Audi has built a more rugged version of its 2024 Q8 E-Tron electric SUV to highlight its efforts in the Dakar Rally, where it competes with the bespoke RS Q E-Tron series plug-in hybrid.
The rugged Q8 E-Tron is known as the Q8 E-Tron Edition Dakar, and at present it has only been confirmed for Germany where it goes on sale shortly with a price tag that will start close to 120,000 euros (approximately $131,000). Buyers will be able to choose between the colors Siam Beige metallic, Mythos Black metallic, and Magnetic Gray.
Though it offers decals that create a livery inspired by the RS Q E-Tron, the Q8 E-Tron Edition Dakar isn't simply a styling exercise. There are genuine off-road upgrades, such as an extra 1.2 inches of ground clearance that takes the total to 8.1 inches. The vehicle is also fitted with General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires (buyers will also receive a set of regular summer tires), and Audi said it revised the suspension system to suit off-road conditions.
With the modifications, the Q8 E-Tron Edition Dakar boasts approach and departure angles of 20 degrees and 26 degrees, respectively. Its breakover angle is 19 degrees and its wading depth is 11.8 inches.
![2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron Edition Dakar 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron Edition Dakar](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2024-audi-q8-e-tron-edition-dakar_100910964_l.webp)
2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron Edition Dakar
There is also a standard roof rack with a load capacity of 88 pounds.
The Q8 E-Tron Edition Dakar is based on the Q8 E-Tron's 55 grade. That means it features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain that delivers a maximum 402 hp, or enough for 0-62 mph acceleration in 5.8 seconds with summer tires and 5.9 seconds with the all-terrain tires. The top speed is capped at 124 mph. The battery is a 114-kwh unit that for the regular Q8 E-Tron delivers an EPA-rated 285 miles of range. An EPA-rated figure for the Q8 E-Tron Edition Dakar hasn't been published, though would likely come in lower due to the reduced efficiency of the tires.
![2024 Audi RS Q E-Tron rally car 2024 Audi RS Q E-Tron rally car](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2024-audi-rs-q-e-tron-rally-car_100907884_l.webp)
2024 Audi RS Q E-Tron rally car
The RS Q E-Tron that later this month will take on the grueling Dakar Rally for the third time is a very different beast than the Q8 E-Tron. As a series plug-in hybrid, it features a small combustion engine to charge a battery that powers an electric drive system, in this case a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup delivering a peak of 383 hp.
This year's Dakar Rally runs Jan. 5-19 in Saudi Arabia.