Use the links below to jump to a section, or continue reading for the full article. You can also view the full specifications, image gallery, charging performance, and online reviews. Sections:
Performance
With overboost, the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar reaches a maximum power of 300 kW (408 hp / 402 bhp). Without overboost, it delivers 265 kW (360 hp / 355 bhp). Maximum torque is 664 Nm (490 lb-ft). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph).
Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar
Battery, Range, and Charging
The battery has a gross capacity of 114.0 kWh and a net usable capacity of 106.0 kWh, with a 8.0 kWh buffer (7.0%) for battery protection. With a nominal voltage of 396 volts, the system is classified as a 400-volt battery system.
The lithium-ion battery uses NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) chemistry.
According to the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) standard, the vehicle's range is 487 km (303 miles), with an energy consumption rate of 21.8 kWh/100 km (2.9 mi/kWh).
For more details about the range, see real-world data and range listings on this model’s range and consumption page.
The vehicle supports fast DC charging with a maximum power of 170 kW. A 0–100% charge takes approximately 67 minutes. A typical 10–80% session takes about 33 minutes at an average power of 137 kW.
With five minutes of overhead per stop, the optimal charging window is 4–73%. Effective average power, including overhead, is 120 kW over a session lasting about 37 minutes and 36 seconds.
In a 1000 km challenge at a constant speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) with an assumed consumption rate of 27 kWh/100 km, the trip would take about 9 hours and 43 minutes, needing two charging stops from 0% to 78%, totaling 83 minutes of charging time.
Onboard Charger
An optional 11 kW onboard charger reduces the full charge time to approximately 9 hours and 38 minutes.
Charge Port
The location of the charge port is on the left front side. This location makes it easy to charge stations where you park side into the charger.
Connector types vary by market: this model uses CCS Combo 1 in North America and CCS Combo 2 in Europe. For complete specifications for all markets, refer to the full specifications.
A second port is on the right front side. This extra port gives you more parking options for AC charging.
The connector types vary between different markets. This model uses J1772 for North America and TYPE2 for Europe. For complete specifications for all markets, refer to the full specifications.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar features an all-wheel drive system powered by two motors, one on each axle.
The motors used are Induction Motors.
Suspension
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar features a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, both with electronically controlled dampers and air springs.
The suspension is fully adaptive on the front and rear axle, so height and damping can be adjusted manually and automatically.
The minimum ground clearance is 174 mm, and the maximum is 271 mm.
Steering
Progressive steering is standard on the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar. It adjusts the steering ratio according to vehicle speed.
Drive Modes
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar lets the user select different drive modes that affect the car's handling.
The driver can choose between 7 modes:
- Dynamic: Dynamic steering, low ride height, and dynamic throttle and suspension damping.
- Efficiency: Balanced steering, low ride height, balanced suspension damping, and efficiency-oriented throttle response.
- Comfort: Balanced steering, normal ride height, balanced throttle, and comfort-oriented suspension damping.
- Allroad: Balanced steering, high suspension height with balanced throttle and comfort suspension damping.
- Offroad: Balanced steering, maximum ride height, balanced suspension damping, and balanced throttle response.
- Auto: Balanced steering and throttle, adaptive suspension height and damping.
- Custom: Custom ride height, steering, suspension damping, and throttle.
Brakes
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is equipped with cast-iron disc brakes on both the front and rear.
The front discs measure 375 mm, while the rear discs are 350 mm.
Regenerative Braking
The regenerative braking system in this model offers several modes. The most efficient option is the Automatic Regeneration Mode, where the vehicle coasts when possible and employs regenerative braking to reduce speed as needed.
Manual regeneration is another mode, where regenerative braking is controlled by pressing the brake pedal. The brake system blends in physical brakes only when necessary.
Another option is the Regen on Accelerator Pedal mode where regenerative braking is activated when the driver eases off the accelerator pedal. This system allows the vehicle to slow down and recover energy without the driver needing to press the brake pedal, a feature often referred to as one-pedal driving.
