Audi range gets two powerful SQ8 e-tron quattro variants

Electric vehicles, with their instant torque and high output, already give a strong sportscar acceleration (and right from almost standstill). For those who are still not satisfied with that level of performance, PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) now offers additional models in its Audi e-tron EV range – the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron.

“With the new SQ8 e-tron in both the classic SUV and sharper Sportback designs, we now offer high-performance variants of the Q8 e-tron for those who want an even more exhilarating drive with dynamic and efficient Audi technology,” said Denyu Bostandzhiev, Managing Director of PHSAM, distributor of the German brand with the four rings in Malaysia.

The e-tron range was launched in Malaysia in June last year, with the Q8 as its flagship. The SQ8 e-tron models have increased performance and are also available in two bodystyles as well as well as have the electric quattro all-wheel drive system.

Pricelist of Audi SQ8 e-tron

Pricelist of Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron

First 3-motor EV in Malaysia
While both models use the Volkswagen Group MEB Evo platform which has been developed for the luxury Audi and Porsche brands, the SQ8 e-tron has a further unique aspect: it is the first EV (sold in Malaysia) with three motors.

The front axle is driven by an electric motor with a peak output of 124 kW (169 ps). On the rear axle, there are two electric motors both with 98 kW (133 ps) of peak output that power each rear wheel separately. Because the two rear motors are not connected and power each wheel independently, precise and varied torque levels can be sent to each wheel.

For short periods, the driver can active an ‘overboost’ mode which raises the front motor output up to 157 kW (213 ps), and the two rear motors up to 138 kW (188 ps) each. This would add up to 433 kW but the total system output is normally limited to 370 kW by the 114 kWh battery pack.

Charging the SQ8 e-tron
Use of the overboost mode will obviously increase the drain on the battery pack in the same way that faster driving with a combustion engine car will use up petrol or diesel faster. When it is time to recharge, the electrical system in the SQ8 e-tron can handle charging supplies of up to 170 kW at DC charging points (where available).

The time to ‘refill’ from 10% to 80% is said to be within 31 minutes (with a 170 kW supply), hours if you use AC charging which would be the case at home. There is also an on-board charger that allows for charging at up to 22 kW from an AC outlet (where available).

A fully charged battery pack can provide a range of up to 458 kms for the SQ8 e-tron and around 3% further with the Sportback which has a more aerodynamic shape with a Cd of 0.24.

For convenience, the SQ8 e-tron has an additional charging socket on the other side of the vehicle. This will make it easier to connect in certain locations where the charging station may be situated by the roadside. The driver can control the charging schedule from within the vehicle via the Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI).

In 90% of all braking situations, the SQ8 e-tron will not use its disc brakes. With an intelligent regeneration concept, the SQ8 e-tron system recuperates via the electric motors alone, without needing the conventional brakes which then work as generators, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy that is stored in the battery.

High-tech headlights
While it has sportier looks and is 40 mm wider, the SQ8 e-tron has similar technical highlights as the Q8 e-tron. These include the Digital Matrix LED headlamps, advanced lighting units which have around 1.3 million micromirrors that can be individually angled up to 5,000 times. They can optimally illuminate the road ahead and the beam can be shaped to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers as well as pick out any obstacles or people by the side of the road.

Other features on the exterior are red-painted brake calipers, exterior mirror housings in carbonfibre, black roof rails and a black appearance plus package. Fitted as standard are Audi Sport 22-inch alloy wheels in the 5-arm ‘Interferenz’ style, finished in Titanium Gray and diamond-turned.

Sporty, luxury-class cabin
The SQ8 e-tron has a cabin which is like that of the brand’s luxury-class models. In keeping with the sportier image of the model, front sports seats are Valcona leather with the ‘S’ badge embossed. Combinations of leather are used in areas such as the upper part of dashboard and lower interior elements with decorative inserts in carbonfibre and aluminium look. This is further enhanced by the Ambient Lighting Package plus and LED entrance lights at the front and rear doors.

The 4-zone climate control system ensures distribution of cool and refreshing air to all corners of the cabin. Also included in the system is an air ionizer with aromatization which the occupants can adjust in several stages for the best air quality. The ionizer should help rid the air of most viruses and can also neutralise unpleasant smells.

The Audi Virtual Cockpit has a strong driver bias, with the instrument panel integrated into the wraparound dashboard and a sleek display standing visually free in space. A Head-Up Display is standard for enhanced driving safety, allowing the driver to keep yes straight ahead.

Passive safety with battery considered
Audi has been among the leaders in advancing vehicle safety. Not only has it had advanced active systems but passive safety has also been progressively heightened with new and advanced technologies.

Audi has been among the leaders in advancing vehicle safety. Not only has it had advanced active systems but passive safety has also been progressively heightened with new and advanced technologies.

In this new age of the EV, the structure of the car has changed somewhat. While there is no longer the heavy engine at the front, there is now a large battery pack and this has to be taken into consideration for its significant weight. Not only that, it also has a very high voltage and measures must be taken to prevent ‘thermal runaway’ which can lead to a fire.

The structure of the SQ8 e-tron has a mixed steel/aluminium hybrid construction which moderates the weight of the electric vehicle of this size with a powerful battery pack. In fact, the battery pack and body form a strong hybrid structure with 45% greater torsional stiffness than a conventional combustion SUV.

Needless to say, the SQ8 e-tron has a range of advanced active safety systems which include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, swerve assist and turn assist, and front and rear cross traffic assist. Camera-based door mirrors are also standard, one of the very few cars in Malaysia with this advanced technology.

For ease of parking, the there is a Park Assist package with park assist plus helps locate an available bay and then manoeuvres the  vehicle in without any steering input by the driver.

Related: A closer look at the high-tech camera-based door mirrors

Warranty up to 5 years
Both SQ8 e-tron variants can be purchased with the optional Audi Assurance Package (AAP) which extends the vehicle warranty period to 5 years, with free scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years and complimentary roadside assistance for the first 5 years. The battery system is covered by a separate warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km.

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