The Ultimate Luxury SUV Launches in Vietnam: Will it Flourish or Flounder?

The all-new luxury SUV, the Audi Q8 e-tron, has arrived in Vietnam, but its future looks uncertain. With a potential early demise on the cards, this sleek and sophisticated vehicle may not be around for long.

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The Audi e-tron, a luxury all-electric SUV that made its debut in 2018, has been renamed the Q8 e-tron. This model has paved the way for the German automaker’s entry into the electric era.

However, its lifespan may be cut short as Audi confirms they are considering discontinuing the Q8 e-tron earlier than planned. According to Audi, this is due to a global decline in luxury electric vehicle orders.

The newly launched luxury SUV in Vietnam faces the risk of an early demise.

Both the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron have been impacted by a significant drop in consumer demand, says Audi. The launch of newer electric models, such as the Audi Q6 e-tron, has also affected the Q8 e-tron’s sales. The Q6 e-tron is not only more affordable but also more modern and offers a longer range on a single charge compared to the Q8 e-tron.

Audi also mentions long-term structural challenges at its Brussels plant, where the Q8 e-tron is assembled. These challenges include high import and export costs and a difficult-to-modify factory layout due to its location near the city center.

It is not difficult to speculate that Audi intends to discontinue the Q8 e-tron and close the Brussels plant. However, Volker Germann, CEO of Audi Belgium, emphasizes that no official decision has been made yet.

The Audi Q8 e-tron was recently launched in the Vietnamese market in June 2024. In Vietnam, this model is available in only one version, the Q8 e-tron 55 quattro Advanced, priced at 3.8 billion VND.

The Audi Q8 e-tron in Vietnam.

The Audi Q8 e-tron in Vietnam boasts impressive features such as optional digital matrix LED headlights, 21-inch alloy wheels with a 5-spoke aerodynamic design, the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with multiple display modes, and two MMI touch response screens measuring 10.1 inches and 8.6 inches for controlling the vehicle’s operational and convenience features.

Additionally, this electric SUV includes LED lights in the front and rear doors, front sports seats upholstered in fine Valcona leather, a four-zone climate control system operated via the aforementioned 8.6-inch screen, a multi-colored interior ambient lighting system, a Bang & Olufsen 17-speaker audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. The rear seats come with their own air vents, independent climate control, and auxiliary charging ports.

The interior of the Audi Q8 e-tron.

The Audi Q8 e-tron in Vietnam is powered by a 408-horsepower, 664 Nm electric motor. With a 114 kWh lithium-ion battery, the vehicle can travel up to 582 kilometers on a single charge, according to the WLTP test cycle. Charging times vary depending on the type of charger used: 31 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% using a fast DC 170 kW charger, 10 hours for a full charge with an 11 kW slow charger, and 5 hours with a 22 kW charger.

Lastly, the Q8 e-tron is equipped with an adaptive air suspension system that allows for a maximum ground clearance variation of 76 mm. The electronic stability control (ESC) system works in conjunction with the suspension to enhance the vehicle’s agility when navigating tight corners.

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