Drivers can also adjust the regenerative braking strength when lifting off the accelerator, choosing between three levels.
Exterior
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar measures 4901 mm in length, 1935 mm in width, and 1629 mm in height, placing it in the mid-size SUV segment.
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar offers a selection of 3 paint colors, including solid and metallic options. Alongside the standard palette, exclusive colors are available from the 'Audi exclusive' palette.
You can also choose from several styling options to make your car more unique.
The True is available with the optional **Audi S line** exterior styling package, featuring sportier bumpers, a distinctive radiator grille, and larger wheels for a more dynamic appearance.
The True is available with the optional **Black Optics** package, adding black exterior accents including window surrounds, grille, and trim for a more aggressive look.
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar offers multiple wheel options in different sizes. The available tire and wheel combinations include:
- 265/60 tires on 18" rims
- 255/55 tires on 19" rims
Narrower wheels reduce energy consumption and can increase range, while wider wheels can improve traction and handling.
The car has four regular doors and a hatchback-style liftgate.
Soft close is optional on the side doors.
There are two different roof options to select from.
A conventional roof is standard.
An optional panoramic glass roof covers most of the roof area and has an opening front section, making the cabin feel brighter and more spacious. An electric sunshade helps protect occupants from direct sunlight.
The windows behind the B-pillar are tinted for privacy and to reduce glare and solar heat gain.
As an option, double-glazed side windows are available to reduce cabin noise.
Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar
Interior
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar features a driver-centric interior that enhances the cockpit feel, surrounded by premium materials used in all key areas. It also includes a traditional center console that separates the driver and passenger with integrated storage.
You can choose between two types of seats with preconfigured materials.
Headliner colours
Available in:
- Black
Seats
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar accommodates five passengers with two front seats and a three-seat bench in the rear.
First Row Seats
The front row offers three seat types:
The s-line sport seat offers:
- Fore-and-aft adjustment (manually adjustable, electrically adjustable as an option)
- Recline adjustment (manually adjustable, electrically adjustable as an option)
- Height adjustment (manually adjustable, electrically adjustable as an option)
- Seat cushion angle adjustment (manually adjustable, electrically adjustable as an option)
- Height adjustable headrest
- Length adjustable headrest (optional)
- Heating (optional)
- Adjustable lumbar support (electrically adjustable)
- Adjustable thigh support
- ISOFIX (standard for passenger seat)
Available in:
- Black leather upholstery
- Brown leather upholstery
- Black Dinamica/leather upholstering
- Gray Dinamica/leather upholstering
The s sport seat offers:
- Fore-and-aft adjustment (manually adjustable, electrically adjustable as an option)
- Recline adjustment (manually adjustable, electrically adjustable as an option)
- Height adjustment (manually adjustable, electrically adjustable as an option)
- Seat cushion angle adjustment (manually adjustable, electrically adjustable as an option)
- Heating (optional)
- Adjustable lumbar support (electrically adjustable)
- Adjustable thigh support
- ISOFIX (standard for passenger seat)
Available in:
- Black leather upholstery
- Brown leather upholstery
- Black Dinamica/leather upholstering
- Gray Dinamica/leather upholstering
The multicontour seat offers:
- Fore-and-aft adjustment (electrically adjustable)
- Recline adjustment (electrically adjustable)
- Height adjustment (electrically adjustable)
- Seat cushion angle adjustment (electrically adjustable)
- Height adjustable headrest
- Length adjustable headrest
- Heating
- Memory
- Adjustable lumbar support (electrically adjustable)
- Backrest side-bolster adjustment
- Seat cushion side bolsters adjustment
- Adjustable thigh support
- Ventilation (optional)
- Massage (optional)
- ISOFIX (standard for passenger seat)
Available in:
- Black Dinamica/leather upholstering
- Brown leather upholstery
- Black Dinamica/leather upholstering
- Gray Dinamica/leather upholstering
Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar
Second-Row Seats
The second row features a standard three-seat bench with a 40:20:40 split, allowing each section to fold separately to increase cargo space.
