Rally-inspired Audi Q8 E-Tron Edition Dakar goes further off-road

Audi is highlighting its participation in the Dakar Rally by launching a limited-edition version of the Q8 E-Tron called Edition Dakar. The electric SUV receives additional ground clearance, available edition-specific exterior accents and decals, and a set of off-road-ready tires.

Suspension modifications and General Grabber AT3 tires come together to increase the Q8 E-Tron's ground clearance by a little over an inch, though the system remains programmed to drop as speed increases to reduce drag and improve driving range. In its highest setting, the SUV offers approach, break-over, and departure angles of 20, 19, and 26 degrees, respectively. It certainly won't keep up with a Jeep Wrangler on the Rubicon Trail, but it should be capable of going a little farther off the beaten path than the regular-production Q8 E-Tron.

Visually, the Edition Dakar stands out from the Q8 E-Tron with wider flares on the wheel arches and Mythos Black Metallic exterior trim. Buyers will have three colors called Siam Beige Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, and Magnetic Gray, respectively, to choose from, and the list of options includes a decal package designed as a tribute to the plug-in hybrid RS Q E-Tron that represents Audi in the Dakar Rally.