Brussels (Brussels Morning) – Audi Brussels begins production of the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1, inspired by the Dakar Rally. This special edition, with enhanced off-road capabilities, symbolizes innovation and sustainability in Audi’s carbon-neutral factory.
The first Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1 has started the production line in Brussels. Motivated by the world’s most significant desert rally, this special edition represents the spirit of innovation and experience that defines the Dakar Rally.
What Inspired the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar1 Edition?
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1 is revealed on the Q8 advanced 55 e-tron quattro2, which has been made in Brussels since the end of 2022. The first Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1 will be provided to a customer in Belgium. Further cars of the special model will find their way throughout Europe.Â
“The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1 is an upscale and coveted addition to the Audi e-tron family and we are proud to deliver this vehicle in our carbon-neutral factory,” states Volker Germann, CEO at Audi Brussels.
What Features Define the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar1?
The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1 presents optimized off-road capability, as the ground clearance has been improved by 31 millimetres. Off-road-compatible General Grabber AT3 off-road tyres also enhance acceleration and braking arrangement on loose surfaces. For those who want to take additional supplies with them on their adventures, the common roof basket is an enrichment.
The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1 is unrestricted in the colours Siam Beige metallic, Mythos Black metallic and Magnetic Gray. In expansion, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1 offers a special wrap, restricted to 99 units, which is boosted by the legendary RS Q e-tron. Each foiled model holds a frosted serial number on the D-pillar. The foremost vehicle to roll off the production line is one of the determinate editions of 99. This vehicle will be on exhibition up close in the Jubelpark at the 20km race in Brussels next Sunday, May 26.
How Is Audi Brussels Promoting Sustainability with Dakar1?
In 2018, Audi Brussels achieved a significant milestone by evolving the first production site within the Audi Group that delivers carbon neutrality. In addition, Audi Brussels is taking additional decisive actions towards sustainability by executing the cross-site Audi environmental program Mission: Zero. The environmental agenda focuses on four dimensions of action: Decarbonization, resource efficiency, biodiversity and bearable water use.
What Sustainable Practices Are Employed at Audi Brussels?
One model of sustainable water benefit is the new reuse water project at the site. Since March 2024, Audi Brussels has been depending on a closed water cycle and treating the water needed for production so that it can be reused at the location. This will decrease annual drinking water consumption by 80%, which compares to 100,000m³ of water. This multi-layered practice underlines Audi Brussels’ continued commitment to sustainability.
In this context, Audi Brussels now proudly offers the new Special Edition of the Q8 e-tron. As the first electric Audi with improved off-road driving features, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar1 is produced at Audi Brussels’ CO2-neutral production site. This allows electric driving also for off-road enthusiasts.
