Review: Audi Q8 E-Tron Edition Dakar

Exterior Design and Styling

The Audi Q8 E-Tron Edition Dakar sports a body kit that would be expected of a vehicle named after the off-road race event. At the front end is the large single-frame grille with vertical struts, a typical Audi look, making the vehicle seem rather aggressive. Bulging wheel arches and high side skids bring such an aura to the capable stance for the car. For a touch of exclusive style, vehicles feature race-inspired badging and orange accents on interiors. Bigger 22-inch wheels also fit with the more off-road focused design of the car.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Luxury is not compromised within the interior of the Audi Q8 E-Tron Edition Dakar, as it also has a modern touch in its functionality. Alcantra-trimmed seats and houre d’Ebene contrast with three screens and the latest iteration of Audi’s MMI touch response interface. An option for a huge sliding panoramic roof makes driving more comfortable and the interior design combined with Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System offers high-quality sound. Comfortable seats with heating and ventilation options, as well as 4-zone climate control of the cabin, provide comfort for passengers at any time.

Powertrain and Driving Dynamics

Power in the Audi Q8 E-Tron Edition Dakar comes from a dual electric motor all-wheel drive with a combined output of 500 horsepower and 718 Nm torque. This enables quick acceleration to add to the aspect of handling agility in an Audi that is expected from an SUV model. Air body control can be in adaptive mode and offer good ride comfort during normal operations, besides, it can automatically adjust the height of the vehicle depending on situation or settings chosen. Dynamic regenerative braking settings can be adjusted to allow for one-pedal driving to recharge the batteries.

Battery Capacity and Charging

Q8 E-Tron Dakar has high capacity of 106 kWh battery pack with expected max range of over 500 km according to I-PACE range test. With the help of 150 kW of power, the battery can restore 80% of the capacity in approximately half an hour. Home charging can also be managed through Level 2 240-volt outlets or through more powerful home charging connectors. Free fast-charging for three years at Electrify America stations to mitigate the public charging issue is offered by Audi.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Not surprisingly, the Audi Q8 E-Tron Edition Dakar is equipped with modern active safety systems and assistance in a luxurious SUV. Some of the safety features include: forward collision warning system with auto emergency braking, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, & lane keep assist with the enhanced version, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system. New remote park assist plus helps parking the vehicle from outside through the smart phone application.

Pricing and Trim Levels

Following the Edition models of Audi, the Audi Q8 E-Tron Edition Dakar is offered at $87,495 including the destination fee, making it more expensive than the Premium Plus yet cheaper than the Prestige trim level. The base model comes with the 57.6 kWh battery, a 295hp dual-motor AWD system, adaptive air suspension, black exterior detailing, and Edition Dakar logos. They are still available; larger battery, more power, ventilated seats, and luxury options include upgrades.

Competitive Set

Major rivals for the Audi Q8 E-Tron Dakar model are in the midsize luxury electric SUV segment, including the BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Rivian R1S, and Tesla Model X Plaid. The Edition Dakar trim makes Audi’s entry feel more street and performance-oriented than run-of-the mill offerings. Those who are inclined to appeal to stylistic and aesthetic values and specific features rather than such characteristics as availability of range and efficiency will be attracted to it.