2024 Audi SQ8 E-Tron Has More EPA Range But Is Still An Electron Guzzler

The 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron and Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron are the performance-oriented, tri-motor versions of the Audi Q8 e-tron and Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron models, which this year replaced the 2023 Audi e-tron, Audi e-tron Sportback, Audi S e-tron and Audi e-tron S Sportback.

Aside from the new name, the latest generation of the electric Q8 and SQ8 has been equipped with a much higher capacity battery pack of 114 kilowatt-hours (106 kWh usable), compared to about 95 kWh in the original e-tron (up 20% or 19 kWh), which substantially increases the driving range.

Audi SQ8 e-tron

Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron

However, the recently published EPA energy consumption rating reveals that the Audi SQ8 e-tron and Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron remain relatively hungry for electrons, especially with the optional fancy 22-inch wheels.

The EPA Combined range of the SQ8 e-tron is 253 miles (about a fifth more than in the case of the previous generation of S e-tron), although it goes down to 218 miles when the larger wheels are selected:

• SQ8 e-tron / SQ8 Sportback e-tron (20-inch): 253 miles (up 41-45 miles or 19-22%)
• SQ8 e-tron / SQ8 Sportback e-tron (21/22-inch): 218 miles (up 33-37 miles or 18-20%)
  [down 35 miles or 14% compared to 20-inch wheels]

The sporty SQ8 e-trons don't get as much of an increase in range as the regular, dual-motor Q8 e-trons (by 26-32%) when switching from a 95-kWh to the new 114-kWh battery.

The regular Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron (both with 20-inch wheels) also have a higher range of 285 and 296 miles, respectively (300 miles in the special Ultra edition with 19-inch wheels). It means that those who prefer performance and great handling, according to InsideEVs' recent test drive, have to give up at least 32-43 miles or about 11-15% of range when equipped with 20-inch wheels (67-78 miles or 24-26% with 22-inch wheels).

Energy consumption, including charging losses, of the 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron and Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron (20-inch) is estimated at 73 MPGe or about 462 watt-hours per mile, basically on par with the previous generation (there is a slight drop in the case of the Sportback version from 75 MPGe).

For reference, the regular Q8 e-trons consume about 400 Wh per mile.

The larger, 22-inch wheels increase the energy consumption of both models to 63 MPGe or about 535 Wh/mi (up by almost 16%), making it kind of an electric guzzler.

2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron / SQ8 Sportback e-tron 20-inch

2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron / SQ8 Sportback e-tron 21/22-inch

Once the energy is depleted, it can be recharged from 10 to 80% state-of-charge (SOC) in about 31 minutes at a DC fast charger, at up to roughly 170 kilowatts.

In terms of AC charging, the car is equipped with a 9.6-kW on-board charger, but there is also an optional 19.2-kW charger, which costs $1,850 more (it comes with an additional AC charging port on the passenger side, which is quite a unique solution).

To encourage customers to switch to electric cars, Audi provides two years of unlimited fast charging on the Electrify America network.

Basic specs

Pricing

Pricing for the 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron starts at an MSRP of $89,800 (plus a $1,195 destination charge). The model does not qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit because it exceeds the $80,000 cap for SUVs and trucks and is imported from Europe.

For reference, the regular Q8 e-tron is over $15,000 less expensive, starting at an MSRP of $74,400.

See also

US: Audi All-Electric Car Sales Doubled To A New Record In Q3 2023

Used Audi e-trons Are Going For Crazy Half-Price Bargains Right Now