Rally ready Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar is the desert-bashing rugged EV you can buy

For those yearning for a competition-bred all-electric SUV that can conquer the desert Audi might have the answer following the launch later this month in Europe of the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar.

Drawing plenty of inspiration from the real Audi RS Q e-tron Dakar racer that competed in both the 2022 and 2023 Dakar Rally (where it placed 9th and 14th respectively), the new road-going Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar gets enhanced capability and is said to be perfect for those who like to venture off the beaten track, presumably not at the 200km/h the racers travel.

Based on the standard Q8 55 e-tron, the desert-ready version is powered by the same big 106kWh battery and dual-electric motors that pump out 300kW and 664Nm of torque.

On standard tyres Audi says the 0-100km/h takes just 5.8 seconds but, on the off-road biased all-terrain General Grabber AT3 rubber, that falls fractionally to 5.9 seconds, although top speed remains limited to 200km/h.

Thanks to its taller tyres, ground clearance climbs 31mm to a maximum 206mm which isn’t too far off the 219mm a combustion-powered Toyota Prado claims.

To boost stability at speeds the air suspension lowers by 15mm at 85km/h, 17mm at 100km/h and a further 13mm at 120km/h which is also said to help aero efficiency and allow the big Q8 e-tron to cover up to 487km between charges, even with the Dakar additions.

Instead of hardcore off-roading, engineers suggest the Q8 e-tron Dakar is more suited to light off-road terrain, explaining its modest 20-degree approach angle and rear departure angle of 26 degrees, 19 degrees ramp angle and its disappointing wading depth of just 300mm.

That said, we suspect few will buy the latest Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar on the merits of how far it will go off-road. Instead, most will be seduced by its rough and ready looks.

Coming painted in either Siam Beige, Mythos Black or Magnetic Gray metallic paint, there’s wider arches, Edition Dakar decals inspired by the RS Q e-tron racer and Dakar branded puddle lamps.

The Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar models with the RS Q e-tron decals will be limited to just 99 units and feature special model’s serial number on the rear D-pillar.

Inside, the special edition gets Matrix LED headlamps as standard, as well as sport seats covered in microfibre and fake leather.  There’s also a free sports steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and brushed aluminium dash inlays. The dash, meanwhile, is wrapped with black fake leather that can be combined with red stitching as an option.

Other freebies include a head-up display, and upgraded MMI infotainment system that gets bespoke Dakar menus including one that displays the vehicle’s tilt angle.

The special Audi Q8 e-tron also comes standard with a roof rack that can carry up to 40kg. A bag for the roof rack and straps for attaching accessories are all thrown in.

Order an Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar in Europe and Audi will supply in total eight tyres – both the all-terrain General Grabbers and a set of 20-inch rims shod with summer tyres.

If all that doesn’t seal the deal for motorsport enthusiasts, the Audi Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar had its handling honed by none other than two-time WRC world champion and three-time Dakar Rally Carlos Sainz.

Commenting on the Q8 e-tron Edition Dakar’s gestation, Sainz said: “All the experience we gained in the Dakar was crucial in developing the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar. The special model is perfect for people who also want to drive off the beaten track electrically.”