Confident both off-road and on-road: The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar
It is inspired by the world’s premier desert rally: the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1. On the exterior, the special model has raised chassis and the optional decals are reminiscent of the RS Q e-tron designed for the Dakar Rally and featuring an electric drive system and an energy converter. The off-road capabilities of this exclusive SUV, combined with its high and instantly available torque, are perfect for adventurous people who also want to drive off the beaten path electrically. The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1 can be ordered in the first quarter of 2024. In Germany prices start from around 120,000 euros.
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1 is based on a Q8 advanced 55 e-tron quattro2. The net battery size is 106 kWh (gross: 114 kWh) and the quattro drivetrain, with its two motors, delivers 300 kW in boost mode with a torque of 664 Nm. This means the vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.8 seconds with the standard tires. With the General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires, the car reaches 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The range according to the WLTP is up to 487 kilometres. The top speed is limited to 200 km/h (124 mph).
Distinctive exterior accentuates sporty off-road look
The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1 is available in Siam Beige metallic, Mythos Black metallic, and Magnetic Gray. The Singleframe always comes in body colour. As an option, the projection light in the Singleframe, with its light strip, creates a visually consistent connection between the headlights. The Bottom Line also comes finished in Mythos Black metallic, giving the vehicle a touch of stability and grip. Widened and continuous wheel arch trims at the front and rear lend the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1 a confident stance on the road. When the driver’s door is opened, LED lights project the words “edition Dakar” onto the street. The individual class of the edition Dakar is also reflected in the exclusive key cover with a special branding. A convenience key (with anti-theft alarm system) is available as an option, which can be used to open the doors and luggage compartment lid via wireless communication between the key and the vehicle. The key can also lock the vehicle via sensors on the door handles.
The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1 can be fitted with a unique decal package inspired by the legendary RS Q e-tron. Starting with the body colour Mythos Black metallic, the car receives a partial embellishment. This means that the wrap uses purposeful transparencies and does not mask the entire surface, even though all exterior components are treated. The wrapped models are limited to 99 units. On the D-pillar, the special model’s serial number can be seen in frosted lettering.
Colour: Mythos black metallic, specific edition Dakar wrapping
The edition Dakar features extensive standard equipment
The special edition model rolls off the production line with Matrix LED headlights and taillights as standard for precise and high-resolution road illumination. Standard equipment also includes tinted sun visors for the tailgate, rear door, and side windows. On the inside, the S line interior is now standard: This package includes deeply contoured sports seats upholstered in Dinamica microfiber and artificial leather.
The vehicle also features a multifunction sport leather steering wheel, an elegant black roof lining, stainless steel pedals, and a comfort centre armrest. The decorative inlays come in brushed matte aluminium, while the doorsills feature aluminium inserts. The upper part of the instrument panel and the lower interior elements are finished in black artificial leather. The Audi Sport stitching package in red is available as an option. It adds contrasting accents with coloured stitching on the sport seats, steering wheel, kneepads, and door armrests. The seat belts are also trimmed in red to blend in perfectly with the cabin’s sporty feel.
A head-up display supplements the screens. It projects important information right onto the windshield – the projections seem to float front of the driver. Another new feature is a display in the MMI operating system that displays information the vehicle’s tilt angle. In addition, Audi offers MMI background images on the MMI display created especially for the edition Dakar1.
More light, visibility, and sound: Special features
The optional ambient light package and with six predefined colour profiles stages the interior to great effect. Featuring extensive contour lights in up to 30 colours, it precisely traces the elemental lines of the interior. As an alternative to the standard two-zone automatic air conditioning, Audi offers four-zone automatic air conditioning. The system can use an optional second high-voltage heater to noticeably increase the heating power. This means that the interior warms up faster in very cold conditions, while the additional battery heater ensures that the battery is ready for charging in very low temperatures. The optional Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound makes the electric SUV an even greater high-end sound experience. It drives 16 speakers with 705 watts of power. The optionally available virtual side mirrors with cameras reduce the overall width of the vehicle by 15 centimetres, improving the drag coefficient. The virtual mirrors provide clearer visibility than conventional mirrors in dusty or wet off-road conditions.