2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback

Competes with: BMW iX, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model Y

Looks like: Current E-Tron with a facelift

Powertrains: 114-kilowatt-hour battery; two (Q8) or three (SQ8) electric motors; all-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Spring 2023

The Audi E-Tron, the brand’s flagship all-electric SUV, will see some improvements (and a new name) as part of its 2024 refresh. Its performance and efficiency upgrades aim to help the SUV better compete in a growing field of luxury electric vehicles, including the bestselling Tesla Model Y. Along with adding “Q8” to its moniker, the 2024 E-Tron gets a new front end, more responsive steering and a significant range upgrade, according to the brand.

The U.S. will see four variants of the new EV: the two-motor Q8 E-Tron 55 and Q8 E-Tron Sportback and the three-motor SQ8 E-Tron and SQ8 E-Tron Sportback. All models will use a larger 114-kWh battery (a 95-kWh battery powers the current E-Tron). For now, Audi has only disclosed specs for the European-bound model but says U.S.-specific details will follow.

Exterior Optimized for Aerodynamics
The 2024 Q8 E-Tron will offer two body styles: a standard SUV and a Sportback model with a coupelike profile. While it retains its familiar shape, the Q8 E-Tron gets a handful of updates, mainly to its front end. A new three-dimensional faux grille is surrounded by a self-sealing system meant to optimize airflow at the front of the vehicle. Other updates include a new light bar that runs between the SUV’s headlights and an updated version of Audi’s four-ring logo that takes on a flat, two-dimensional shape. The SUV also rides on 19- or 22-inch wheels, with updated wheel spoilers on the underbody for more streamlined airflow, helping to reduce the SUV’s drag coefficient and improve efficiency.

Among the features that U.S. shoppers won’t find are the high-tech Matrix LED headlights and camera-based side mirrors, which are only offered in Europe — neither technology has been approved by U.S. safety regulators.

Bigger Battery Promises More Range
All U.S.-bound Q8 E-Tron models get a larger battery that increases charging capacity and will likely boast a longer range, but that remains to be seen: The SUV has not yet been rated by the EPA. The Q8 E-Tron’s larger 114-kWh battery will increase DC fast-charging capacity from 150 to 170 kilowatts. It enables the SUV to charge from 10% to 80% in an estimated 31 minutes with fast charging and 11.5 hours at 11 kW or six hours at 22 kW with Level 2 home charging, according to Audi.

The range estimates the brand did provide are based on Europe’s WLTP standards, which tend to be higher than EPA ratings. The European models are rated up to 362 miles for the standard SUV and 373 miles for the Sportback. Meanwhile, S models get up to 307 miles for the SUV and up to 319 miles for the Sportback. U.S.-specific range figures will be revealed closer to the SUV’s arrival, but an Audi spokesperson said the company is targeting a range number “that starts with a 3”.

The current E-Tron gets a maximum EPA-rated range of 226 miles, while the E-Tron S tops out at 212 miles. Those numbers lag behind many of the E-Tron’s competitors’: The BMW iX is EPA-rated at up to 324 miles, the Ford Mustang Mach-E up to 314 miles and the Tesla Model Y up to 330 miles.

Improved Steering, Ride Quality
Along with improved aerodynamics, a larger battery and the promise of a more competitive range, the new Q8 E-Tron will bring some notable performance upgrades, says Audi. The SUV’s improved rear motor allows for increased torque in situations where it’s required or improved efficiency when the additional torque isn’t needed.

The brand says the SUV’s standard air suspension has been tuned to better balance sporty and comfortable driving dynamics, while a quicker steering ratio offers more responsive steering and better road feel. In a recent Cars.com comparison, steering was one category where the Model Y had an advantage over the E-Tron.

Audi says the European-based Q8 55 E-Tron will make up to 402 hp, and the SQ8 will produce up to 496 hp with the SUV’s boost mode. Currently, the standard E-Tron makes 355 hp (402 with boost mode) and has a 0-60-mph time of 5.5 seconds, while the S model makes 429 hp (496 with boost mode) and has a 0-60 sprint of 4.3 seconds.

Sustainable Interior
Along with new trim and color options, the Q8 E-Tron’s interior makes use of more sustainable materials. Recycled materials are used for insulation and damping, as well as for the vehicle’s carpeting, trim and seat belt buckle covers. The SUV’s decorative inlay is made from recycled plastic bottles, and the available synthetic-leather upholstery incorporates a microfiber composed of recycled plastics, textiles and fiber.

When compared to the Model Y, the E-Tron’s driver-assist and safety tech came out ahead thanks to its blind spot monitor, front camera and available 360-degree camera. For 2024, the Q8 E-Tron also gains a remote park-assist feature that allows drivers to maneuver the vehicle into difficult parking spots with the myAudi app.