The updated luxury electric SUV continues to be offered in two body types and with larger battery packs, promising a range of up to 600km
The bookings for the electric SUV opened for Rs 5 lakh.
Now comes with two bigger battery pack options: 89 kWh and 114kWh, offering a range of up to 600km.
The updated electric SUV now offers more power, even with its base-spec e-tron 50 variant.
Available in two variants and two body styles: SUV and Sportback (SUV-coupe)
Now starts at a premium of Rs 12 lakh over its predecessor.
The Audi Q8 e-tron facelift has entered the market at a starting price of Rs 1.14 crore (ex-showroom pan India). With the added “Q8” prefix, the electric SUV now also takes its place in the flagship lineup of Audi SUVs. The automaker has already opened its reservations for a token amount of Rs 5 lakh.
As before, the Q8 e-tron will be offered in two variants: Q8 e-tron 50 and Q8 e-tron 55, and two body styles: SUV and Sportback (SUV-coupe). Their prices have been detailed below.
Price Table
Variant
Price
Q8 e-tron 50
Rs 1.14 crore
Q8 e-tron 55
Rs 1.18 crore
Q8 e-tron 50 Sportback
Rs 1.26 crore
Q8 e-tron 55 Sportback
Rs 1.31 crore
All prices are ex-showroom pan India
Sleeker Looks
The Q8 e-tron electric SUV is still recognisable but with the facelift, it now looks sleeker than before. The front has been updated with the new grille design featuring the updated Audi logo, with the DRL strip on the top of the grille, between both the headlights. It still resembles the previous e-tron from the side and rear, but now gets a new set of alloy wheels, and restyled front and rear bumpers.
Inside, the dashboard layout looks quite similar to its predecessor, but the cabin still looks plush. The SUV comes with three interior colour choices: Okapi Brown, Pearl Beige and Black. It features a tri-screen setup, including a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, a 10.1-inch infotainment unit, and an 8.6-inch touchscreen positioned just below the main infotainment screen for various climate controls.
The Q8 e-tron further gets four-zone climate control, power-adjustable and ventilated seats with massage function, a 16-speaker Bang and Olufsen 3-D sound system with an output of 705W, ambient lighting, cruise control, park assist and a panoramic sunroof roof. In terms of safety, it is equipped with 8 airbags, a 360-degree camera, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Battery, Electric Motor & Range
The Audi Q8 e-tron is being offered with bigger battery pack options, and their range and performance vary as detailed in the table below.
Specs
Q8 e-tron 50
Q8 e-tron 55
Battery Pack
89kWh
114kWh
Power/Torque
340PS / 664Nm
408PS / 664Nm
Electric Motor
Dual-motor, all-wheel drive
Dual-motor, all-wheel drive
Claimed Range
419km/ 505km (Sportback)
582km/ 600km (Sportback)
It is worth noting that both battery packs have gotten bigger, providing more range while electric motors also pack more performance. The Q8 e-tron now offers a WLTP-claimed range of up to 600 km with the larger 114 kWh battery pack. Earlier, the e-tron was being offered with 71kWh and 95kWh battery packs, which used to offer a range of up to 484km.
Charging Details
The electric SUV supports up to 170kW DC fast charging and up to 22kW AC charging. Using the former fast charging method, the battery can be rejuvenated from 10 to 80 percent in 31 minutes, while recharging from 20 to 80 percent takes 26 minutes. However, the charging times may vary depending on the battery temperature and conditions.
Rivals
The Audi Q8 e-tron continues its rivalry with the BMW iX and Jaguar I-Pace in India’s luxury electric SUV space.
The Toyota Highlander lineup has been expanded with the addition of the larger Grand Highlander, which offers more cargo space, passenger space, and onboard technology.
The Grand Highlander comes standard with a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless charging, and more USB ports compared to the regular Highlander. It also has improved safety features and Toyota’s new proactive driving assist.
The Grand Highlander is both larger and more premium-looking on the outside, with more interior space and a more modern design. It also offers a more powerful engine option with the Hybrid-Max powertrain, although it is slightly less fuel efficient and more expensive than the regular Highlander.
The Toyota Highlander is one of the most popular names among three-row SUVs. It has been available since 2001 and has been carrying families across countries ever since. For 2024, Toyota decided to expand the Highlander lineup by adding the Grand Highlander. As the name suggests, this is a larger version of the beloved SUV. However, it is by no means just a stretched variant. There are plenty of differences when it comes to the chassis but also the body of the vehicle.
In this article, we are going over those changes by providing you with information regarding cargo space, passenger space, exterior dimensions, and available engines. This will help you make the right decision when choosing between the two available Highlander models. Just keep in mind that the Grand Highlander is a model new to the Toyota lineup, so it may have a few hiccups that the decades-old Highlander has already worked through. Thankfully, both vehicles use the same basic foundation, so the general knowledge gained from the older version can be used on the newer, grander version.
Updated August 15, 2023: The Toyota Grand Highlander is new for 2024, but its smaller sibling has been around for a few years. Both versions are great midsize SUVs, each bringing its unique qualifications to the table. For that reason, we have decided to update this article with some more up-to-date information to keep you informed so you can make an educated decision between the two models.
The standard Highlander is already well-equipped and very comfortable. However, the Grand Highlander steps it up a notch. The smaller vehicle has an 8.0-inch infotainment screen and a seven-inch digital gauge cluster. A 12.3-inch gauge cluster and infotainment system are only available on more expensive trim levels.
On the Grand Highlander, the larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen comes as standard regardless of the trim level you choose, with only the larger gauge cluster offered as an optional extra. Also, the Grand Highlander comes as standard with wireless charging, while the smaller Highlander doesn’t. The regular Highlander has five USB ports, but the Grand Highlander has seven. USB ports can even be found in the third-row seats, where this vehicle excels.
When it comes to safety, the Grand Highlander has the upper hand as it implements Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The regular Highlander only features the older TSS 2.5+. This means the newer and larger SUV has improved safety features and comes standard with additions like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Furthermore, the Grand Highlander gets Toyota’s new proactive driving assist which provides automated speed control based on traffic and weather conditions.
One of the best upgrades for the TSS 3.0 driving assist is that the proactive system will use radar technology to slowly apply brakes around corners or when nearing an object, such as a pedestrian or bicyclist when needed. This not only keeps you safe but keeps everyone else on the roads safe as well.
Interior Space Is Drastically Improved In The Grand Highlander
Both the Highlander and Grand Highlander can be configured as three-row SUVs with second-row captain’s chairs available. The difference between them is primarily seen in passenger space – especially in the third row. The Highlander offers 36.1 inches of headroom and 28 inches of legroom in the third row. The Grand Highlander, on the other hand, provides 37.2 inches of headroom and 33.5 inches of legroom.
Cargo space is also drastically improved in the Grand Highlander model. You will get 26.6 cubic feet with the third row up or 97.5 with the third and second rows folded. Compare these numbers to the 16 and 84.3 cubic feet figures for the standard Highlander. It is evident that the larger variant is the one to get if you value cargo space.
The Grand Highlander Is Both Larger And More Premium On The Outside
Toyota
As you would expect, more interior space also means a larger vehicle on the outside. So, how much bigger is the Grand Highlander? Well, size measurements come in at 201.4 inches in length, 78.3 in width, and 70.1 in height. In comparison, the smaller standard Highlander has a length of 194.9 inches and a width and height of 76 and 68.1 inches, respectively.
Aside from the size, the two vehicles also share different designs. At first glance, this might not be obvious, but the Grand Highlander certainly looks more modern and premium than the regular version. The front end features more modern and aggressive headlights paired with a prominent grille more fitting to Toyota’s current design language. The rear is much of the same story as the Grand Highlander makes the standard Highlander look a bit dated.
The Highlander and Grand Highlander offer similar specs in the engine department. The standard engine available for both crossovers, is a 265-horsepower 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder. Now, when it comes to the Hybrid options, we have a difference between the drivetrains available for these two SUVs. Both will get a 2.5 liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder paired to an electric motor for a combined output of 243 horsepower.
Fuel mileage for a 2.4-liter engine in the standard Highlander is 21-22 MPG in the city and 28-29 on the highway. For the Grand Highlander, you will be looking at 20-21 MPG in the city and 26-28 on the highway, which is a little bit less due to the added weight of the new model. Which, of course, is not too surprising. The same will be with the basic Hybrid model for the two because the Grand Highlander’s weight will reduce the hybrid system’s efficiency.
What may be surprising is when you compare the best that the Highlander has to offer to the best that the Grand Highlander has to offer, regardless of the weight. For the current Highlander, the Hybrid model can get up to 36 MPG combined, according to the EPA. When you factor in the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX model, you can expect to get a combined average of up to 27 MPG. So to get 119 horsepower more, you will, in essence, lose nine miles per gallon in fuel economy.
Between the two, which one should you get? Or, if you already own a Highlander, should you upgrade to the new Grand Highlander? Well, it depends. Obviously, there are benefits associated with going with the more recent and larger vehicle but also some drawbacks. The most significant benefit is more third-row space.
Furthermore, you will get additional interior technology and better engineering as this is a newer vehicle. Finally, the Grand Highlander will offer the option of the 2.4-liter turbo engine paired to a hybrid system which is by far the most powerful engine ever fitted in a Highlander model. Therefore, if power is a high priority, the Grand Highlander is the SUV to go for.
The larger variant comes with the penalties of being harder to park and generally larger around the city. Also, it will be more expensive and slightly less fuel efficient. The choice between the two is on you. If you value interior space, more powerful engines, and a more modern design, the Grand Highlander is the vehicle to get. If you want to save some cash and don’t mind the standard Highlander’s features, then the cheaper option is the one to go for.
Cadillac has unveiled its highly anticipated electric SUV, the Escalade IQ. This larger-than-life vehicle not only outperforms most sports cars in terms of acceleration but also boasts an impressive range that surpasses many electric saloons. The Escalade IQ represents a bold statement from America’s renowned luxury brand.
Powered by an enormous 200kWh battery, the Escalade sets itself apart from other luxury vehicles like the BMW i7, Mercedes-Benz EQS, and Rolls-Royce Spectre, which typically feature smaller battery packs. With a claimed range of 450 miles, the Escalade achieves an efficiency rating of just 2.25 miles per kWh. For comparison, this is less than half the efficiency of the significantly smaller Vauxhall Astra Electric. Clearly, the goal for the Escalade was not to create the most environmentally friendly electric vehicle but rather to offer a vehicle that indulges in conspicuous consumption without relying on a combustion engine.
To support its massive battery, the Escalade is equipped with 800V electrical systems, allowing for rapid charging at a yet undisclosed speed. It can recharge up to 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes at a fast charger. Additionally, the vehicle features vehicle-to-home charging technology, which enables energy to be fed back into the grid. However, this capability will only be activated with a software update for the 2025 model year.
General Motors has yet to disclose the weight of the Escalade’s battery or the total weight of the car. However, for reference, the Hummer EV Pickup, which shares some components with the Escalade, had a 212.7kWh usable capacity battery that weighed 1326kg, according to data filed with the US Environmental Protection Agency.
The Escalade IQ is equipped with two electric motors (one per axle), delivering an impressive 750bhp and 785lb ft of torque to all four wheels when in Velocity Max mode. According to Cadillac, this allows the Escalade to accelerate from 0-60mph in under 5.0 seconds, comparable to high-performance hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf R.
Paris has approved a plan to impose higher parking fees on SUVs in an effort to combat air pollution in the city. SUVs are considered one of the main sources of pollution due to their larger size, weight, and fuel consumption compared to hatchbacks, sedans, and station wagons. The new law, proposed by the EELV ecology party, takes into account the size, weight, and engine of the vehicle when calculating the fees. The measure was approved by Paris councilors last month, with the aim of addressing the increase in SUVs in the city, which has risen by about 60 percent in the last four years. However, SUVs only make up around 15 percent of the city’s total fleet of private vehicles, which stands at approximately 1.15 million.
The proposal is for the city of Paris to implement progressive pricing for paid parking based on the weight and size of vehicles. Frédéric Badina-Serpette, a councilor from the EELV, explained that the goal is to draw attention to the growing issue of “auto-besity,” referring to the increasing weight and size of vehicles on the roads, particularly in Paris.
The new rule is set to take effect from January 1 of next year, when SUV owners will start paying higher parking fees. However, electric vehicles and vehicles belonging to large families are expected to be exempt from these fees. The specific details of the charges and how SUVs will be categorized have not been disclosed yet.
This move by Paris follows a similar decision by the city of Lyon earlier this year. Lyon announced a new parking policy that will be implemented next year, where parking fees in public areas will be determined based on the vehicle’s size, weight, and engine. Electric vehicles will qualify for the lowest parking fees, while combustion-powered vehicles weighing over a certain threshold will face higher fees. Grenoble, another city in France, is also expected to introduce a similar policy in the near future.
Ninth Passat generation will be larger, more comfortable and of even higher quality
MQB evo – a new evolutionary stage of the modular transverse matrix uses a plug-in hybrid drive for purely electric ranges of up to 100 kilometres.
More comfort on long journeys thanks to high quality, new ergoActive seats, new adaptive chassis control
New cockpit and infotainment generation for intuitive and clear operation
The all-new Passat Variant will celebrate its world premiere at the end of August and Volkswagen is now publishing the first advance details of the next Passat generation. The new model is equipped with a host of innovations such as an intuitive display and operating concept, a high-quality interior, a new adaptive chassis control system, premium-class seats and plug-in hybrid drives with electric ranges of up to 100 kilometres. The all-new Passat Variant will be launched in the first quarter of 2024. It is the ninth generation of one of the world’s most successful mid-sized cars, with over 50 years of history and more than 30 million units sold.
When designing the all-new Passat Variant, Volkswagen fully exploited the potential of the modular transverse matrix in its new development stage – MQB evo for short. Kai Grünitz, Member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Development: “With the all-new Passat, we have placed great importance on high ride and travel comfort that customers will feel immediately. Among other things, this is ensured by the longer wheelbase and the new adaptive chassis control with two-valve shock absorbers. At the same time, our new display and operating concept is very intuitive. Climate-controlled massage seats illustrate our premium standard in the interior.”
Interior architecture has been redesigned based on a new concept. Thanks to high-grade materials and effective noise insulation, the overall quality and comfort are taken to a new level. ergoActive front seats will be available as an option. These feature electrical adjustment (up to 14-way, depending on model and equipment) as well as differently configured massage and air conditioning functions.
New display and operating concept. The new interior architecture of the Passat Variant systematically implements feedback from Volkswagen customers with the goal of making operation as intuitive as possible. The Passat Variant will therefore be launched with a newly developed cockpit and new infotainment system. The new standard infotainment display measures 32 cm (12.9 inches). There will also be a new 38 cm (15-inch) display as an option or depending on equipment. Backlit touch sliders are located underneath the infotainment system display and are used to adjust functions such as the interior temperature and volume. Volkswagen will also optionally offer a new head-up display that projects the information onto the windscreen and thus into the virtual space in front of the vehicle. In addition, the multifunction steering wheel has buttons again – to make operation even easier.
