Battery Powered Brilliance

Hadag spent the day in the all-new Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron, a fully electric, high-performance SUV that is sure to turn a few heads on the roads.

Hadag recently received an invitation from Audi Centre Bahrain to test drive the brand’s newest creation, the new Q8 Sportback e-tron. As connoisseurs of first-class motor vehicles, we were eager to accept and soon found ourselves standing in front of this world-renowned car manufacturer’s latest automotive achievement.

SPORTY EXTERIOR

At first glance, it was clear the stylish new Q8 Sportback e-tron is an all-electric model.

The new front and rear designs with the expressive Singleframe mask, the inverted grille and a blade above the redesigned rear diffusers showcase Audi’s ever-advancing electric design language while delivering the brand’s sought-after SUV style. We took extra time appreciating the way the front grille blends seamlessly into the face of the vehicle.

Fortunate enough to be test-driving the premium S-line model, we had the opportunity to take in the special body components exclusive to this sporty exterior package. These elements include a widened body, a body-coloured Singleframe, S-line bumpers, widened Digital Matrix LED headlights, flow-optimised wheel arch panels and exclusive 21-inch five-spoke, light-alloy, Graphite Grey, diamond-turned wheels.

Adding further striking accents are a host of carbon-fibre details, aluminium-look exterior mirror housings and an edition-specific door LED projection that spells out ‘e-tron edition’ onto the street at night. Tinted rear, door and side windows protect occupants from UV radiation and ensure privacy.

From side on, the most prominent features were the sill area with the battery package riding low between the axles, the before mentioned beautifully designed rims sporting red brake callipers with the S logo, and the cameras replacing the side view mirrors. Screens inside the vehicle provide the driver with the desired views. Furthermore, the new Q8 e-tron is the first model to carry the freshly designed Audi rings in a two-dimensional look, ensuring no one can mistake the model being driven.

For a full-sized four-door SUV, we felt the designers at Audi have managed to achieve a distinctly sleek and aerodynamic shape, one that looks great on the roads and in the garage.

LUXURIOUS INTERIOR

After slipping into the ultra-comfortable front seating with four-way lumbar support, we took our time taking in the sheer ambience created by the master crafters at Audi.

To us, there was no doubt that the new Q8 Sportback e-tron is a deluxe model that exudes a sense of luxury, comfort and style.

The spacious nature of the interior was amplified by the abundance of natural light provided by the electronic two-part panoramic sunroof. At night, we loved how the optional ambient lighting package, with its white LED light, stages the interior to great effect, gently illuminating surfaces such as the doors and the instrument panel, making them appear to float. Ensuring all passengers remain cool during the scorching summer months, Audi has included a three-stage ventilation system that makes for very comfortable seating. An optional four-zone climate control further adds to the pleasant atmosphere.

“For us, there was no doubt that the new Q8 Sportback e-tron is a deluxe model that exudes a sense of luxury, comfort, and style.”

Throughout the day, wherever our eyes landed, they were greeted by high-end materials, decorative inserts, quality trimmings and impressive finishes.

One of our favourite internal features was the leather-wrapped, multi-function, double-spoke steering wheel, complete with shift paddles. Thanks to its outstanding design quality, we can honestly say it is amongst the very finest we have laid our hands on.

Ensuring this new Q8 remains family-friendly, Audi has provided plenty of head, shoulder, knee and foot room for up to five travellers. An electrically opening and closing luggage compartment with 528 litres of storage space adds to everyday convenience, as does the further 62 litres in the frunk (front trunk).

INTUITIVE TECHNOLOGY & INFOTAINMENT

Audi has always been at the leading edge when it comes to in-car tech, a fact that is very apparent in the new Q8 Sportback e-tron.

The brand’s latest masterpiece is equipped with a fully digital display and operating concept as standard, boasting two MMI touch response displays that are operated similarly to modern smartphones. The upper display features a 10.1-inch screen (diagonal), and the lower, an 8.6-inch screen (diagonal). They replace almost all switches and controls typically seen in cars and offer exceptionally fast and safe operation. We also soon discovered that this impressive system provides haptic and acoustic feedback when requested.

We loved how the virtual exterior mirrors can extend the digital operating window even further. Incorporated into the hexagonal end of their flat supports is a small camera whose digitally processed images are shown on OLED displays in the transition between the instrument panel and door.

Another must-mention touch of class included in this already brilliant setup was the clear and practical Head-up display (HUD) that projects vital data into the driver’s line of site, thereby removing the need to take eyes off the road. We discovered that in addition to touch operation, many functions can be activated using natural voice control.

Another must-mention feature is the Audi virtual cockpit with full HD resolution that displays specific graphics of key parameters for electric driving, from charging power to range. This keeps the driver fully updated on the vehicle’s status at all times.

As far as the infotainment system itself is concerned, the new Audi Q8 e-tron offers an extensive range of features. These include MMI Navigation Plus, LTE Advanced transmission, Wi-Fi hotspot and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, amongst many others.

EXCEPTIONAL POWER, PERFORMANCE & BATTERY

Since its conception, Audi has been delivering vehicles that are an absolute pleasure to drive. The new Q8 Sportback e-tron is no exception, as it pushes the brand’s remarkable on-road capabilities further forward.

This exceptional vehicle uses two motors powered by a lithium-Ion battery with a capacity of 114kWh. Featuring the standard Quattro drive, the setup delivers an output of 408hp, enabling it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in an impressive 5.4 seconds and an electronically capped top speed of 200km/h.

As we made our way through the streets, we appreciated the smooth nature of the ride, as well as how responsive the car was. We remarked on both the outstanding suspension system as well as the impressive capabilities of the brakes. One of the standout features was the uniquely designed gear selector that felt ergonomic in hand and allowed for effortless switching of gears.

In truth, whilst driving around the city and the little time we spent off-road, we couldn’t find any real faults in the car’s performance whatsoever. Although we did not travel far enough to deplete the Q8’s battery life, we discovered that it has a superb range of up to 600km on a full charge. Thanks to its maximum charging power of 117kW, the new Q8 Sportback e-tron can charge from 10-80% in around half an hour, while 10 minutes at an HPC charging station will add 123km of range.

DRIVER ASSISTANCE & SAFETY SYSTEMS

It came as no surprise to us that Audi has included a full suite of driver assistance and safety features that greatly contribute towards the well-being of all passengers.

Up to five radar sensors, five cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors register everything happening in the vehicle’s immediate environment, thereby defusing any potentially dangerous situations.

The new assistance system in the Q8 e-tron includes Intelligent Park Assist and Remote Park Assist, ensuring parking in tight spaces is a painless endeavour.

OUR VERDICT

In the new Q8 Sportback e-tron, Audi has yet again managed to push the boundaries of what it means to produce a high-end, fully electric vehicle that not only performs as well as its petrol-powered counterparts but does so in absolute style.

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