Audi prepares again to take on the legendary Dakar rally with its electric-powered RS Q e-tron. The German brand has transformed its electric SUV Q8 e-tron into a terrain-ready vehicle with the edition Dakar to highlight this challenge.

Since 2022, Audi has taken on the Dakar rally (which now takes place in Saudi Arabia) with the RS Q e-tron, an electric-powered rally raid vehicle with a gasoline engine on board as a generator to cover the necessary distances. Since 2022, Audi has managed six stage wins, but a 9th position overall has been the best result so far.

Raised and properly booted

To spur on its three vehicles for the 2024 edition, which takes place from 6 through 19 January, the German brand has unveiled the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar, a special edition of its electric SUV that goes further than just a few badges and stickers.

To make the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar worthy of its name, Audi has outfitted the SUV with a raised air suspension and large General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires, which combined increase the ground clearance by 65 millimeters (now 206 millimeters). The approach angles have also been improved, with 20 degrees at the front, 26 degrees at the rear, and a ramp angle of 19 degrees.

Up to 487 km of range

This still doesn’t compare to more purpose-built terrain vehicles like the Ineos Grenadier (35,5°, 36,1°, and 28,2°, respectively). Still, Audi promises that the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is “well prepared to tackle light off-road terrain”, while the all-terrain tires offer better handling on loose surfaces, such as gravel or snow. A roof rack is also fitted as standard, with 40 kg of stowage capacity.

The powertrain is based on the Q8 55 e-tron and remains unchanged, with two electric motors for 300 kW (408 hp) and 664 Nm. The juice comes from a 106 kWh (usable) battery, but the range has dropped from 582 km to 487 km due to the raised ride height and off-road tires.

1 000 units for €120 000 apiece

Audi will produce 1 000 units of the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar, of which 99 will be outfitted with a special wrap reminiscent of the RS Q e-tron Dakar race car. They won’t be cheap, though, with a price of around €120 000 for the regular version and €130 000 for the wrapped models – an increase of about €25 000 compared to the standard Q8 55 e-tron. Worth it?