The Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar: The Electric SUV that Can Handle Any Terrain

Posted by Florin Muna on January 3rd, 2024

Audi is no stranger to the world of electric vehicles. The German automaker has been producing the e-tron line of SUVs and crossovers since 2018, offering a range of models with different sizes, shapes, and performance levels. But none of them are quite like the Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar.

The Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar is a special edition model that celebrates Audi’s participation in the Dakar Rally, one of the most grueling and challenging motorsport events in the world. The Dakar Rally is a two-week marathon through the desert of Saudi Arabia, covering more than 7,000 kilometers of sand, rocks, dunes, and mountains.

Audi is entering the rally for the third time in 2024 with the Audi RS Q e-tron, a prototype off-road vehicle that combines an electric drivetrain with a high-voltage battery and an energy converter system based on a TFSI engine and a generator.

The Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar is not a rally car, but it is inspired by one. It is based on the Audi Q8, the flagship SUV of the e-tron line, which offers a spacious and luxurious interior, a sleek and sporty design, and a powerful and efficient electric motor.

The Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar adds some unique features that make it stand out from the crowd, such as:

• A Dakar Green exterior color with contrasting black elements on the grille, roof rails, window frames, rear spoiler, and diffuser.
• A set of 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires providing enhanced grip and stability on rough surfaces.
• A Dakar Rally logo is on the front doors, and a map of Saudi Arabia is on the rear doors, highlighting the route of the rally.
• A Dakar Rally badge on the tailgate and a serial number on the dashboard indicates the limited production of the model.
• A black leather interior, with Dakar Green stitching and piping on the seats, steering wheel, door panels, and floor mats.
• A carbon fiber trim, with Dakar Rally logos on the door sills and the center console.
• A Bang & Olufsen sound system with 23 speakers and a 1,920-watt output delivers a premium audio experience.
• A digital cockpit with a 12.3-inch display that shows the speed, range, battery level, and other information, as well as a 10.1-inch touchscreen that controls the infotainment, navigation, and climate systems.
• A head-up display, with a projection area of 70 x 15 centimeters that, shows the speed, navigation instructions, driver assistance features, and other information on the windshield.
• A wireless charging pad, with a Qi standard, that allows the driver to charge their smartphone without using a cable.

The Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar is not only stylish but also powerful and efficient. It is equipped with a 95 kWh battery that provides a range of up to 248 miles on a single charge, according to the WLTP cycle. It can be recharged in about 2.5 hours using a 150 kW fast charger or in about 10 hours using an 11 kW home charger. It also has a regenerative braking system that recovers energy when the driver decelerates or brakes and feeds it back to the battery.

The Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar has a single electric motor on the rear axle that delivers 308 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 124 mph. It also has a Quattro all-wheel drive system that distributes the power between the front and rear wheels, depending on the driving conditions and the driver’s preferences. It also has a four-level air suspension that adjusts the height and stiffness of the vehicle depending on the road surface and the driving mode. It also has a progressive steering system that varies the steering ratio and the steering force depending on the speed and the steering angle.

The Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar is not only powerful and efficient but also safe and smart. It is equipped with a suite of driver assistance features that help the driver to avoid or mitigate accidents, such as:

• Adaptive cruise control that maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front and adjusts the speed according to the traffic flow.
• The lane-keeping assistant warns the driver if they are drifting out of their lane and gently steers them back to the center.
• Lane change assist warns the driver if there is a vehicle in their blind spot and prevents them from changing lanes if it is unsafe.
• Cross-traffic assist, which warns the driver if there is a vehicle approaching from the side when they are reversing out of a parking space or a driveway.
• Parking assist helps the driver find a suitable parking space and steers the vehicle into or out of it while the driver controls the accelerator and the brake.
• Pre-sense 360 monitors the surroundings of the vehicle and activates preventive measures, such as tightening the seat belts, closing the windows and the sunroof, and applying the brakes if it detects an imminent collision.

The Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar is a special edition model that combines the best of both worlds: the comfort and luxury of the Audi Q8 and the adventure and excitement of the Dakar Rally. It is a tribute to Audi’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, as well as to its passion for motorsport and challenges. It is a limited edition model, with only 100 units available worldwide and a price tag of 0,000. It is a rare and exclusive opportunity for the fans of Audi and the Dakar Rally to own a piece of history and a piece of the future.