compared to the E-Tron, Audi said.

Changes inside are even more subtle. New trim materials are used, the use of recycled materials has increased, and four-zone climate control has been introduced. The driver is greeted by a digital meter cluster and two more touch-sensitive screens in the center stack. These control the infotainment system and comfort settings.

As Audi's top-of-the-line grade, the Q8 E-Tron is fully equipped with everything. Air suspension, matrix LED headlights, Bang & Olufsen audio, a glass panoramic roof, four-zone climate control, and wheel sizes up to 22 inches are standard or selectable.

Production of the Q8 E-Tron and Q8 Sportback E-Tron takes place at Audi's plant in Brussels, Belgium. Audi claims that the process is carbon neutral, partly due to the use of renewable energy.

Audi is also working on an update to the gas-powered Q8, but has not said whether this model will be offered in the US.