Audi will offer an all-electric version of its upcoming Q8 sports SUV, which will be based on the new Q7, to rival the Tesla Model X SUV.
According to Autocar, the Q8 will use similar battery and powertrain technology as the Audi R8 e-tron, with Audi engineers targeting a practical range of 370 miles. Much like the Tesla, the Q8 will use twin electric motors powering the front and rear wheels.
The Q8 e-tron will utilize a large battery pack which will be just as big if not bigger than the 80 kWh battery pack to be offered in the Model X. Additionally, battery technology is expected to improve between now and when the Q8 e-tron arrives in showrooms in 2017, which could improve its potential range.
The Q8 will also feature a more sleek and modern design than the Q7, which is due out later this year. The Q8 will have a higher waistline, a shallow sloping roofline and narrower windows than the Q7 and will be available in both five and seven seat configurations.
On top of its all-electric powertrain, the Q8 will be offered with conventional gasoline and diesel engines as well as a hybrid powertrain. A high performance SQ8 is also in the works.
The impending arrival of the Q8 and its various powertrains is part of Audi’s plan to expand its Q lineup of SUVs. Technical boss Ulrich Hackenberg told Autocar the Q line has “lots of potential” for Audi and the firm already has plans to launch a Q1 compact crossover by 2016.
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