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AutoElectric VehiclesAudi’s jacked-up Q8 e-tron is a Dakar desert racer for the road… sort ofLimited run electric SUV is here to tackle ‘light’ off-road terrainWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Limited run electric SUV is here to tackle ‘light’ off-road terrain
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Audi)
(Image credit: Audi)
The Dakar Rally is underway in Saudi Arabia and a handful of very skilful lunatics are busy piloting heavily modified cars, motorcycles, quad bikes and trucks flat out across some of the world’s most treacherous terrain.
Audi is taking part with its innovative RS Q e-tron this year - a specially developed electric racer that pairs an electric drivetrain with an energy converter to increase range.
Unfortunately, you can’t buy it, but for €120,000/£105,000/$130,000/AUS$196,000, Audi will sell you one of its limited runQ8 e-tronedition Dakar models instead.
(Image credit: Audi)
(Image credit: Audi)
The German marque has also seen fit to add a roof rack, which can handle loads of up to 40kg, which should be enough for a spare wheel or two, while a bespoke weatherproof bag has been created to store excess kit up top. There’s even a special boot liner, so sandy equipment doesn’t mess up your storage space.
Customers can select Siam Beige metallic, Mythos Black metallic or Magnetic Grey colour schemes, while an optional decal package offers an extra nod to the RS Q model running the race.
Inside, there are plenty of elements that remind owners and occupants exactly where the budget has been blown, including sports seats, stainless steel pedals, brushed aluminium trim inlays and ahead-up displaythat projects driver information onto the windshield.
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(Image credit: Audi)
(Image credit: Audi)
Open the doors outside your Bedouin tent at night, and you’ll be greeted with the words “edition Dakar” beamed onto the sand. It works equally as well when you are parked up outside the 24/7 Tesco.
Alas, there has been no massive changes to performance - it’s exactly what you get from the standard Q8 55 e-tron model. That means a 106.0-kWh battery supplying power to dual motors, which in turn drive all four wheels.
Expect just over 400bhp and a chunky 664 Nm, which is enough to dispatch of the 0-62mph sprint in a respectable 5.8 seconds. Electric range is pegged at 302-miles, although the inhospitable nature of Saudi Arabia’s Empty Quarter will likely eat into that.
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