Audi's e-tron is gone... long live the 2024 Q8 e-tron! Increased pricing, but new looks for Mercedes EQE SUV rival

Audi Australia’s refreshed and re-badged e-tron electric SUV has increased both its driving range and price, with the updated model is set to touch down in local showrooms before the end of the year.

Now known as the Q8 e-tron, the large EV formerly known as just e-tron will again be offered in traditional SUV form as well as a more stylish Sportback variant, with the 55 grade set at $153,900 before on-road costs and $165,900 respectively.

That’s a $7825 and $8825 price increase over each of their respectively predecessors, but a more affordable 50 powertrain, as well as the updated SQ8 e-tron flagship, will arrive in Australia from next year.

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On top of the name change is updated styling, as the Q8 e-Tron will be the first model in Australia to wear Audi’s new two-dimensional, four ring logo.

The front grille has also been modified with a new Singleframe mask and the front bumper tweaked to make “the front appear wider and create a more pronounced SUV look”, according to Audi.

There is also better airflow optimisation around the wheelarches and, at the rear, the new Audi EV gains a revised rear diffuser with ‘e-tron’ stamping, as well as Q8 badging on the tailgate.

The front grille has also been modified with a new Singleframe mask.

As before, cameras can be optioned in place of side-view mirrors for even better aerodynamic efficiency, which all combine to make the new Q8 e-tron even slipperier than before.

The cabin is also befitting a luxury EV with features such as dual-zone climate control (quad-zone in the Sportback), heated leather seats and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Handling multimedia is a 10.1-inch touchscreen with haptic feedback and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, while underneath is an 8.6-inch unit for climate controls and other vehicle functions.

Powering the e-tron 55 is a dual-electric motor set-up.

Other standard features include adaptive air suspension, Audi’s drive-mode selector and adjustable regenerative braking.

Powering the e-tron 55 is a dual-electric motor set-up that offers all-wheel-drive grip and 300kW/664Nm outputs, enough to propel the Mercedes EQE SUV rival from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

And with a 114kWh (gross) battery in tow, the Q8 e-tron 55 has a claimed driving range of 454km, while recharging from 10-80 per cent can take as little as 31 minutes when using a 170kW (+20kW from the outgoing model) DC fast charger.

Handling multimedia is a 10.1-inch touchscreen with haptic feedback.

All new Audi Q8 e-tron buyers also receive six years of complimentary access to Chargefox’s network.

The Q8 55 e-tron will also score a limited Launch Edition SUV positioned at $165,900 that adds S line exterior styling, 21-inch wheels, blacked-out accents, sports steering wheel, sports front seats and electric steering wheel adjustment.

Why the name change? Audi says it's to better align the model with “its position as the new flagship SUV within Audi’s electric portfolio”, with the e-Tron GT sitting alongside it on the passenger car portfolio, while the incoming Q4 e-Tron is set to further expand the brand’s all-electric offerings.

2024 Audi Q8 e-tron pricing before on-road costs