Audi SQ8 e-tron first drive: This tri-motor EV drives nimbly for its size, but sacrifices a lot of range
Last week, I got the invite from Audi to venture to (normally) sunny Los Angeles and take a spin behind the wheel of its latest EV model – the SQ8 e-tron. Available as a standard quattro and Sportback version, the tri-motor SQ8 takes the previously launched Q8 e-tron and refines it in a number of ways to improve performance… well, everything aside from range, that is.
The Audi SQ8 e-tron arrives as a familiar, yet refreshed spin on the German automaker’s second wave if you will, of all-electric vehicles. The Volkswagen Group sub-brand was one of the early adopters of electrification with the original e-tron SUV back in 2018, followed by the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT in 2020, the e-tron S and Sportback in 2021, and the Q4 e-tron and Sportback in 2022.
Earlier this year, I flew out to wine country to test drive the Q8 e-tron and Sportback – Audi’s design refresh and rebranding of the original e-tron for the new electric age, in which all future BEVs will be even numbered, while all ICE vehicles will be odd (appropriately so).
While the Q8 e-tron didn’t appear to stray too far from the last variation under the lone e-tron nomenclature, the EV’s platform architecture told a different story. Audi successfully improved its battery and motor design within both the Q8 e-tron SUV and Sportback, utilizing every inch of the EV’s battery modules by stacking their prismatic cells rather than winding them. The result is a battery pack that delivers nearly 20 kWh more gross capacity (114 kWh vs. 95 kWh) – all in the same footprint.
Audi was also able to achieve a range increase around 20%, eclipsing 300 miles on a single charge for the first time. With its next variant, the SQ8 e-tron, Audi has further improved the driving experience of the Q8 e-tron inside and out.
Audi SQ8 e-tron improvements and other specs
The all-electric SQ8 picks up where Audi left off with the Q8 e-tron earlier this year, bringing an even keener focus on aerodynamics. Not to be confused with the e-tron S, or the e-tron S-Line, the SQ8 e-tron saw a completely redone suspension, steering, and integrated control modules
Features like revamped air curtains and new wheel spoilers that funnel air under the body and around the car to reduce drag on the wheels help deliver improved aero. Audi says it has reduced drag by up to 6% on the SQ8 e-tron.
Other features include dimpled fiberglass on the underbody cover (golf ball principle) and active shutters which were resurrected from the design of the original e-tron. As with other e-tron models, Audi is one of the few automakers that offers 9.6 kW AC charging points on both sides of the vehicle, with an optional upgrade to 19.2 kW. Only the driver’s side has DC capabilities, however.
The 2024 SQ8 e-tron arrives in both a standard and Sportback version – both tri-motor, both Audi quattro design. The specs between the two variants are virtually the same, except the Sportback is half an inch shorter in height and leaves slightly less headroom and cargo space in its interior. Here are some additional specs:
- Motor: 3x asychronous electric motors
- Peak Horsepower: 496 hp (370 kW)
- Torque: 718 lb.-ft. (in Boost Mode) (972 Nm)
- Battery Size/Type: 114 kWh (gross) / 397V Lithium Ion
- Max Charging Capacity (AC): 9.6 kW (19.2 kW Optional)
- Max Charging Capacity (DC): 170 kW
- Level 2 Charging (9.6 kW – 240V @ 40A): 13 hours
- Level 2 Charging (19.2 kW – 240V @ 80A): 6.5 hours
- DC Fast Charging (170 kW): 31 minutes (10-80%)
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 4.2 seconds (0-100 km/h – 4.6 seconds)
- Top Speed: 130 mph (210 km/h)
- Max Towing Capacity: 4,000 lbs.
- Curb Weight: 6,118 lbs.
- EPA Range (20″ wheels): 253 miles
- EPA Range (22″ wheels): 218 miles
Next, let’s check out some images of the Audi SQ8 e-trons interior before I dig into my drive experience and we talk pricing. Have a look:
Before we got out on the uncharacteristically wet and rainy roads of Malibu last week, Audi’s senior manager of product planning, Anthony Garbis, explained to us how quiet the new SQ8 e-tron is, going as far as saying it’s as quiet or quieter and an A8, which is super insulated. Garbis wasn’t lying.
One of the perks I pointed out during my drive in the Q8 e-tron this past May, was how quiet of a ride it was, but the SQ8 takes it to another level. I took a moment to pause Sirius XM and ride in the silence of the canyons above Los Angeles, hearing nothing but the rain being kicked up by the e-tron’s EV tires from Hankook. I took a video, but it doesn’t do it justice because of the pouring rain, but it’s quiet, trust me.
