Will Audi in Malaysia introduce the Q8 Sportback e-tron?
Since the introduction of the Audi e-tron around four years ago and sales of 150,000 units, Audi has been following a systematic electric roadmap.
Its electric portfolio now comprises eight models. By 2026, it will have more than 20. At that point, Audi will only be releasing fully electric models on the global market.
With the Audi e-tron, the premium manufacturer entered the age of electromobility in 2018, marking the start of the electric future for the four rings.
Since then, the model has been setting standards in the electric luxury-class SUV segment. The new Audi Q8 e-tron is now building on the success story of this electric pioneer. The petrol version of the Q8 made its first appearance in Malaysia in January 2019 for RM727k.
Since then only a handful have found owners. Then in July 2022, PHS Automotive took over official distributorship of Audi in Malaysia and a few RS models like the RS Q8 for RM1.7 million made their debut for the first time.
Meanwhile, Audi in Malaysia has not been having the best sales for the past 3 to 4 years due to high import prices and lack of dealer network.
The Audi Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron are immediately identifiable as fully electric models at first glance. This is thanks to the new front and rear designs with the characteristic Singleframe mask, the inverted grille, and blade above the redesigned rear diffuser, which systematically carry Audi’s electric design language forward.
An exclusive highlight on the edition S line package is the Singleframe grille, which is finished in body color.
As a prestigious electric SUV model from Audi, the Q8 e-tron ushers in the new corporate identity with a two-dimensional design of the four rings on the exterior.
In order to elevate the family logo as a central element, Audi highlights the vehicle’s face with the projection light Singleframe.
Additionally, the Q8 e-tron is the first model to feature the new model badge with Audi lettering on the B-pillar.
Three drivetrain variants
For both body shapes, three drivetrain variants with electric all-wheel drive can be selected. With their two motors, the base models of the Audi Q8 50 e-tron and the Audi Q8 Sportback 50 e-tron generate 250 kW in boost mode and 664 Nm of torque, and they get a range of up to 491 km (SUV) and up to 505 km (Sportback), in accordance with the WLTP.
With their two motors, the Audi Q8 55 e-tron and Audi Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron generate 300 kW in boost mode and 664 Nm of torque. Their ranges are up to 582 km for the SUV and up to 600 km for the Sportback, in accordance with the WLTP. Their top speed, and that of the Q8 50 e-tron, is limited to 200 km/h.
The top-end Audi SQ8 e-tron and Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron are powered by three motors. Their boost performance amounts to 370 kW and 973 Nm of torque.
The range of the S models is up to 494 km for the SUV and up to 513 km for the Sportback. Their top speed is limited to 210 km/h.
More battery capacity and higher charging performance
Two battery sizes can be selected. The battery of the Q8 50 e-tron has a storage capacity of 89 net kilowatt-hours (95 gross kWh), while the more powerful versions of the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron have 106 net kWh (114 gross kWh).
Thanks to an adjustment to the battery management system, the battery capacity usable for customers has increased as well. At a high-powered charging station, the Audi Q8 50 e-tron reaches a maximum charging performance of 150 kW. With the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron, the maximum charging performance increases to up to 170 kW.
The big battery can be charged from ten to 80 percent during a roughly 31-minute charging stop – under ideal conditions, this corresponds to a range of up to 420 kilometers (according to WLTP). At an AC charging station or wall-box, the Audi Q8 e-tron charges at up to 11 kW. Audi offers an optional AC charging performance of up to 22 kW.
Under ideal conditions, the Audi Q8 50 e-tron can completely charge in around nine hours and 15 minutes (22kW: around four hours and 45 minutes) using alternating current. The big battery’s numbers are around 11 hours and 30 minutes at 11 kW and six hours at 22 kW.
