Audi Q8 E-Tron Edition Dakar is an off-road ready EV

05th January 2024

Ethan Jupp

Audi has revealed a rough and ready version of its chic luxury EV SUV, the Q8 E-Tron. Meet the knobbly-tyred, roof rack-wearing Q8 Dakar and no, it’s not a concept. This thing is going on sale, albeit as a limited edition.

Based on the twin-motor 55 Quattro, the Dakar gets a hike in suspension height of 31mm, in concert with General Grabber AT3 tyres. Overall ground clearance is up to 206mm though the suspension lowers as speed increases. At its max height, it’ll wade through up to 300mm of water, approach at up to 20 degrees and depart at 26 degrees and break over at up to 19 degrees.

Going back to those tyres, the Q8 Dakar will actually come supplied with eight wheels and tyres, with another four looking a little more road-biased, albeit being shod in mud and snow tyres. The roof rack up top is good for a 40kg load and is seen here carrying spare wheels. The wrap design, meanwhile, is a nod to Audi’s Dakar challenger, the RS Q E-Tron and will only be available on 99 examples.

On the inside you get the special Bang & Olufsen sound system as standard as well as a high-voltage heater that’ll get the cabin nice and toasty nice and quick. Bring it on, beast from the east… There’s an additional battery heater too, for optimised charging in super low temperatures.

The real question of course is what has all this off-road fluff done to the range? Well, Audi (and WLTP testing) reckons it’s still good for up to 302 miles of range, which is probably more like 250 in real world use. Not the worst given the extra rolling resistance and aero penalties.

Want one? It’ll be €120,000 in Germany, though a UK allocation is yet to be confirmed.