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The 2024 Audi SQ8 e-Tron distinguishes itself from the standard Q8 e-Tron with significantly more power, a sport-tuned chassis, and unique visual styling, though its maximum driving range is slightly compromised by its performance-oriented setup. The core change for the 2024 model year is the renaming of the entire lineup—what was the E-Tron and E-Tron S is now the Q8 e-Tron and SQ8 e-Tron—accompanied by a major boost in range due to revised battery chemistry. For driving enthusiasts, the SQ8 variant offers a compelling blend of luxury, utility, and exhilarating performance.
The most significant difference lies under the skin. The SQ8 e-Tron features a tri-motor powertrain, a setup that includes one electric motor on the front axle and two on the rear (one for each wheel). This advanced configuration enables torque vectoring, a system that can send up to an additional 162 pounds-feet of torque to an individual rear wheel. This is particularly beneficial for powering out of corners or maintaining traction on mixed-friction surfaces.
When all three motors are engaged in boost mode, the system produces a maximum of 496 horsepower and 718 pounds-feet of torque. According to Audi, this allows the SQ8 e-Tron to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. This is a substantial increase over the regular Q8 e-Tron's output. The battery pack's energy capacity has been increased for 2024, boosting the EPA-estimated range for the SQ8 e-Tron to 253 miles on standard 20-inch wheels. However, opting for the larger 22-inch wheels can reduce the maximum range to approximately 218 miles, demonstrating how wheel size directly impacts efficiency in electric vehicles.
Audi sets the high-performance model apart with specific aesthetic cues that signal its enhanced capabilities. Key visual distinctions include:
Inside, the cabin is upgraded with standard leather seats featuring contrast diamond stitching, Audi’s carbon-square trim in place of the Q8 e-Tron's open-pore wood, four-zone climate control, and a premium Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System.
The 2024 Audi SQ8 e-Tron arrived at dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2023. The starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $90,995 for the standard SUV body style and $93,795 for the sleeker SQ8 e-Tron Sportback variant. These prices include a mandatory $1,195 destination charge.
Based on our assessment experience, the 2024 SQ8 e-Tron is best for buyers who prioritize thrilling performance and sharp handling in a luxury electric SUV and are willing to accept a potential trade-off in maximum driving range, especially with larger wheels. It successfully builds upon the refined foundation of the Q8 e-Tron with a more powerful and dynamic character.
