After three months of order taking, the 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron is now in Malaysia. We’re getting the big premium EV in ‘advanced 50 quattro’ spec from official distributor PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM), priced from RM369,000 to RM379,000.
The Q8 e-tron advanced 50 quattro is powered by a pair of electric motors that serve up a total of 340 PS (250 kW) in boost mode as well as 664 Nm of torque. The two-stage ratio planetary gearbox with a single gear channels drive to all four wheels, and 0-100 km/h is done in six seconds flat. Top speed is 200 km/h.
The motors are juiced by a lithium-ion battery with a gross energy capacity of 95 kWh (89 kWh usable). The published range is 410 km in the WLTP cycle and claimed energy consumption is 24.0 kWh per 100 km combined.
The Q8 e-tron is a large SUV, measuring 4,915 mm long and 1,937 mm wide, with a 2,928 mm wheelbase. Boot volume is 569 litres. The Audi competes with the popular BMW iX, which is 38 mm longer and 30 mm wider, and has a 72 mm longer wheelbase. By the way, the iX that we get, the xDrive 40, has 322 hp, 630 Nm, a 0-100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds and 425 km range.
This grey example wears 20-inch Graphite Gray five-arm dynamic style alloys and sits on adaptive air suspension. Other exterior kit include LED main headlights, LED rear combination lamps, high-beam assist and a high-gloss styling pack. Inside, the Q8 e-tron is furnished in “mono.pur 550” combination leather, a leatherette-covered dash top, gloss black buttons with haptic feedback and aluminium look trim.
On the tech front, there’s Audi virtual cockpit plus, Audi connect Navigation & Infotainment, Audi smartphone interface, Audi phone box light and MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch response. The car comes with an on-board 11 kW AC charger. Comfort features include electric front seats with four-way lumbar (memory for driver), four-zone climate control and a powered tailgate.
Safety wise, it’s as you’d expect. Eight airbags; Audi pre sense front and rear; adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, efficiency assist, swerve assist and turn assist; lane departure warning and front/rear cross traffic assist are all included.
The Q8 e-tron looks more like a conventional SUV compared to the wild BMW iX, which is quite a sales success here despite its looks being panned by car enthusiasts. Which big electric SUV do you prefer?
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