2024 has begun with an electrifying jolt as Audi reveals the Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar, inspired by their Dakar Rally participation. As the world’s most demanding off-road rally commences soon, Audi’s RS Q e-tron is all geared up to outdo its debut performance. And boy, has Audi found a unique way to utilise their rally involvement in selling their road cars!
A Closer Look at the Beast
The ‘Edition Dakar’ is based on Audi’s colossal Q8 55 e-tron quattro, Audi’s largest electric SUV, and no, it’s not a special edition. The vehicle is loaded with a 106 kWh battery and coupled with dual electric motors, boasting an impressive horsepower of 402bhp and 490lb ft of torque. With the powertrain remaining unchanged for the Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar, it is expected to deliver a range of 280 miles and achieve 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds.
Dakar Edition vs. Standard Q8 e-tron
The Dakar Edition isn’t your standard Q8 e-tron. The apparent differences lie in the wheels and suspension. The wheels, now a standard 18-inches, are equipped with sturdy General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres. The air suspension has been lifted, providing 65 millimetres more ground clearance than the regular Q8 e-tron. Plus, the track is an additional 57mm wider.
Interior and Exterior Features
The Dakar Edition isn’t all about performance; it’s about style and functionality too. The standard roof rack can hold up to 40kg of off-roading essentials, and the interior features the sporty S line, complemented with branded special edition floor mats and noteworthy puddle lights. The large central infotainment screen displays some unique sandy background images and a screen that shows the car’s current tilt angle.
Limited Availability and Pricing
Exclusivity is at the heart of the Dakar Edition Q8 e-tron’s appeal, as only 1,000 examples will initially be manufactured, costing a whopping €120,000. For those seeking an even more distinctive look, a wrapped version sporting RS Q e-tron style graphics will also be available, with a limited run of just 99 units at a cost of €130,000.
Given its sporty appeal and limited availability, the Dakar Edition Q8 e-tron may never see off-roading after all, and remains a unique head-turner in the electric SUV realm. For UK dwellers, Audi hasn’t confirmed sales in right-hand drive markets so far, so we might not see this beast on our roads just yet.
We wonder if we’ll see this at the school drop off in 2025?
