Audi’s unique electrical SUV has simply gone by way of a refresh and a re-badge.
The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron was beforehand generally known as the Audi e-tron, the primary in a rising household of ‘e-tron’ branded electrical autos for the German marque.
It appears acquainted, as a result of it’s. The transition from e-tron to Q8 e-tron was a gentle one, largely all the way down to revised entrance and rear fascias and aerodynamic enhancements, in addition to a rise to battery capability.
On the surface it has that acquainted Audi look that will not instantly stick out to you as an EV – for some, that’s an excellent factor when you don’t plan on standing out, or dislike electrical autos that appear like science experiments.
Not like some newer opponents, the Q8 e-tron isn’t primarily based on a devoted electrical car platform, reasonably utilising a model of the MLB evo structure that underpins all the things from the A4 and Q5 by way of to the A8 and ICE-fired Q8, in addition to a variety of boutique choices just like the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus.
The final one was criticised for missing in vary and effectivity in comparison with a rising set of devoted EV rivals, so Audi went again to the drafting board and improved the aerodynamics and added bigger batteries throughout the vary.
Has all of it paid off?
How a lot does the Audi Q8 e-tron value?
Our take a look at automotive is the 55 e-tron quattro Launch Version, which is available in at $165,900 earlier than on-road prices.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron pricing:
2024 Audi Q8 55 e-tron quattro: $153,9002024 Audi Q8 55 e-tron quattro Launch Version: $165,9002024 Audi Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro: $165,900
Costs exclude on-road prices
To see how the Audi Q8 e-tron traces up towards its rivals, try our comparability software.
What’s the Audi Q8 e-tron like on the within?
Not a lot has actually modified inside for the facelift, save for some up to date trims – that stated, it’s nonetheless very good.
Highlights of the Launch Version spec embody the usual fitment of the color inside lighting bundle (30 colors and 6 profiles), a sports activities leather-based steering wheel with perforated grips, electrical steering column adjustment with reminiscence, a black headliner and stainless-steel pedals.
You additionally get the stunning S sport entrance seats in clean Valcona leather-based, which additionally boast diamond distinction sew patterning, built-in headrests and embossed ‘S’ logos on the headrests – mainly, the seats are from the go-fast SQ8 e-tron.
These are pretty minor particulars, and the majority of those options can be found as value choices elsewhere within the vary. It makes for a reasonably plush cabin although, regardless of the Q8 e-tron/e-tron being one of many first Audi autos to characteristic this inside design and structure.
Twin touchscreens for infotainment and local weather controls are stacked neatly within the dashboard and angled to the motive force for higher usability, and forward of the motive force is the superb 12.3-inch Audi digital cockpit. All are carried over from the pre-update mannequin however stay in the direction of the highest of the luxurious class for readability, usability and response.
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in addition to Audi join plus on-line companies all characteristic as earlier than, and all work as supposed. You do, nonetheless, get the odd dropout with smartphone mirroring in identified interference factors in Melbourne.
Elsewhere the cabin is acquainted Audi fare, and acquainted e-tron fare. Construct high quality is prime notch, and there’s a way of conference in a time the place BMW and Mercedes-Benz are actually going for futuristic wow issue which might polarise.
Bar some minor e-tron particulars just like the toggle-style shift-by-wire selector and the free-standing impact to the digital cockpit show housing, all of it appears, feels and works similar to another bigger Audi product. There are sturdy hyperlinks to the petrol- and diesel-powered Audi Q8, regardless of the 2 autos being completely different automobiles primarily based on shared underpinnings.
Our take a look at automotive was fitted with the optionally available digital mirrors bundle ($3500), which continues to divide opinion when it comes to their kind and performance. I’m not a hater, however the door-mounted OLED shows that mission the reside digital camera feed take a little bit of adjustment as you typically must look down or transfer arms in the event that they’re rested on the door tops…
The second row is suitably massive too, given this automotive measures a large 4915mm lengthy on a 2928mm wheelbase. Its dimensions eclipse that of even the associated Volkswagen Touareg (4889mm, 2888mm). House for adults behind adults is excellent, so no must stress about becoming two or three youngsters or youngsters again there – this can be a full-size five-seater.
Rear facilities embody directional air vents – four-zone local weather is reserved for the Sportback and SQ8 e-tron – net-type map pockets, a fold down centre armrest with cupholders, and bottle holders within the doorways. It’s a disgrace the exxy Launch Version specification doesn’t have the total suite of options out there additional up within the vary.
