• Optimized off-road capability: Ground clearance increased by 31 millimeters
• Unique design language: striking exterior and optional stickers inspired by the Audi RS Q e-tron entered in the Dakar Rally
• More grip: General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires improve acceleration and braking on unstable surfaces

It is inspired by the largest desert rally in the world: the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar edition. On the outside, the limited edition model’s raised chassis and optional stickers are reminiscent of the Audi RS Q e-tron designed for the Dakar Rally and featuring an electric drive system and energy converter. The off-road capabilities of this exclusive SUV, combined with its high and immediately available torque, are perfect for adventurers who also want to drive electrically off the beaten track. The Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar edition can be ordered from the first quarter of 2024. In France, only 20 units will be available and prices will start from 128,400 euros.

The Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar edition (combined electricity consumption in kWh/100 km: 25.1-24.7, combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 0 (with summer tires, without roof rack) is based on an Audi Q8 advanced 55 e-tron quattro (combined electricity consumption in kWh/100 km: 24.4-20.6, combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 0). Net battery size is 106 kWh (gross: 114 kWh) and the quattro transmission, with its two motors, provides 300 kW in boost mode for a torque of 664 Nm. This means that the vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds equipped with tires as standard. With General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires, this model reaches 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The range according to the WLTP standard is 487 kilometers. The maximum speed is limited to 200 km/h.

Compared to the base model, the electric SUV equipped with General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires has a higher ground clearance of 31 millimeters and is designed for better handling on unstable surfaces such as gravel or snow. In basic configuration, this model has a ground clearance of 206 millimeters. At high speeds, the vehicle lowers gradually – by 15 millimeters at 85 km/h, by 17 millimeters at 100 km/h and by 13 millimeters at 120 km/h. This helps optimize driving stability at high speeds and improves aerodynamics and range. With an approach angle of 20 degrees at the front and 26 degrees at the rear, the electric SUV is well prepared to tackle light off-road terrain. The vehicle’s ramp angle is 19 degrees.

The air suspension has also been revised to meet the typical demands of off-road driving. The Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar edition can venture into a ford at a height of 300 mm.

Distinctive exterior accentuates the sporty off-road look

The Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar edition is available in Siam Beige metallic, Mythos Black metallic and Magnetic Gray. The Singleframe grille is still available in body color.

As an option, the Singleframe grille projection lighting, with its light strip, creates a constant visual connection between the headlights. The bottom line is also finished in Mythos Black Metallic, giving the vehicle a touch of stability and grip. Widened, continuous wheel arches at the front and rear give the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar edition a confident stance on the road. When the driver’s door is opened, light-emitting diodes project the words “edition Dakar” onto the ground. The exclusive style of the Dakar edition model is also reflected on the key ring with special branding. A comfort key (with anti-theft alarm system) is available as an option. It allows you to open the doors and the luggage compartment lid using wireless communication between the key and the vehicle. The key can also lock the vehicle using sensors located on the door handles.

The Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar edition can be equipped with a unique set of stickers (covering type) inspired by the legendary Audi RS Q e-tron. Starting with the body color Mythos Black metallic, the car receives a partial embellishment. This means that the skin uses targeted transparencies and does not obscure the entire surface, even if all exterior components are processed. Sticky models are limited to 99 units worldwide. For an additional €11,000, the serial number of the special model appears in frosted letters.

The Dakar Edition comes with extensive standard equipment

The special edition rolls off the production line with standard Matrix LED headlights and taillights for precise, high-resolution illumination of the road. We also find tinted sun visors, rear door and dark-tinted side windows as standard. Inside, the S line interior is now standard: this package includes deeply contoured sports seats covered in Dinamica microfiber and artificial leather. The vehicle is also equipped with a leather multifunction sports steering wheel, an elegant black roof lining, stainless steel pedals and a comfortable central armrest. The decorative inlays are made from matte brushed aluminum, while the door sills feature aluminum inserts. The upper part of the dashboard and the lower elements of the cabin are made of black artificial leather. The Audi Sport stitching package in red is available as an option. It adds contrasting accents with colored stitching on the sports seats, steering wheel and door armrests. The seat belts are also trimmed in red to blend in perfectly with the sporty ambience of the cabin.

A head-up display completes the screens. It projects important information directly onto the windshield – the projections appear to float in front of the driver. Another new feature is the MMI operating system screen which displays information on the vehicle’s tilt angle.

On the MMI display, Audi offers themed worlds created especially for this limited series with MMI background images and coordinated ambient lighting. The spirit of the vehicle is represented here in three scenes: from desert storms and tire tracks to a dune landscape. The Audi phone box makes using the phone very convenient. It connects the driver’s smartphone, which it charges by induction, to the car’s antenna. This edition is also equipped with city and highway assistance packages as standard.

The robust equipment of the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar edition provides further proof of its practicality. The storage pack and luggage compartment are also standard equipment. The durable luggage compartment liner and sturdy floor mats feature the Dakar Edition logo. The special edition also comes with a roof rack as standard. With a load capacity of 40 kg, the roof rack can be used to store various items. A roof rack bag and straps for attaching accessories are included. A second charging socket can be used to charge the high voltage battery using the Type 2 Combined Charging System (CCS2). Additionally, the e-tron charging system offers everything adventurers need to charge their vehicle, whether at home, at a friend’s house or at a vacation home.

The Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar edition comes with General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires for excellent off-road resistance. The tires also guarantee better grip on a variety of surfaces, including gravel, rocky terrain, mountain and forest trails, as well as snow. The special tread profile optimizes acceleration, braking and the quality of lateral control, while allowing the tires to effectively self-clean, especially when driving on muddy surfaces. Grabber AT3s also feature excellent driving characteristics and low noise emissions on asphalt roads, which significantly improves driving comfort. The off-road tires are marked M+S, which means they can be used all year round. A set of summer tires on 20-inch rims in an attractive 5-spoke S design is also included in the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar edition.

More light, visibility and sound: specific functionalities
The ambient lighting package, with six predefined color profiles, sets the scene very effectively in the interior. With extensive contour lighting, available in 30 colors, it precisely traces the basic lines of the passenger compartment. As an alternative to the standard two-zone automatic climate control, Audi offers four-zone automatic climate control. The system can use an optional second high-voltage radiator to significantly increase heating power. This means the interior warms up more quickly in very cold conditions, while additional battery heating ensures the battery is ready to be recharged in very low temperatures. The Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound, available as standard, allows the electric SUV to benefit from an even more intense premium sound experience. It powers 16 speakers with a power of 705 watts. Optional virtual side mirrors with cameras reduce the overall width of the vehicle by 15 centimeters, thereby improving the drag coefficient. Virtual mirrors provide better visibility than conventional mirrors in dusty or wet off-road conditions.