The new e-tron series has more efficient motors than its predecessors, with 14-coil power plants capable of producing a greater magnetic field for about the same amount of electrical input as the earlier 12-coil motors. A stronger field may provide greater torque when required, but it can also reduce torque when it isn’t needed to assist prolong the vehicle’s range. Furthermore, the exteriors of the vehicles have been engineered to reduce air resistance, with the Q8 Sportback having a drag coefficient of 0.24 — the same as the Polestar 2 — and the Q8 e-tron having 0.27, which is marginally better than the VW ID.4.
“Looking at the current Audi e-tron, it’s evident that as we go ahead into the Q8 e-tron family, we’re beginning with a really robust platform of technological features,” Audi spokesman Benedikt Still said during a press preview last week. “We’ll carry over this powerful character in the new model; innovative innovations like digital matrix headlamps or virtual side mirrors are still at the technological forefront today.”
