Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar: homage to a legend

The Dakar Rally is the toughest marathon rally in the world – and an adventure Audi has been actively taking part in since 2021. The vision: to consistently further electrify racing with the Audi RS Q e-tron. So it makes sense that the new special model Audi is dedicating to the Dakar Rally is fully electric.

The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is designed for better handling on slippery surfaces such as gravel or snow. That’s why it is equipped with all-terrain tyres that offer a high level of resistance off-road. In addition, the tyres provide improved grip and optimise starting, braking and directional control on surfaces like gravel and snow. Furthermore, they increase the ground clearance of the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar by 65 millimetres compared to the basic model. The ramp angle is 19 degrees, and the fording depth 300 mm. In combination with the front approach angle of 21 degrees – which indicates the maximum gradient a vehicle can approach at from a flat surface without body parts touching the ground – and the rear approach angle of 28 degrees, this means the electric SUV is fully ready for action on light terrain.

For the most part, the special model can be ordered in the paint colours Siam Beige Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic and Magnet Grey. As a tribute to the Audi RS Q e-tron, it is also available with a unique wrapping. The wrapped models are limited to 99 vehicles, as shown in sequential numbering on the D-pillar.

The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is based on the Audi Q8 advanced 55 e-tron quattro. The battery capacity is 106 kWh net (gross 114 kWh), and the quattro drive has an output of 300 kW with its two engines in boost mode, with a maximum torque of 664 Nm. This allows acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The top speed is limited to 200 km/h.
The special model offers Matrix LED headlights and rear lights as standard that enable precise and high-resolution illumination of the road. Tinting of the rear windscreen as well as the rear door and side windows to provide sun protection is also included as standard.

The S line interior now comes as standard: among other things, it includes highly contoured sports seats upholstered in the microfibre material Dinamica and synthetic leather. The Audi Sport stitching package is optionally available in red, setting contrasting colour accents with stitching on the sports seats, steering wheel, knee pad and door armrests. The belts are also finished with a red border to fit the sporty ambience.

On request, the optional Ambient Lighting Package plus with six predefined colour profiles can take the interior up a level. With the help of expansive contour lights and up to 30 colours, it precisely traces the primary lines of the interior. A four-zone automatic climate control system can also be ordered as an alternative to the standard two-zone automatic climate control. The use of an optional second high-voltage heater noticeably increases the heating output. This results in faster heating of the vehicle interior at very low temperatures, and the additional heating of the battery ensures that it is ready to charge even at very cold temperatures.

The optional Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound gives the electric SUV additional high-end acoustics. It controls 16 speakers with 705 watts of power. The virtual exterior mirrors with cameras, which are also optionally available, reduce the overall width by 15 centimetres and improve the drag coefficient. The virtual mirrors also provide a clearer view than conventional mirrors in dusty or wet off-road environments.

The practical equipment details of the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar conjure up images of the legendary desert rally, too: this special model comes with a roof rack as standard, which can carry a variety of items up to a weight of 40 kilograms. A bag for the roof rack and straps to secure accessories are also included as standard, as is the storage and luggage compartment package.