Audi has turned to its legacy in motorsport for a new special edition of its range-topping electric SUV.

The Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition celebrates the German brand's history in rallying and its recent participation in the gruelling Dakar Rally – the world's toughest off-road rally. As such, the Dakar Edition receives a number of off-road-inspired modifications, most notably the suspension which has been lifted to give an extra 65mm of ground clearance. The track is also some 57mm wider than the standard car's. 

To give the Q8 e-tron a chance of travelling across rough ground without getting stuck, Audi has fitted a set of 18-inch wheels shod with chunky General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres. The roof rack – which can carry up to 40kg of weight – is standard fare, too.

Aside from some branded floor mats, special puddle lights and some desert-inspired screens for the infotainment screen, the rest of the car is based on the S line trim. There are no other mechanical changes, so the same 106kWh battery pack and 402bhp twin-motor set-up remains. Those large tyres lower the range to around 280 miles, though.

Audi will build just 1,000 Dakar Editions, and they will only come in black, grey and white. The rally special is only destined for left-hand drive markets too – UK sales haven't been confirmed. It's priced at €120,000 but if customers want the graphics pack (as shown in the pictures) Audi will charge them an extra €10,000.

The Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition could be the perfect posh EV off-roader