Rugged Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar revealed

Audi has launched a more capable off-road version of its flagship electric SUV dubbed the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar.

Inspired by the Audi RS Q e-tron Dakar racer that competed in both the 2022 and 2023 Dakar Rally – in which it placed ninth and 14th respectively – the new road-going Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar gets enhanced capability off the beaten track and could be perfect for the EV lover with a sense of adventure.

Starting life as a regular Audi Q8 55 e-tron, the Dakar-suited SUV shares the same big 106kWh battery and dual-electric motors as the standard car, which means the limited-edition EV pumps out a respectable 300kW and 664Nm of torque.

On summer tyres, Audi claims 0-100km/h takes just 5.8 seconds, while on the off-road-biased all-terrain General Grabber AT3 rubber, the time increases only fractionally to 5.9sec.

Top speed remains limited to 200km/h.

Thanks to the taller tyres, ground clearance climbs 31mm to a maximum 206mm which isn’t that far off proper conventional combustion-powered off-roaders like the Toyota Prado (219mm).

Thanks to its air suspension, the Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar automatically lowers by 15mm at 85km/h, 17mm at 100km/h and a further 13mm at 120km/h, boosting both roadholding and aerodynamic efficiency on the blacktop.

Speaking of which, the Q8 e-tron is said to be capable of covering up to 487km between charges, even with the Dakar additions.

Instead of hard-core off-roading, engineers actually suggest the Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar is more suited to light off-road terrain, explaining its modest 20-degree approach angle, 26-degree departure angle, 19-degree ramp-over angle and a disappointing wading depth of just 300mm.

From launch, the Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar is offered with Siam Beige, Mythos Black or Magnetic Gray metallic paint. All models have wider wheel-arches to accommodate the all-terrain rubber.

If you’re wondering about the Edition Dakar decals, they’re said to be inspired directly by the RS Q e-tron racer, explaining the Dakar-branded puddle lamps.

Audi says it will limit Q8 e-trons with the decals to a run of just 99 units, with each EV carrying a build number on the rear D-pillar.

As standard, the more rugged Q8 e-tron gets Matrix LED headlights, as well as sport seats covered in microfibre and fake leather.

There’s also a sports steering wheel, stainless-steel pedals and brushed aluminium dash inlays.

The dashboard itself is wrapped in black fake leather that can be combined with red stitching as an option.

Also included is a head-up display and an upgraded MMI infotainment system that gets bespoke Dakar menus including one that displays the vehicle’s tilt angle.

The Dakar model also gains a roof rack that can carry up to 40kg, with the German brand kindly throwing in a bag for the roof rack and straps for attaching accessories.

Unusually, order an Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar in Europe and the car-maker will supply eight wheels and tyres with it for free – both the all-terrain General Grabbers and a set of 20-inch rims shod with summer tyres.

Adding extra credibility for real motorsport enthusiasts, the Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar has had its handling honed by none other than two-times WRC world champion and three-times Dakar Rally winner Carlos Sainz.

“All the experience we gained in the Dakar was crucial in developing the Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar,” said Sainz.

“The special model is perfect for people who also want to drive off the beaten track electrically.”