Additional second-row features include:
- Height adjustable headrest
- ISOFIX (standard for outer seats)
Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar
Interior Storage
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar has the following interior storage:
- Cupholders: Two cupholders are located in the front center console, with an additional two in the rear armrest.
- Glove Compartment: Located in the dashboard in front of the passenger.
Interior Lighting
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar offers several interior lighting options.
- Multicolor Ambient Lighting: Across the dashboard, door panels, and footwell, with selectable colors.
Climate System
Two climate system options are available:
- 2-zone climate system: Supports different temperatures for the driver and passenger.
- 4-zone climate system: Supports different temperatures for the driver, passenger, and two separate passengers in the back seat.
A standard heat pump reduces heating energy use in cold weather.
Comfort Features
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar includes the following comfort features:
- Garage Door Opener: Built-in control for compatible garage doors and gates.
- Air Fragrance: Releases scent into the cabin through the ventilation system.
User Interface and Control
The control interface of the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar combines physical buttons, steering column stalks, and touchscreen displays.
Behind the steering wheel is a digital instrument cluster, and in the center console, there are two different infotainment screens.
Key screen details:
- Driver Information Display: The 12.3-inch screen is integrated into the dashboard behind the steering wheel. It provides essential driving data such as speed, range, and navigation prompts.
- Center Console Touchscreen: A 10.1-inch touchscreen located at the top of the center console. It serves as the primary interface for infotainment, navigation, and vehicle settings.
- Center Console Touchscreen: An 8.6-inch display positioned at the bottom of the center console, used for climate controls and secondary functions.
An optional head-up display projects key driving information such as speed and navigation cues onto the windshield.
Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar
Steering Wheel
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is equipped with a single type of steering wheel:
An optional easy-entry function retracts the steering wheel automatically to make getting in and out of the car easier.
Design: Circular
Controls: Physical buttons, Scroll wheels, Paddle shifters
Heating: Available as an option
From the steering wheel you can control:
- Infotainment: Steering-wheel controls provide access to media and infotainment functions.
Mirrors
For the exterior mirrors, you can choose between camera-based mirrors with interior screens or traditional mirrors. The interior mirror is a standard mirror.
Voice control is standard.
Infotainment
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar features a custom-built infotainment system with navigation, media, and vehicle settings.
Navigation System
The built-in navigation system uses detailed maps and offers advanced route planning. It provides real-time traffic information and satellite maps.
Phone Mirroring
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, providing access to compatible phone apps such as Google Maps and Waze on the car's display.
Sound System
You can choose between two sound systems for the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar:
- Audi Sound system: The system has ten speakers and a maximum output of 180 watts.
- Bang & Olufsen Sound System: The system has 16 speakers and a maximum output of 700 watts.
The model includes USB-C connectivity as standard (total: 2).As an option, you can get additional 2 USB-C connections.
Mobile App
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar has a mobile app for Android and iOS to manage and monitor the vehicle remotely. Features:
- Locate Your Vehicle: Check the current location of your car.
- Preconditioning: Preheat or cool your car before you start your journey.
- Lock and unlock: Lock or unlock the doors remotely.
- Scheduled Charging: Set a charging schedule.
- Charge Target: Set the battery's target state of charge.
- Route Planning: Plan your route and send it directly to your car's navigation system.
- Driving History: Review the details of your past trips.
Lights
You can choose between three types of headlights for the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar.
- Standard Headlights: These use LED technology.
- LED matrix headlights: Optional adaptive headlights selectively dim parts of the beam to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. Cornering lights illuminate the direction of travel when turning.
