Autofocus: 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition Unveiled
The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar edition takes its foundation from the Q8 advanced 55 e-tron quattro. Boasting a net battery size of 106 kWh (gross: 114 kWh), this electric marvel features a quattro drivetrain equipped with two motors that deliver a powerful 300 kW in boost mode, accompanied by a robust torque of 664 Nm. This translates into an impressive acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.8 seconds when equipped with standard tires. Opting for the General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires extends the acceleration slightly to 5.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h.
According to WLTP standards, the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar offers an admirable range of up to 487 kilometers. The top speed is intentionally capped at 200 km/h (124 mph).
Comparing it to the base model, the electric SUV with General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires showcases a 31-millimeter increase in ground clearance, specifically designed to enhance performance on challenging surfaces like gravel or snow. The standard ground clearance starts at 206 millimeters and, as the vehicle gains speed, gradually decreases by 15 millimeters at 85 km/h (53 mph), 17 millimeters at 100 km/h (62 mph), and 13 millimeters at 120 km/h (75 mph). This adjustment optimizes driving stability at higher speeds, improving aerodynamics and overall range.
To cater to off-road enthusiasts, the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar boasts a front angle of approach of 20 degrees and a rear angle of approach of 26 degrees, complemented by a ramp angle of 19 degrees. The air suspension control strategy has been meticulously revised to meet the demands of off-road driving. The vehicle is adept at handling light off-road terrains, thanks to its wading depth of 300 mm.
Distinctive exterior accentuates sporty off-road look
The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar presents itself in a palette of sophisticated colors, including Siam Beige metallic, Mythos Black metallic, and Magnetic Gray. A striking feature is the Singleframe, consistently finished in the body color, providing a seamless aesthetic. For those seeking additional visual flair, the option to include projection lights in the Singleframe, connected to the headlights by a luminous strip, is available, enhancing the vehicle’s overall appeal. The Bottom Line, also coated in Mythos Black metallic, adds a touch of stability and grip to the vehicle’s appearance.
The assertive presence of the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is further accentuated by widened and continuous wheel arch trims at the front and rear, conveying a sense of confidence on the road. Upon opening the driver’s door, LED lights project the words “edition Dakar” onto the street, emphasizing the exclusive character of this model. This individuality is also evident in the exclusive key cover featuring special branding, showcasing the edition Dakar’s unique class. Optionally, a convenience key with an anti-theft alarm system provides wireless communication between the key and the vehicle, allowing for easy and secure access to the doors and luggage compartment lid, with the added capability to lock the vehicle via sensors on the door handles.
For enthusiasts seeking a distinctive touch, the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar offers a unique decal package inspired by the legendary RS Q e-tron. Starting with the body color Mythos Black metallic, the vehicle receives a partial embellishment through purposeful transparencies, ensuring that not every surface is masked, although all exterior components are treated. This exclusive decal package is limited to just 99 units, with the special model’s serial number displayed in frosted lettering on the D-pillar, adding a personalized touch to these limited-edition models.
The edition Dakar features extensive standard equipment
The special edition model of the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar leaves the production line with Matrix LED headlights and taillights as standard, ensuring precise and high-resolution road illumination. Tinted sun visors for the tailgate, rear door, and side windows are also part of the standard equipment. Inside, the S line interior is now a standard feature, offering deeply contoured sports seats upholstered in Dinamica microfiber and artificial leather. The vehicle is further adorned with a multifunction sport leather steering wheel, an elegant black roof lining, stainless steel pedals, and a comfort center armrest. Brushed matte aluminum decorative inlays, aluminum inserts on the door sills, and black artificial leather on the upper part of the instrument panel and lower interior elements complete the interior design. An optional Audi Sport stitching package in red adds contrasting accents on the sport seats, steering wheel, knee pads, and door armrests, with red-trimmed seat belts enhancing the cabin’s sporty ambiance.
A head-up display supplements the screens, projecting essential information onto the windshield for the driver’s convenience. A new feature in the MMI operating system displays information about the vehicle’s tilt angle. Audi also offers specially designed MMI background images for the edition Dakar, reflecting the vehicle’s spirit in three scenes, from desert thunderstorms to tire tracks and a dune landscape. The Audi phone box, which wirelessly charges the driver’s smartphone and connects it to the car antenna, is a standard feature. The edition also includes City and Tour assistance packages.
The practicality of the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is further emphasized by the standard storage and luggage compartment package, featuring a durable luggage compartment liner and sturdy floor mats with edition lettering. The special edition also includes a roof rack with a 40-kilogram (88 lbs.) load capacity, offering versatility for storing various items. A bag for the roof rack and straps for attaching accessories are included. Additionally, a second charging socket supports the high-voltage battery using the Combined Charging System Type 2 (CCS2). The e-tron charging system provides everything needed for charging the vehicle at home, with friends, or at a vacation home.
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is delivered with eight tires, including General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires for exceptional off-road resilience. These tires ensure improved grip on various surfaces, including gravel, stony terrain, mountain and forest paths, and snow. The special tread pattern optimizes acceleration, braking, and lateral control, and the tires efficiently self-clean, especially on muddy surfaces. The Grabber AT3 also offer excellent driving characteristics and low noise emission on asphalt roads, enhancing overall driving comfort. Marked as suitable for year-round use with an M+S designation, the all-terrain tires are complemented by a set of summer tires on 20-inch wheels in an attractive 5-V spoke S design, included with the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar.
More light, visibility, and sound: Special features
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar offers an optional ambient light package plus, featuring six predefined color profiles that skillfully stage the interior. This package includes extensive contour lights in up to 30 colors, meticulously following the elemental lines of the interior, creating a captivating ambiance. For enhanced climate control, Audi provides an alternative to the standard two-zone automatic air conditioning with the option of four-zone automatic air conditioning. This system can incorporate a second high-voltage heater, significantly boosting heating power and ensuring a quicker warm-up of the interior in extremely cold conditions. Moreover, an additional battery heater guarantees the battery is ready for charging even in very low temperatures.
To elevate the auditory experience, the optional Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound transforms the electric SUV into a high-end sound haven, boasting 16 speakers with a robust 705 watts of power.
For a streamlined and aerodynamic design, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar offers the optionally available virtual side mirrors with cameras. These innovative mirrors reduce the overall width of the vehicle by 15 centimeters, contributing to improved drag coefficient. Beyond aerodynamics, the virtual mirrors offer clearer visibility than traditional mirrors, particularly in challenging off-road conditions like dust or rain, enhancing the overall safety and functionality of the vehicle.
