Audi Q8 E-tron Edition Dakar review

But before you plan that expedition to Saudi Arabia (home to the Dakar Rally, because who needs geography?), don’t expect the Q8 e-tron Dakar to offer off-road ability to match a Toyota Land Cruiser or Jeep Wrangler. Instead, Audi has added a soupcon of extra go-anywhere ability without compromising on premium sheen.

The air suspension-controlled ride height is raised by 65mm compared to the regular car in most drive modes, and 30mm higher in off-road mode, and the track is marginally wider (mostly to allow for chunky wheel arches) It offers front and rear approach angles of 21 and 28 degrees, a ramp angle of 19 degrees, and a wading depth of 300mm. Then there are the knobbly tyres: M+S rated 18in 265/60 R18 General Grabber AT3, fitted to new-to-Audi 8J x18in rims. But that’s about it: there’s no added underbody protection.

The result is a car with a decent level of off-road ability, as demonstrated with an extended and dusty test loop in southern Oman that featured gravel, dust, sand, steep elevation, the odd water crossing and plenty of jagged rocks.

The off-road tyres and raised ride height give the car a floaty feel that adds a dash of character missing from the standard version, and at speed on loose gravel it slides around enough to entertain. On steeper sections it maintained composure while the instant access to 490lb ft of electric torque allows you to make short work of steep includes or small boulders, and is easily enough to compensate for the not-insubstantial weight of this big batteried 2.5-tonne behemoth. 

Features such as Hill Descent Control prove a boon on sharp declines, while Audi also promises an inclinometer display that shows current angle and ground clearance – although this wasn’t available on our late prototype test car. Given the lack of underside protection, that could be useful: our test route took in some very sharp descents across sharp rocks, but behind the wheel you were painfully aware that a wrong move could cause significant damage.

Of course, most of these Dakar-branded editions are unlikely to venture far off-road; the toughest incline many will face could well be a speed bump. Thankfully, the Q8 e-tron’s interior remains as comfortable and cosseting as Oman’s landscape can be barren: enough to make you feel you need to brush dust off your shoes before stepping in (even if Audi has added heavy duty floor mats).