In 2022, Audi made automotive history when it entered its RS Q e-tron racer into the infamous Dakar Rally — the first ever Dakar rally raider rig to feature an electric drivetrain used in combination with an energy converter. Since its debut, the RS Q e-tron has managed to achieve numerous stage wins as well as an outright victory at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge — all in its first two years of being campaigned. Now, as it prepares for entry into this year’s rapidly approaching Dakar Rally, the Four Rings firm has opted to mark the occasion and pay homage to its factory-built e-tron rally racer with a limited run of Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar electric SUVs.
Benefitting from lessons learned developing its T1-E class rally raider, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar capitalizes on the model’s ample torque and rugged build quality, retaining these traits while gaining an additional host of elements that collectively bolster the all-electric SUV’s go-anywhere capabilities. Based on Audi’s Q8 advanced 55 e-tron quattro, the edition Dakar receives a factory-installed 1.22″ lift kit that results in 8.11” of total ground clearance and wading depths of up to 11.8”. Engineered to be more conducive to use on loose surfaces like snow and gravel, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar also gains a set of ten-arm wheels shod in self-cleaning General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires that, when combined with the aforementioned lift kit, result in increased approach, break-over, and departure angles of 20°, 19°, and 26°, respectively. Fender flares have also been added to accommodate for the larger wheels and tires and their increased suspension travel.
The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar also sports an air suspension setup that automatically lowers the car as it increases in speed — at least when being used on-road. The all-electric SUV is powered by a pair of electric motors that put down up to 300kW (402hp) and 490ft-lbs of torque. Offering a 124-mph top speed and a 0-60mph time of 5.8 seconds, this dual-motor setup draws from a 114-kWh battery pack that offers more than 300 miles of range per charge — more than enough autonomy for a day or two’s worth of off-grid adventure and exploration. Completing the package is a factory-installed roof-rack rated at around 90lbs and an optional decal package inspired by the RR22/RR23 livery seen on the RS Q e-tron.
Slated to be available to order starting in Q1 of this year, the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar will be offered exclusively in the marque’s native German market. Pricing for the edition Dakar Q8 e-tron will start at around €120,000 (~ $131,400). In total, this model will be limited to just 99 units.
