Audi will soon give both the e-tron and the e-tron Sportback a mid-cycle refresh and, although the visual updates will be minor, the new SUV may feature some important improvements. Seen here sporting less camouflage than we’ve seen on the test vehicle, the vehicle’s most major visual updates are still hidden behind a partial wrap covering the front and rear bumpers. If previous photos from spy photographers are anything to go on, a new honeycomb grille will grace the front of this vehicle.
Otherwise, updates are difficult to glean
for certain and appear to be minor in nature but the side skirts do appear to
have been reworked slightly on this example with grey cladding. An Autocar
report from last June suggested that the updated model will be getting
next-generation batteries that will allow Audi to significantly increase the
vehicle’s range. The report suggests that, in Europe, the e-tron’s range will
increase from 400 km to upwards of 600 km. In the U.S.,
the e-tron is rated at 222 miles of range.
Separate reports just a few weeks ago,
suggested that Audi is considering renaming the vehicle with its upcoming
refresh. The e-tron would don the Q8 moniker, making it the Q8 e-tron, aligning
it more closely with its smaller sibling, the Q4 e-tron.
Those rumors remain unconfirmed, however.
Whether or not it gains the Q8 moniker, the updated model is expected to make
its debut in mid to late 2022 and will go on sale as a model year 2023 vehicle.
