Two big names in the Audi line-up combine; you’ll see it next year.

HAS another big drinker within Audi’s range looks sworn off the high-octane stuff for a future life of electric purity?

Well, to a point. The Q8 in current format has most famously been a stomping petrol-swigging V8 offer; that car - which has a lot in common with the Lamborghini Urus - is set to remain in circulation for the forseeable future.

From next year, though, the Q8 designation will also attach to what has been sold here, for the past three years, as the original e-tron sports utility.

So, in one corner of the showroom expect to find the black-hearted servant of Big Oil and, in the other, a clean-living acolyte of the electric scene.

The ‘new’ line will continue to be offered in sports utility wagon and coupe-roof Sportback stylings and will hold status as the family flagship. And, yes, the choices again include the performance-themed tri-motor SQ8 e-tron, which in current form represents as e-tron S.

Audi New Zealand has acknowledged local potential for the 2023 line, which unveiled internationally today, but has yet to share pricing or exact timing of availability, besides pointing to this happening next year.

In addition to the rebadging and an obvious restyle, the car achieves more range and faster recharging.

The entry-level model, the Q8 e-tron 50, gets the same 89kWh energy capacity as the previous-generation e-tron 55, while the new Q8 e-tron 55 features a new 106kWh battery pack. Those are ‘usable’ outputs, by the way.

The WLTP range for these models, in Sportback format (which achieves less drag) are 505km and 600km respectively. Changes to the rear motor are claimed to contribute to an overall increase in efficiency.

While the Q8 e-tron 50 can charge at up to 150kW on a DC rapid charger, the Q8 e-tron 55's battery can be recharged at up to 170kW, allowing a 10-80 percent charge in as little as 31 minutes, the brand says. An 11kW AC charger is standard, with the option to upgrade to a 22kW item.

The Q8 e-tron 50's two motors generate up to 253kW and 664Nm of torque, while the Q8 e-tron 55 has the same torque but up to 304kW.

All models feature four-wheel drive and air suspension. Audi has modified the latter, along with the stability control, variable-ratio steering system and even some physical suspension components, to achieve better balance comfort and agility.

The SQ8 features three electric motors - one each for the rear wheels and one for the front axle. Cited outputs over the e-tron S have altered slightly. The current car has 370kW and 973Nm – as a maximum in Dynamic mode (it regresses to 320kW/808Nm in ‘normal’) - and the new has 5kW more, but the same torque. It gets the same 106kWh battery as the '55' model - with 170kW DC charging capability – but the official range is way improved, from a cited 380km to 474km.

The cars’ basic metalwork remains the same, but there’s lots of detail change; the new model name stands proud, including on the B-pillars.

There are new colours and wheels and a restyled grille which now has a "self-sealing" system that augments the existing electric shutters - in the name of reduced drag through the air. New or larger wheel spoilers (depending on model) can be seen ahead of the wheels underneath the car for the same purpose.

The cabin features more recycled materials. As part of the Plastic Loop project, Audi has worked with a plastics manufacturer, LyondellBasell, to establish a process in which chemical recycling will be used for the first time to reuse mixed automotive plastic waste in the series production of the plastic covers for the seatbelt buckles.

It also uses recycled materials for insulation and damping, as well as for carpeting. The decorative inlay above the display, called the Tech Layer, is partially composed of recycled soft drink bottles.

Comment from Audi NZ general manager Dean Sheed has been provided. He reminds that the ‘big’ e-tron – as opposed to the A3 range extender car that was first to hold the title – has been incremental to establishing his brand on the electric roadmap.

“The new Audi Q8 e-tron is a progression of the current Audi e-tron.

“Its improved efficiency, range, and refined design will all play a fundamental part in its success. Like all e-trons in our fully electric offering there is no doubt the Audi Q8 e-tron is suitable for everyday use and more.”