The advancement in technology is rapidly transforming the EV landscape, and consequently, we are witnessing rapid developments in terms of the mechanical and range capabilities of EVs. Now, another aspect of EVs that’s evolving, albeit not as quickly, is their charging capabilities, i.e. how quickly they can achieve a full charge.
Perhaps the biggest impediments to this aspect are the lack of charging infrastructure on one hand and high-capacity charging stations on the other. Now, addressing this problem will undoubtedly take time, which can be a bit problematic, considering the fact that a surge in EV sales will put immense pressure on the existing inadequate charging infrastructure. Well, while you and I can do nothing about it, we can indeed appreciate the enhancements made to existing EVs and assess if what’s claimed to make a difference really does. With this goal in mind, we headed to Bangalore to test the facelifted Q8 e-tron. Now, once launched, the Q8 e-tron will be available in both regular (read the Q8 e-tron) and the Sportback coupe-style versions. However, due to a paucity of time, we could only drive the Sportback version.
Audi Q8 e-tron Review: New Bottle, Old Wine
Now, if you are confused about the Q8 monicker for this e-tron, well, let me explain. The original e-tron was launched in India in 2021, but now that its facelift version has come out, Audi has changed its naming policy globally, leading the new e-tron to be called the Q8 e-tron.
Facelifts usually come with visual changes, and the Q8 e-tron Sportback is no exception – it comes with, well, a new face, as you get a brand new slatted grille, a new bumper, and a new design for its 20-inch ‘Aero’ alloy wheels. In profile, however, the car remains largely the same, and except for a few minor changes, so does the rear of the car with its sloping roof and lovely full-width taillight. At the front the new version of the Audi logo is quite noticeable – the previous four protruding rings have now been replaced by a homogeneous 2D-style logo, which looks familiar and yet quite different.
It may seem that the exterior changes are minimal, but, then, as the American expression goes, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. Similarly, even the interior changes are minimal. Yes, it gets new finishes on the dash and a different look, but fundamentally it remains the same as the earlier car, which is not a bad thing. The overall build quality is top-notch, as you’d from a top-of-the-line Audi. Another noticeable aspect of the interior is that the centre console is tilted towards the driver and has a dual touchscreen – the lower screen incorporates haptic feedback, providing a tactile response when buttons are pressed.
