08 e-tron heralds Audi range revamp

New name for Audi e-tron. Efficiency tweaks raise range

- Sean Carson

EVOLUTION improves the breed, and that's exactly what Audi is doing with its e-tron electric SUV, treating the car to major technology updates, more subtle styling changes, and an all-new name, as part of a mid-life refresh.

The e-tron SUV becomes the Q8 e-tron, with the new car still available in a choice of two bodystyles - the regular SUV and the swoopier Sportback model - as well as with three powertrain options. These Q8 e-tron models go on sale this month, with prices from around £69,000 and deliveries commencing in February next year.

The entry-level Q8 e-tron 50 features an upgraded 95kWh battery with up to 305 miles of range for the regular SUV and a claimed 313 miles for the more aerodynamic Sportback. The Q8 e-tron 55 and Q8 e-tron S both use a larger 114kWh battery. For the 55 model this delivers up to 361 miles in the SUV and 372 miles in the Sportback, while the hot SQ8 e-tron does up to 306 or 318 miles for the SUV or Sportback versions respectively. This represents an increase of more than 80 miles over its e-tron S predecessor.