- The optional LED Digital Matrix headlights feature an adaptive system that divides the traditional headlight beam into multiple smaller rays. The light controller can turn them on and off individually, optimizing lighting by selectively dimming specific areas to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. It includes corner lights that illuminate the side when turning.
The taillights use LED technology.
Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar offers standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Efficiency Assist: A Standard feature that helps drivers anticipate driving conditions and conserve energy.
Safety Systems
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Standard on the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar. It prevents the wheels from locking during braking.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Standard on the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar. It improves stability during sudden maneuvers and on slippery roads.
Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA): Standard on the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar. It applies steering corrections if the vehicle begins to leave its lane.
The Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to leave its lane.
Front Cross Traffic Assist (FCTA): Optional on the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar. It detects traffic crossing ahead when entering an intersection or pulling away from a stop.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): Optional on the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar. It detects vehicles approaching from the side while reversing out of a parking space or driveway.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Optional on the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar. It warns the driver of a potential frontal collision.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Standard on the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar. It applies the brakes automatically if the driver does not respond to an imminent collision.
Automatic Emergency Steering (AES): Optional on the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar. The system can steer automatically to help avoid an imminent collision.
Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM): Optional on the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar. It detects traffic in the vehicle's blind spots.
Exit Warning: Optional on the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar. It warns occupants not to open a door when it detects approaching traffic or another hazard.
Driving Automation
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar offers driving automation at levels 1 or 2, depending on the equipment level.
The Level 1 Cruise control system provides the following driving automation features.
- Cruise control.
- Automatic parking (optional)
The optional Assistantpackage Tour SAE Level 2 system adds the following features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Lane Centering Assist (LCA) / AutoSteer: Centers the vehicle in its lane and adjusts speed in traffic. The driver must keep their hands on the steering wheel and remain attentive.
Sensors & Cameras
This model uses cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors for its driver assist systems.
Up to five radar sensors, five cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.
Safety
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is equipped with the following airbags:
- Front airbags for the driver and front passenger
- Side curtain airbags for both the first and second rows
- Side airbags for the second-row passengers
The front and rear seatbelts are equipped with reversible pretensioners (optional for rear) and load limiters. In the event of a collision, the pretensioners tighten the seatbelts to secure occupants firmly in their seats, while the load limiters allow a controlled amount of webbing to extend, reducing the risk of injury from excessive force.
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar has been rigorously tested by Euro NCAP, an independent organization that evaluates vehicle safety. It received a 5-star rating, with the following scores:
- Adult Occupant: 91%
- Child Occupant: 85%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 71%
- Safety Assist: 76%
You can watch the full crash test video here.
Read more about safety features and safety ratings in the safety technology section.Security and Access Technologies
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar includes the following security and access features:
- Keyless Entry and Start: With the standard keyless start and optional keyless entry, you can unlock and start the vehicle seamlessly without removing the key from your pocket or bag.
- Alarm System: An optional integrated alarm system monitors for unauthorized entry or tampering, providing alerts to help deter intrusions and enhance vehicle security.
Cargo Capacity and Towing Ability
The trunk offers a cargo capacity of 660 liters (23.3 cu ft). With the rear seat folded down, this expands to 1725 liters (60.9 cu ft).
The maximum roof load is 75 kg (165.3 lb).
Roof rails are standard for easy mounting of a roof box or rack.
The frunk (front trunk) has a capacity of 60 liters (2.1 cu ft).
The maximum permitted vehicle weight is 3170 kg (6989 lbs), and the base curb weight is 2520 kg (5556 lbs). This leaves a payload of 650 kg (1433 lbs), including occupants. Options can increase curb weight and reduce payload.
A towbar can be added to the vehicle. The maximum permissible weight for a braked trailer is 1800 kg (3968 lbs), while for an unbraked trailer, it is 750 kg (1653 lbs).
Availability & Pricing
This model had a world premiere on 1/3/2024, and deliveries started in May 2024. This model has now been discontinued.