It's LED Matrix lights with laser beam tech
The shape of the 2024 Q8 e-tron is better
There is no change in the numbers; it will continue to churn out 340hp and 500Nm of torque and is mated to an 8-speed auto driving all four wheels. It’s quick in corners, and the 3.0-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine continues to be a sprightly unit, charioting this heavy-duty Luxury SUV. I also drove the sporty SQ8, which sits between the Q8 and the ‘Lamborghini’ in the Audi lineup, the showstopper RSQ8. The SQ8’s landing price in India, after all duties and taxes, will make it look like an oddball, but the 4.0-litre, V8 TFSI churning out 507hp and 770 Nm of torque is going to put a smile on any enthusiast.
Let’s focus now on what is going to make it to our shores, i.e., the Q8, and the steering is a great place to start with. Precise, and it goes where you put it with the minimum of fuss, feels lighter than it is. What’s changed is the brushed metal paddle shifters to hard plastics, maybe keeping the European winter in mind, but the current generation of Q7 and Q8 paddle shifters have an emotional feel to the fingers. Audi claims a 0-100kph time of 5.6 seconds, which for a large SUV is a great number. Power delivery is instant and strong, and gets better with every climb upwards of 2000 RPM. It doesn’t taper off, and there is no cabin noise; even the windy Cape Town cannot disturb the cabin eerie. Handling is great, and the air springs chew up all the bumps, and the air suspension with a continuously adaptive damping system is always working round the clock to ensure a smooth ride. When you are driving hard around corners, each exit will be a blistering one, plastering a smile on your face.
