If you own an Audi Q7 or Q8 SUV and want to go electric, the 2024 Q8 e-tron will make the move simple. The design and general attitude are comparable to the rest of the premium automaker's portfolio; thus, the only difference is the powerplant. Two electric motors provide all-wheel drive and up to 402 horsepower. The acceleration is good, but not as quick as in rivals such as the BMW iX, Jaguar I-Pace, or Tesla Model X. If you want a faster version of the Q8 e-tron, there's a SQ8 e-tron with 496 horsepower. High-tech elements dot the quiet cabin of the Q8 e-tron, as Audi fans have come to expect. There are two body designs available: the basic Q8 e-tron and the sportier, fastback Q8 e-tron Sportback, but neither shouts about its environmental friendliness—in fact, they couldn't appear more normal. Regardless of body option, the Q8 e-tron comes with a battery pack that delivers a useful real-world driving range that rivals that of other luxury EV SUVs. Furthermore, if you're going long distances, it may be charged rapidly at a public charging station.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable ride | High starting price |
| Intuitive infotainment features | Charging speed is only decent |
| High-end cabin | |
| Improved driving range |
What’s New for 2024
The e-tron and e-tron Sportback SUVs have been renamed the Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback for 2024, apparently to minimize confusion with other members of Audi's expanding EV portfolio, all of which use some variant of the e-tron moniker. Audi has given the SUVs a visual revamp to commemorate the milestone, including a new grille, restyled lighting components, and updated wheel designs. Both variants now have a bigger, 106.0-kWh battery pack, giving the Q8 e-tron vehicles additional range and the potential to compete with rivals.
The Audi Q8 e-tron has undergone the following significant changes in recent years:
- 2024: name changed from e-tron to Q8 e-tron (e-tron S changed to SQ8 e-tron); increased driving range; updated steering and suspension
- 2023: new headlights and updated interior lighting; new standard black headliner for Sportback trim
- 2022: Chronos Edition replaces Prestige trim
- 2021: driving range increased to 222 miles; Premium trim debuted
- 2020: Sportback model introduced
Pricing and Trims
The starting MSRP for the 2024 Q8 e-tron Premium trim is $74,400 ($77,800 for Sportback versions), which is a little expensive for the class. It has a synthetic leather interior as well as quad-zone automatic temperature control. The Premium Plus model costs $78,800 ($82,200 for the Sportback) and includes features like heated rear seats and a surround-view camera system. The Prestige level adds features like real leather upholstery and park assist for $84,800 ($88,200 for the Sportback). The top-tier Launch Edition, which includes 21-inch wheels and black roof rails, starts at $87,550 ($91,950 for Sportbacks).
While we'll let you select which Q8 body design is ideal for you, we'd stick with the entry-level Premium trims since they offer a complete set of standard amenities at a reasonable—for a premium electric SUV—price. The Premium model has 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, an air suspension system, heated front seats with power adjustments, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone automatic temperature control, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery.
EV Motor
The 2024 Q8 e-tron is powered by a 114-kWh battery and two electric motors with a combined output of 355 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque. The horsepower is temporarily increased to 402 with Boost mode, and the Q8 e-tron can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, according to Audi. This isn't the quickest electric SUV on the market, but it suffices. The SQ8 models up the ante with a 429-horsepower engine. With Boost mode engaged, horsepower increases to 496, and the sprint from zero to 60 mph takes only 4.3 seconds. The Q8 e-tron's all-wheel-drive system is rear-biased, which means that the rear motor receives the majority of the power. The front motor gets greater power to aid with traction in low-traction conditions or during dynamic driving.
Small adjustments to the electric motors (such as adding two additional coils for a total of 14 to create a stronger magnetic field) result in the motors producing greater power while using less energy, making the automobile more efficient. Even though the larger battery isn't physically larger, improvements in efficiency and thermal management result in significant range advantages.
Ride and Handling
While the larger battery and higher range are the main highlights of the Q8 e-tron, Audi has also improved the handling and suspension. The most noteworthy change is the Q8's new, faster steering ratio. This almost 5,800-pound SUV seems more agile than you'd anticipate thanks to more sensitive steering, but Audi hasn't gone so far as to make it feel darty or unduly responsive to subtle inputs. If we had one wish for the Q8 e-tron, it would be rear-axle steering. We believe it would significantly improve this SUV's agility in tight areas and handling on twisting roads.
Audi has retuned the suspension of the Q8 e-tron. Various mounting locations and suspension components have been modified to enhance rigidity, making the Q8's body movements more predictable. Even in its most aggressive settings, the Q8 e-tron maintained superb composure at a range of speeds and never felt excessively soft or unduly hard.
