Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition: Rally-Bred Electric Adventurer
The Audi Q8 e-tron has been a significant player in the electric luxury SUV market, and now it's taking inspiration from the rugged world of rally racing. The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition emerges as a limited-run model that infuses the spirit of its off-road racing counterpart, the formidable RS Q e-tron which competes in the grueling Dakar Rally.
Design and Aesthetics: From Desert Racer to Driveway
The design language of the new Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition is unmistakably influenced by its desert-conquering sibling. With an exterior that boasts a raised chassis and optional decals reminiscent of the RS Q e-tron, this special edition brings a piece of the rally stage to everyday roads. Notable features include "one of 99" inscribed on the D-pillar, indicating its exclusivity, while widened wheel arch trims contribute to a more assertive stance compared to the standard model.
Available in select colors such as Siam Beige metallic, Mythos Black metallic, and Magnetic Gray, each vehicle presents itself with confidence and poise. When illuminated at night, LED lights project "edition Dakar" onto the pavement – a subtle nod to its unique identity. The limited edition also offers a unique decal package, with only 99 units featuring the special wrap that adds to its exclusivity.
Performance Tweaks for Off-Road Prowess
Beneath its adventurous facade, enhanced capability is evident. Ground clearance is increased by 31 millimeters over the base model, thanks to General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires designed for superior traction across varied terrains including gravel and snow. This setup allows for acceleration from standstill to 62 mph in just 5.9 seconds—only marginally slower than the 5.8 seconds with standard tires, due to the additional grip requirements on loose surfaces.
The air suspension system has been recalibrated for off-road conditions, ensuring comfort when venturing beyond paved paths. Drivers can also monitor their tilt angle via the MMI display – another testament to this SUV's readiness for rough landscapes.
Luxury Meets Utility Inside
The S line interior greets occupants with Dinamica microfiber and artificial leather sports seats, along with brushed matte aluminum decorative inlays adding sophistication without compromising utility. Standard Matrix LED headlights and taillights ensure visibility is never compromised, while ambient lighting options set various moods within the cabin space. The MMI display offers theme worlds generated especially for the Edition, enhancing the driving experience with coordinated ambient lighting.
An array of assistance packages come standard too; City and Tour provide added peace-of-mind during urban commutes or long-distance travels alike. The practicality of the Dakar Edition is further evidenced by the inclusion of the storage and luggage compartment package and a standard roof rack, which underscores the vehicle's versatility.
Pricing & Availability
This exclusive edition will be available for order starting early 2024 with prices beginning around €120,000 in Germany. Each unit is not only equipped with robust features but also comes with eight tires - four tailored for off-roading adventures and four summer tires providing versatility throughout the seasons.
Rugged Refinement Echoed Throughout
In essence, what sets apart this particular variant is how it encapsulates both worlds seamlessly – offering refined luxury alongside genuine off-road credentials inspired directly from one of motorsport’s most challenging events. While maintaining core elements like the dual asynchronous electric motors delivering up to 300 kW (402 hp) of power output coupled with quattro drivetrain technology found across other models within Audi's electrified lineup, such as the SQ8 e-tron variants expected later this year.
-Ed
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition
