Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar

The new Audi Q8 E-tron edition Dakar comes with eight – eight! – wheels.

Have Ingolstadt’s finest developed a new eight-wheel-drive system? Of course not: the special edition of the firm’s biggest electric SUV comes with sets of both off- and on-road tyres, reflecting its intended and likely actual use cases.

Inspired by the RS Q e-tron Dakar Rally challenger, the new machine takes the Q8 E-tron 55 quattro – with a 402bhp twin motor powertrain and 106kWh battery – and adds extra off-road ability.

It also adds considerable cost: prices will start at around €120,000 (£103,000), compared to £80,300 for a regular model (although that only comes with four wheels…).

A limited run of 99 models (all in Mythos Black) will be offered with a bespoke wrap featuring decals inspired by Audi’s Dakar Rally challenger. It’s subtle but looks great – as it should for a €10,000 (£8600) premium.

Special design elements ensure the Q8 Dakar looks the part and include a body colour single-frame grille, chunkier wheel arches and a roof rack with a useful load capacity of 40kg – complete with storage bag and straps.

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.