If you want a relaxing ride rather than a dynamic one, this Audi is for you. The adjustable air suspension provides a smooth ride over rough terrain, while the Quattro all-wheel drive system provides excellent traction. The steering is precise, and there is little body lean while cornering. The brakes give reassuring stopping power, although EV fans may be frustrated that they do not provide real one-pedal driving. The Q8 e-tron has a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Range and Battery
The EPA estimates that the Q8 e-tron's 106.0-kWh battery pack will provide up to 285 miles per charge; the Sportback model is rated at up to 300 miles per charge, but only if you order the Ultra package, which includes more aerodynamic 19-inch wheels and an efficiency-tuned suspension. If the 300-mile estimate is right, the Q8 e-tron Sportback will have a competitive range estimate when compared to rivals like the I-Pace and the Model X.
According to Audi, charging the Q8 e-tron using a 240-volt household power outlet or at a Level 2 public charging station should take roughly 10 hours. Connect to a Level 3 charger, such as those provided by Volkswagen's Electrify America collaboration, and you'll have an 80% charge in around 30 minutes.
Interior
The interior of the 2024 Q8 e-tron is outstanding, with high-quality materials throughout. The polymers used are pleasant to the touch, and details like genuine wood trim contribute to the mood. It has one of the best-looking interiors in the class and appears to be well-made. The electric features on the Q8 e-tron are the most remarkable, but the five-seat crossover also offers a cutting-edge and practical interior. Its dashboard is crammed with high-resolution screens, including Audi's digital gauge cluster (dubbed the Virtual Cockpit) and two flush-mounted touchscreens in the middle. Of course, luxury options like a head-up display and massaging front seats complete the Q8 e-tron's smart cabin, which benefits from a flat floor.
With the back seats folded down, this Audi offers 28.5 cubic feet of room behind them, expanding to a maximum capacity of 56.5 cubic feet. These are typical values for a premium SUV. The Sportback variant has less space, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A motorized liftgate is standard on all trims.
The front row seats in both the SUV and Sportback body types are well-cushioned and spacious. The SUV has extra space in the back seats and can accommodate taller passengers more easily. The Sportback features a sloping roofline that reduces headroom slightly, but it can still comfortably seat most adults.
Infotainment
The MMI infotainment system is standard in the Q8 e-tron. A dual-display configuration is standard, with the upper touch screen handling audio, navigation, and smartphone connectivity and the lower touch screen regulating climatic controls. They're easy to use and have clear images. Some instructions, including audio, are also controlled via physical knobs.
- Standard infotainment features: 10.1- and 8.6-inch touch screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, Bluetooth, two USB ports, HD Radio; and satellite radio
- Available infotainment features: a Bang & Olufsen audio system, wireless device charging, and a passenger-side charging port
- Additional standard features: a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster (Audi Virtual Cockpit), quad-zone automatic climate control, and proximity keyless entry
Fuel Economy
The EPA forecasts that the Q8 e-tron will get 80 MPGe city and 83 MPGe highway, while the Sportback variant will get 84 MPGe city and 89 MPGe highway. Visit the EPA's website for additional information on the e-tron's fuel efficiency.
Safety
Both Q8 e-tron body types come standard with a slew of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control and self-parking assist. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites for additional information on the crash-test findings of the Q8 e-tron SUV and Q8 e-tron Sportback. The following are important safety features:
- Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning
- Typical lane departure warning
Warranty
Audi offers a reasonable, though average, limited powertrain warranty. Rival EV SUVs, such as the BMW iX and the Jaguar I-Pace, provide extensive free maintenance plans in addition to their normal warranty packages.
- The limited warranty period is four years or 50,000 miles.
- The powertrain warranty is valid for four years or 50,000 miles.
- Electrical components are warranted for a period of eight years or 100,000 miles.
- There is no free planned maintenance.
Competitive Cars
Audi Q8 e-tron vs. Tesla Model Y
Another solid alternative in the premium electric SUV market is the Tesla Model Y. There's a lot to like about the Model Y, which has a driving range of up to 326 miles, access to Tesla's quick-charging Supercharger stations, and a starting MSRP that's roughly $20,000 less than the Audi's. The Audi Q8 e-tron, on the other hand, has a more premium interior and a standard smartphone connection via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Either electric SUV is a no-brainer.
Audi Q8 e-tron vs. BMW iX
The BMW iX is yet another strong contender in the class. The iX has upmarket interiors, sophisticated infotainment features, and comfy seats in common with the Q8 e-tron. The BMW iX's base trim, on the other hand, costs roughly $13,000 more than the Q8 e-tron's. That's a significant price increase, but the iX does provide more engine options, more agility, and more luggage room. If you can afford it, the BMW is a terrific choice, but if you can't, the Audi is a great alternative.