More space in the rear. The all-new Passat Variant is much larger than its predecessor. The new length (14 centimetres more) increases legroom by another 5 centimetres. The luggage compartment capacity is also increased by 40 litres to 690 litres (when loaded up to the height of the rear seat backrests), and even by 140 litres to 1920 litres when the rear bench seat is folded down.
New DCC Pro and integration of the Vehicle Dynamics Manager. Numerous individual measures improve the running gear of the new model: increased camber stiffness and greater lateral force steering of the four-link rear axle (increased rear axle stability and thus increased driving safety), a new electromechanical steering setup, modified anti-roll bars and shock absorbers, and adaptations for different wheel rims. The more direct steering ratio and longer wheelbase of the Passat Variant have an additional positive effect on the driving characteristics.
Volkswagen also offers a further developed generation of the adaptive chassis control for its bestseller: the optional DCC Pro with two-valve shock absorbers. This system continuously reacts to the road surface and driving situation while taking into account parameters such as steering, braking and acceleration manoeuvres. The ideal damping is calculated for each wheel and adjusted at the shock absorbers in fractions of a second. The driver has the option of adjusting the DCC to suit individual preferences – from very comfortable to very sporty. In other words: more comfort and more dynamics.
A Vehicle Dynamics Manager is also part of the standard equipment – an MQB system that celebrated its debut in the current Golf GTI. The system controls the functions of the electronic differential locks (XDS) and the lateral dynamics components of the controlled shock absorbers in the DCC Pro system. Thanks to the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, handling is made more neutral, stable, agile and precise by wheel-specific brake interventions and wheel-selective adjustment of the shock absorber hardness.
For powerful illumination of the road. In its premium specification packages, the Passat Variant will be offered with a new generation of IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. These powerful headlights are flatter than the previous version and have a new high-performance main beam with a range of around 500 metres. At the rear, the new model has a continuous horizontal LED strip for the tail light clusters.
TDI, TSI, eTSI and eHybrid. Thanks to MQB evo, different drive types are possible for the all-new Passat Variant. It will be offered with turbodiesel engines (TDI), turbocharged petrol engines (TSI), mild hybrid turbocharged petrol engines (eTSI) and plug-in hybrid systems (eHybrid). The electric range of the new plug-in hybrid drives has been increased to up to 100 kilometres compared with the predecessors, depending on equipment. In addition, AC charging will be faster in all eHybrid versions, and DC charging will also be possible as standard for the first time.
In the modern era of large grilles, the upcoming Ford F-150 appears to be going against the trend, particularly with the Tremor variant. These spy images, captured without any camouflage, provide a sneak peek at the 2024 model year. Notable changes can be seen in the truck’s front design.
The grille size has been reduced, eliminating the bottom notch and resulting in a neat rectangular shape. This new look is complemented by a Raptor-style bumper. The refreshed F-150 Raptor has already been unveiled in spy photos, featuring a bumper that is virtually identical to what we see here. Although the Tremor also showcases a robust skid plate in the front, it is not as elevated as the Raptor’s. The updated front design incorporates headlights within the grille surround, enhancing symmetry and further distinguishing the Tremor within the F-150 lineup.
Skoda unveiled the Kodiaq in September 2016 as a larger version of the Volkswagen Tiguan. In April 2021, the spacious SUV received a facelift. Now, in June 2023, we’re getting a sneak peek at its successor before the official reveal in the fall. The second-generation model will have an evolutionary design, with no major changes in appearance or specifications.
Although the car is partially camouflaged, the disguise is thin enough to give us a clear view of the exterior design. The 2024 Kodiaq will maintain its recognizable look and will not adopt the Modern Solid design language that Skoda has teased for its upcoming EVs. The familiar double headlight design specific to SUVs will be retained, along with the wide corporate grille. If they are genuine, the vertical air curtains in the front bumper will improve aerodynamics by directing the airflow.
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