Audi's New Q8 E-Tron Can Wade in Flood Waters and Can Reach 600 Kms on a Single Charge

With gas pump price increases becoming a regular occurrence, the attention towards fully electric cars is not just an advocacy anymore.  We’re actually at the cusp of the biggest automotive revolution since Henry Ford began making cars on a production line 110 years ago. Unlike hybrid cars, you don’t need to queue up at the gas station every time there is a fuel price increase announcement. 

In the premium and luxury passenger vehicle segment, Audi offers the widest range of 100 percent electric vehicles in the country. Its e-tron models that have been available here over the last couple of years include the e-tron 55 SUV, the e-tron 50 SUV, e-tron Sportback, e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT for the last couple of years. It has since sold the most number of premium 100 percent electric vehicles locally.

Photo by Audi Philippines.

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Audi’s electric vehicles are fully supported by the infrastructure and expertise of PGA Cars, the exclusive importer and distributor also of Porsche, Lamborghini and Bentley in the Philippines. Through its electromobility program, PGA Cars is investing on service, showroom and charging facilities, as well as manufacturer-approved equipment, tools and software. Closely working with Porsche’s and Audi’s headquarters, the company is also continuously conducting specialized training for its product specialists and technical personnel comprising the PGA Cars EV Division.

Photo by Audi Philippines.

One weekend in August, Audi ramped up a renewed charge on its EV offerings by introducing the fully electric Q8 e-tron, the brand’s new electric SUV flagship model. Coming in SUV form and as a Sportback with the profile of an elegant and large coupe, the Q8 offers refined styling, an optimized drive concept, better aerodynamics and a longer driving range. Its long wheelbase also allows a generous cargo space and cabin room for five passengers. 

The Q8 SUV comes in two variants: the Q8 e-tron 55 and Q8 e-tron 50. The former is rated at 408hp and 664 Nm of torque with a 582km range, while the latter is rated at 335hp and 664 Nm of torque with a 491km range when fully charged. The Q8 e-tron Sportback has the same power and torque ratings as its SUV e-tron 55 sibling, but range is extended further up to 600 kilometers under ideal conditions. The top speed for all three variants and models is 200 kph. 

Photo by Audi Philippines.

Similar to its internal combustion engine Q8 cousins, the Q8 e-tron exudes luxurious and comfort features. There is a panoramic glass roof, four-zone automatic AC, and air quality package that features an ionizer and adjustable fragrance selection. 

The new Q8 e-tron comes with air suspension and controlled damping that allow the vehicle to adapt to varying road conditions, with its ride height that can be adjusted by as much as 76 millimeters. That means it’s capable of wading through floodwaters, which was the highlight of Q8 launch held at BGC in early August. The Q8 e-tron test units were driven into a pool of water to demonstrate the vehicle’s water tightness, dispelling any fears about EVs being soaked in water.

Photo by Audi Philippines.

Another myth buster is its range anxiety. In ideal conditions, the Q8 e-tron’s 600 kilometer range for the Sportback variant will should help quash anxieties about how far your car can go on a single full charge.

For more features and information about Audi’s EV lineup, visit this website or the showroom along EDSA Greenhills, San Juan or at Global City BGC, and in Alabang.