Audi is rolling out a special edition to honor the Dakar Rally. The vehicle comes with increased ground clearance, a restyled exterior and all-terrain tires, plus very generous standard equipment.
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar finds inspiration in the premier desert rally. The model is instantly recognizable. The raised chassis and optional decals are carried over from the RS Q e-tron, which was specifically designed for the Dakar Rally.
Based on the Q8 55 e-tron quattro, this model is set in motion by an electric drive system and an energy converter. The total system output is of 402 horsepower (408 PS) and 490 lb-ft (664 Nm) of torque for a run from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kph) in 5.8 when wearing the standard tires.
But the special version can be specced with the General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires, which help the car accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) in 5.9 seconds. The SUV hits a top speed of 124 mph (200 kph).
The energy is stored in a battery with a net capacity of 106 kWh, which enables the EV to drive as far as 303 miles (487 kilometers) before it needs to be plugged in again.
Photo: Audi
This version is delivered with eight tires. Equipped with the General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires, the car comes with a ground clearance raised by 1.22 inches (31 millimeters) over the standard figure of 8.1 inches (206 millimeters), which will help it tackle rough surfaces such as snow or gravel with more ease. There is also a set of summer tires on 20-inch wheels, sporting a 5-V spoke S design.
The air suspension lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches (15 millimeters) at 53 mph (85 kph), by 0.67 inches (17 millimeters) at 62 mph (100 kph), and 0.51 inches (13 millimeters at 75 mph (120 kph) for better driving stability and better range.
The vehicle comes with a 20-degree angle of approach at the front and a 26-degree angle of approach at the rear, while the ramp angle is of 19 degrees. Meanwhile, the wading depth is 11.8 inches (300 millimeters).
Customers can order the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar in Siam Beige metallic, Mythos Black metallic, and Magnetic Gray, with the Singleframe always in the body color. There are widened and continuous wheel arch trims at the front and rear, giving the edition Dakar an impressive stance on the road and off the road both.
Photo: Audi
To point out that we are dealing with a special edition, when the driver’s door opens, LED lights project the words “edition Dakar.” The car also comes with an exclusive key cover with a special branding.
The future owners can also pay extra for a convenience key with anti-theft alarm system. This key can open the doors and luggage compartment lid via wireless communication, but also via sensors located in the door handles.
Special decals inspired by the RS Q e-tron adorn the car for extra money. The Mythos Black metallic and partial embellishment are part of the plan. Audi will only sell 99 units with the special wrap. The model’s serial number in frosted lettering shows up on the D-pillar.
All the edition Dakar models come with Matrix LED headlights and taillights as standard, and so does the S line interior with contoured sports seats in Dynamic microfiber and artificial leather. The drivers will hold in their hands a multifunction sport leather steering wheel and will press stainless steel pedals.
Photo: Audi
The head-up display offers all the relevant driving information. The driver is also getting information about the vehicle’s tilt angle on the central display, a feature that is becoming common equipment among vehicles with capabilities in the off-road.
Three different scenes are available for the MMI background images, coordinated with the ambient lighting, going from desert thunderstorms and tire tracks to a dune landscape.
The optional ambient light package and the six predefined color profiles set up a high-tech ambiance on board, where occupants can also enjoy a four-zone automatic air conditioning. Meanwhile, the Audi phone box connects the driver’s smartphone, which charges inductively, to the car’s antenna.
Also as an option comes the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound, which turns the SUV into a concert hall. The system runs 16 speakers with 705 watts of power.
The virtual side mirrors with cameras reduce drag by 0.59 inches (15 centimeters) and transfer the captured images to the screens located at both ends of the dashboard for better visibility and safer driving as they are not affected by rain or wet off-road conditions. The City and Tour assistance packages are standard equipment on all edition Dakar models.
Those interested in taking the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar to the road must know that this version will start at around 120,000 euros, which is the equivalent of $130,950.
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