Audi has revealed the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar, a special edition inspired by the RS Q e-tron, a model that will participate in the legendary off-road race, taking place from January 5th to 19th in Saudi Arabia.
Based on the Q8 e-tron quattro 55 advanced, this edition Dakar is equipped with two electric motors, which deliver a power of 408 hp in boost mode and a maximum torque of 664 Nm.
These numbers allow the 100% electric SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds with standard tires. With off-road tires, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar reaches 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The top speed is limited to 200 km/h.
With all-wheel drive, the two electric motors are powered by a 106 kWh battery, which offers a range of up to 487 km according to WLTP cycle.
Compared to the base model, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar has a ground clearance that is 31 mm higher, reaching 237 mm, and it has been designed for better dynamic behavior on low-grip surfaces such as gravel or snow.
At higher speeds, the body lowers and gets closer to the road – 15 millimeters at 85 km/h, 17 millimeters at 100 km/h, and 13 millimeters at 120 km/h – optimizing stability at high speeds and improving aerodynamics for greater range.
Together with a 20-degree approach angle, a 26-degree departure angle, and a 300 mm wading depth, the electric SUV is prepared for off-road adventures. To achieve this, Audi engineers have improved the air suspension to meet the typical demands of off-road driving.
On the exterior, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is available in Metallic Siamese Beige, Metallic Mythos Black, and Magnet Gray. The Singleframe grille is always in the body color. As an option, the grille illumination, with a light strip, creates a visually consistent link between the headlights. The wheel arches are widened and continuous at the front and rear. The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar can be equipped with exclusive stickers inspired by the RS Q e-tron decoration used in the Dakar Rally.
In the interior, the S line finishing level is standard, including sport seats upholstered in Dinamica microfiber and artificial leather. In addition, the model is equipped with a sport multifunction steering wheel in leather, stainless steel pedals, and black roof lining.
The decorative trims are in brushed matte aluminum, while the door sills feature aluminum inserts. The upper part of the instrument panel and the lower interior elements have a black artificial leather finish. Optional Audi Sport stitching is available, adding contrasting details with colored stitching on the sport seats, steering wheel, and door armrests. The seat belts are also covered in red to match the sporty touch of the interior.
Still in the interior, there is a head-up display that complements the digital instrument panel. Another novelty is the MMI operating system, which provides a set of off-road-specific information, such as the vehicle’s tilt angle.
Audi has already announced that only 500 units of this special Q8 e-tron edition Dakar will be produced, and orders can be placed until January 31, 2024, with prices starting at €120,000 for the German market.