Because of the rain and several conservative LA drivers on the wet windy roads, I didn’t get as many opportunities to make the tires squeal as I wanted. That said, there were two points in between rainfalls where I found a straightaway and was able to get my SQ8 e-tron (cover your ears Audi) WELL over the speed limit (let’s just leave it at that).
As a sportier version of the Audi Q8 e-tron, the SQ8 did not disappoint on acceleration, although it honestly didn’t drive like a tri-motor EV. It definitely still felt like a dual motor in my opinion. Perhaps if I was able to hit some hairpins a little harder on dry pavement, I could have felt the torque vectoring, but unfortunately, Mother Nature said otherwise that day.
At over 6,100 pounds, the SQ8 e-tron is a sturdy gal, but it drives a lot nimbler. I believe I mentioned in my review of the Q8 e-tron that I hit a couple turns in Napa a little too hard at the start and quickly realized just how large and heavy that SUV is. While the SQ8 is very comparable to the Q8 e-tron, I found it drove a lot smaller than it looks.
The leather handle in the center console pictured above is an excellent touch in my opinion and the perfect place to rest your hand when cruising. The head up display (HUD) was easily visible and showed navigation and the haptic response of the touch screen was welcomed.
My only issue with the UX is that it was too many tap throughs to switch drive modes when I wanted to test out Dynamic Mode and experience the full horsepower and torque vectoring. Especially when driving on winding roads when you need to be paying close attention. There could have been a way to do it from the steering wheel, but I couldn’t seem to find it during all my fiddling around during my drive.
In my opinion, the Audi SQ8 e-tron is a slightly sportier version of the Q8 e-tron, but with red brake calipers and some unique badging throughout. I hear “tri-motor” and think “Plaid” or “Sapphire,” but that’s not the level of acceleration you’re going to get in this heavy SUV.
Performance-wise, its more than adequate, but the sacrifice to range you have to make for the powertrain performance doesn’t seem worth it to me. I’d rather take the 300 miles on the Q8 e-tron personally. That said, it’s still an Audi through and through. The quality of the design and the interior especially is luxe, everything worked easily and efficiently, and it made for a quiet, smooth, and relaxing ride – even at high speeds. The SUV screams quality and comfort inside and out.
I also absolutely loved the metallic blue exterior color I drove on my SQ8 e-tron and hope consumers will opt for that shade if and when they buy – I wanna see more bright blue cars on roads.
If you are interested in exploring an Audi SQ8 e-tron, the quattro version will begin at an MSRP of $90,995, while the Sportback version starts at $93,795. Note, those prices already include $1,195 in destination fees. The EVs are expected to hit Audi showrooms in Q4 of this year.
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Environment
Archer Aviation is planning an air taxi network around the Miami metro area including airports
Archer Aviation has announced partnerships in the Miami metropolitan area to establish a new air taxi network to support travelers around several key areas in Southern Florida, including local airports.
As you probably alrready know at this point. Archer Aviation ($ACHR) is a California-based developer of eVTOL and eCTOL aircraft that it continues to work toward implementing into commercial air taxi rides in the future. The plans for its network of sustainable aircraft have expanded to cities like New York and Chicago, as well as other countries like Japan and the United Arab Emirates.
In California, south of its headquarters, Archer intends to take to the skies above Los Angeles with a proposed air taxi network announced in August 2024. Building upon that network, Archer shared earlier this year that it had become the exclusive air taxi provider of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
On the other southern coast of the United States, Archer is planning another exciting air taxi network that includes the option of quiet, sustainable air travel around Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and several other key landmarks.
Archer partners up to establish Miami air taxi network
Archer Aviation shared details of its new air taxi network plans for Miami in a press release early this morning. If and when it comes to friuition, the proposed air taxi network will be a result of several new partnerships established by Archer in the Miami metropolitan area.
Some of those partnerships include real estate company Related Ross, Apogee Golf Club, Hard Rock Stadium – where existing heliports will be configured for eVTOLs and/or new air taxi vertiports will be erected. Stephen Ross, CEO and Chairman of Related Ross and Owner of the Miami Dolphins:
Our partnership with Archer marks a pivotal step in expanding South Florida’s regional connectivity through cutting-edge technology. We are integrating Archer’s electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft into our flagship locations across South Florida, including the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Related Ross developments in West Palm Beach, and Apogee Club in Hobe Sound. We’re excited to embrace a forward-thinking vision that transforms how people and businesses move across the region.
