The Audi Experience Drive let six automotive journalists and an electric vehicle advocate experience for themselves the 100% electric Audi Q8 e-tron 55’s capability to cover long distances on a single charge.
In the activity held November 13 to 14, the participants drove off from Audi Philippines’ facilities in Greenhills with 100% battery charge in their respective Q8 e-tron 55 SUVs. From there, they headed to the northern expressways on the way to Baguio City for an overnight stay. The next day, the group headed back, braving both inclement weather in the mountaintop city and rush-hour traffic in Metro Manila. The vehicles they drove were not charged at any point during the trip.
Yet, upon their return to Audi Philippines, all the Q8 e-tron 55 SUVs had more than enough battery charge to spare. This proved to the participants the electric model’s real-world driving range.
The entire Manila-Baguio-Manila trip covered a distance of more than 526 kilometers. Driving conditions ranged from the humidity of the lowlands to the wet, cold weather of the mountains, cruising speeds across the expressways to stop-and-go traffic in the cities, and flat terrain to winding ascents and descents — all traversed on a single charge.
Luxurious drive
Certainly, the ability to go the distance is matched by the manner by which the Q8 e-tron 55 achieved this. Because beyond having a long driving range, it is significant to note that what also sets the full-size Q8 e-tron 55 apart from other electric vehicles are its suite of luxurious features and intuitive technologies, and an unmatched level of riding comfort.
Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel drive system, reinterpreted in electric form, was well appreciated during the drive as it guaranteed absolute control and traction on wet and winding mountain roads.
Providing power to the Q8 e-tron 55’s quattro all-wheel drive system are two electric motors producing 408 hp and 664 Nm of torque. Both the vehicle’s front and rear motors source their energy from a battery with a capacity of 114 kWh.
Also as welcome during the drive was the Q8 e-tron 55’s air suspension system with controlled damping. This allowed the SUVs to drive over imperfect surfaces smoothly, and adapt to different road conditions instantaneously. Depending on the drive mode selected, the system can adjust the vehicle’s ride height by as much as 76 millimeters, contributing to better energy efficiency, or a 500-millimeter wading depth capacity.
Making the drive even more luxurious were the Q8 e-tron 55’s Valcona leather seats with three-stage ventilation, four-zone automatic air conditioning and air quality package, and the multiple seat and backrest adjustment options. The seats’ massage function further guaranteed comfort all throughout the trip.
Meanwhile, the Q8 e-tron 55’s advanced MMI touch response operating system made various infotainment, vehicle, navigation, and comfort functions easily within reach. Comprising this system are two high-resolution displays — the upper one measures 10.1 inches, the lower one is sized 8.6 inches — that replace almost all switches and controls. Complementing it is the Audi virtual cockpit that has a full HD display with graphics showing electric driving information, such as charge status and range.
Also standard are the premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, and distinguishing exterior features like the three-dimensional Singleframe, Matrix LED headlights, and 21-inch wheels in five-arm “Aero” structure-style design.
Certainly, the Q8 e-tron 55’s increased efficiency and range, as well as its sharpened design, signifies Audi’s move toward emotive models that are suitable for luxurious everyday use and long-distance travel.
