Exterior Design and Model Variants
The Audi Q8 e-tron sports a refreshed exterior for the 2024 model year, featuring a redesigned grille, updated lighting elements, and new wheel designs. This gives the electric SUV a more modern and assertive look that aligns with Audi's current design language.
Two body styles are available: a traditional SUV and a sleeker, coupe-like Sportback. The standard SUV offers a classic, upright profile that maximizes interior space, while the Sportback provides a more dynamic, fastback silhouette at the expense of some rear headroom and cargo capacity.
Interior, Comfort, and Technology
Inside, the Q8 e-tron is a showcase of Audi's commitment to high-quality materials, impeccable build quality, and advanced technology. The cabin is hushed and spacious, providing ample room for adults in both rows of seats. The dashboard is dominated by Audi's Virtual Cockpit, a configurable digital gauge cluster, and a dual-touchscreen MMI infotainment system. While visually impressive, some users may find the reliance on touch controls less intuitive than physical buttons.
Standard features are generous and include an adaptive air suspension, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and four-zone automatic climate control, all contributing to a luxurious and comfortable environment.
Performance, Ride, and Handling
The standard Audi Q8 e-tron is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that produces 355 horsepower and 414 lb-ft of torque in normal driving. A "Boost Mode" temporarily unleashes 402 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque for quicker acceleration, allowing the Q8 e-tron to go from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 5.2 to 5.4 seconds.
The driving experience is characterized by its smooth and composed ride, thanks to the standard air suspension that effectively soaks up road imperfections. While the acceleration is brisk, it's not as instantaneous or aggressive as some of its rivals. The focus here is clearly on comfort and refinement rather than sporty handling. It's worth noting that the regenerative braking system is not strong enough for true one-pedal driving, a feature available in many other EVs.
Battery, Range, and Charging
A significant upgrade for the 2024 model year is the larger 106.0-kWh battery pack. According to the EPA, this translates to an estimated range of up to 285 miles for the standard SUV. The more aerodynamic Sportback model can achieve an estimated 300 miles with the optional Ultra package, which includes more efficient 19-inch wheels. However, some real-world user reports suggest that the actual range, especially in colder climates, can be lower than the EPA estimates.
The Q8 e-tron supports DC fast-charging at up to 170 kW, allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% in about 31 minutes under ideal conditions.
The Performance-Oriented Audi SQ8 e-tron
For those seeking more thrills, Audi offers the SQ8 e-tron. This high-performance variant boasts a three-motor setup—one at the front and two at the rear—that delivers a combined 496 horsepower and 718 lb-ft of torque. This potent powertrain propels the SQ8 e-tron from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 4.5 seconds.
The additional motor at the rear also enables torque vectoring for improved handling and cornering prowess. While the SQ8 e-tron is more dynamic to drive than the standard model, this extra performance comes at the cost of a lower EPA-estimated range, topping out at around 253 miles.
Pros and Cons
Competitors
The Audi Q8 e-tron faces stiff competition from other premium electric SUVs:
BMW iX: Offers a more avant-garde design, a similarly luxurious interior, and generally longer range options.
Tesla Model X: Provides significantly quicker acceleration and access to Tesla's extensive Supercharger network, though its interior design is more minimalist.
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: Presents another strong option with a focus on luxury, technology, and a comfortable ride.
The Verdict
The Audi Q8 e-tron is an excellent choice for buyers who prioritize a serene, comfortable, and luxurious driving experience in a premium electric SUV. Its beautifully crafted interior, smooth ride, and quiet demeanor make it a compelling option for daily driving and long-distance cruising. While it may not offer the blistering acceleration or the longest range in its class, its overall refinement and traditional luxury appeal will be highly attractive to many. For those who desire more performance, the SQ8 e-tron provides a significant power boost without sacrificing much of the standard model's comfort.
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