According to Archer, the new air taxi network will connect passengers to populated areas around Miami Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, offering 10 to 20 minute flights. Plans also include easier travel to major airports around Southern Florida, including Miami International Airport (MIA), Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), plus several general aviation airports. Miami Mayor, Francis Suarez, also spoke:
Miami has never been afraid to bet on the future. We’re a city that attracts visionaries, embraces breakthrough technology, and turns bold ideas into real impact. For years, I’ve worked with Archer as they’ve advanced a vision for an air-taxi network that will elevate Miami’s position as a global capital for innovation and mobility. What they’re building isn’t just transformational transportation, it embodies the Miami mindset: we lead, we innovate, and we redefine what’s possible.
Archer did not share a timeline on when this air taxi network may be operational around Miami, but we’d wager it’s still at least a couple of years away given the need for additional eVTOl development and FAA certifications in order to begin commercial operations in the US.
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Germany’s largest offshore wind farm hit a big milestone: The first turbine at EnBW’s He Dreiht project has produced its first kilowatt-hour of electricity and sent it into the grid.
More turbines are expected to come online over the coming weeks. European energy provider EnBW has already installed 27 of the wind farm’s 64 turbines, all of which are scheduled to be commissioned by summer 2026.
Peter Heydecker, EnBW board member for Sustainable Generation Infrastructure, described the November 25 milestone as a “significant moment for EnBW.” With 960 megawatts (MW) of total capacity, He Dreiht is now Germany’s largest offshore wind farm.
Vestas supplied the 15 MW turbines, marking their world debut. Nils de Baar, president of Vestas Northern and Central Europe, said the giant turbine’s technology sets a new standard for offshore wind. “Its efficiency and performance enable a significant increase in energy yield per turbine.”
Just one rotation of the 15 MW turbine’s rotor can power the equivalent of four households for a day. The hub stands 142 meters (466 feet) tall, and the rotor’s 236-meter (774-foot) diameter sweeps a 43,742-square-meter (10.8-acre) area — roughly the size of six football fields. To put the scale into perspective, EnBW’s first offshore project, Baltic 1 in 2010, used 2.3 MW turbines.
EnBW wrapped up the wind farm’s internal cabling in August. Those lines connect all the turbines and feed into a converter platform operated by transmission system operator TenneT. That’s where the power is collected, converted from AC to DC, and sent to shore through two high-voltage DC cables.
Once complete, He Dreiht will generate enough electricity to power about 1.1 million households. The project is being built without state funding and sits roughly 85 kilometers (53 miles) northwest of Borkum and 110 kilometers (68 miles) west of Heligoland. EnBW’s offshore office in Hamburg is coordinating the build.
A partner group made up of Allianz Capital Partners, AIP, and Norges Bank Investment Management owns 49.9% of the project. Total investment comes in at around €2.4 billion.
Read more: China’s surge pushes global wind toward fastest growth ever
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Environment
BYD tried crushing its $180K luxury SUV with a 2-ton tree and it barely left a mark [Video]
![BYD tried crushing its $180K luxury SUV with a 2-ton tree and it barely left a mark [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/BYD-ultra-luxury-EV-Europe.jpeg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
The Yangwang U8L is among the most expensive Chinese vehicles, starting at about $180,000. To prove it’s built for just about anything, BYD dropped a 2-ton tree on it, three times, and the ultra-luxury pretty much brushed it off.
BYD drops a tree on its ultra-luxury SUV during testing
BYD launched the Yangwang U8L in September, a long-wheelbase version of the U8 off-road SUV. The U8 was first introduced in September 2023 as the first vehicle from BYD’s ultra-luxury sub-brand, Yangwang.
Yangwang is a new energy vehicle (NEV) brand that sells high-end plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and 100% battery electric (BEV) vehicles as BYD expands into new segments.
The U8L is Yangwang’s fourth vehicle, following the U8, U9, and U7. It’s available in China with a quad-motor extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) system, delivering a CLTC range of 200 km (124 miles) on battery power alone.
A 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine serves as a generator, delivering a combined CLTC range of 1,160 km (720 miles).
Measuring 5,400 mm in length, 2,049 mm in width, and 1,921 mm in height, the Yangwang U8L is even bigger than the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Range Rover Long Wheelbase.
BYD’s ultra-luxury SUV is priced from 1.28 million yuan ($180,000), making it one of the most expensive models from a Chinese brand.
It may look pretty, but the Yangwang U8L is built for far more than just good looks. Like the U8, the long-wheelbase version is equipped with advanced features such as emergency float mode, which allows it to float on water for up to 30 minutes, tank turns, crab walking, and more.
To prove its durability, BYD engineers put the luxury SUV through the paces, dropping a massive 2-ton tree on it, not once, but three times.
During the final drop, the company said the maximum impact energy reached 50.4 kJ, or about 37,200 lb-ft. After three consecutive drops, the Yangwang U8L barely even got a scratch. The body structure remained intact, the door still opened, the columns didn’t bend, and the vehicle could even drive like normal.
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