Behind the rear seats is a 569-litre baggage space which expands to 1637L with the rear seatbacks folded. Whereas that will sound smallish for an SUV this measurement, it betters the BMW iX (500L-1750L) and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV (520L-1675L) when the second row is in use.
One other attention-grabbing tick the Q8 e-tron will get is the inclusion of a ‘collapsible’ area saver spare wheel, the place most different EVs solely get tyre restore kits. Useful to have on roadtrips.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
How does the Audi Q8 e-tron drive?
Not like a few of my colleagues, I actually get pleasure from driving the Audi Q8 e-tron (and the e-tron earlier than it).
Whereas it’s by no means had the vary or efficiency of one thing out of the Tesla showroom, the Audi Q8 e-tron gives the identical superbly clean drive and journey you get in an Audi Q7 or Q8 – it simply occurs to be electrical.
Every little thing has been tuned for optimum consolation and refinement, and whereas the sometimes doughy throttle response gained’t be to the tastes of these wanting neck-snapping EV efficiency, it’s a simple and wafty factor to reside with day-to-day.
In its normal setting the Q8 55 e-tron doesn’t really feel prefer it has 300kW and 664Nm beneath your proper foot, in all probability as a result of it’s solely providing you with about 75 per cent of that in Drive and you really want to plant your foot to get full energy when you’re in any mode apart from dynamic.
However, flick the selector previous D into S and also you see the ‘increase’ indicator gentle up on the digital energy meter (EV’s tackle the tacho) and you are feeling that added response because the Q8 e-tron provides you all of its electrical may to shift its chunky 2.5-tonne physique.
I attempted a couple of full-throttle moments on freeway onramps and overtakes, and the 5.6-second 0-100km/h declare feels correct. That stated, the 0-60km/h acceleration in its most aggressive setting does hit you within the again.
That’s not likely what this automotive is for anyway. If you wish to drive it like a efficiency SUV you’re higher off ready for the SQ8 e-tron (from $173,800) which provides a 3rd electrical motor for system outputs of 370kW/973Nm (versus the 55’s 300kW/664Nm) and cuts the 0-100 declare by 1.1 seconds (4.5s).
Actually, you’re finest to drive this Q8 e-tron just like the V6 TDI variations of its stablemates, leaning on the large reserves of torque and effortlessly doing every day driving duties however with out the diesel clatter of its ICE equivalents.
Audi hasn’t bothered with synthesised drivetrain noises or something in that vein, so progress is clean and really quiet on a regular basis. Like different MLB-based Audis, sound insulation from the surface world is likewise glorious making for a really serene expertise.
Normal adaptive air suspension is typical Audi, in that it’s does an excellent job at ironing out the lumps and bumps of metropolis life even on 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels (with 265/45 Bridgestone Alenza tyres), although additionally manages physique management in additional dynamic state of affairs with aplomb – would you count on something much less?
You may elevate and decrease it by way of the assorted Audi drive choose modes or independently when you want, and the assorted modes alter the damping accordingly. I notably just like the ‘allroad’ and ‘offroad’ modes the place the Q8 will arise on its tippy-toes and look fairly purposeful when left in a gravel carpark, for instance.
Pop it in effectivity and it sits on its guts for higher aero, and also you’ll shortly see a drop within the indicated power consumption common readout, plus driving vary will enhance and normally not drop as shortly. This is among the few EVs the place I constantly noticed higher effectivity on the freeway than on the town, and it’s fairly ‘thirsty’ in stop-start Melbourne visitors – there’s even a Vary mode which limits prime velocity and ancillaries so as to add much more vary.
At velocity the Q8 e-tron is superbly hushed from the surface world and quiet. I drove this all the way down to the Lang Lang Proving Floor to assist Paul on a shoot and that is arguably the quietest automotive I’ve ever pushed on the South Gippsland Freeway’s very tough blacktop. Kudos.
The Q8 e-tron’s driver help suite is as high-tech as you’d count on, with Audi’s adaptive cruise help combining radar cruise and lane centring features for semi-autonomous freeway motoring. It’s one of the intuitive and natural-feeling methods of its kind.
Our take a look at automotive’s optionally available digital mirrors take some getting used to, and the small door-mounted shows might be larger and provide higher viewing angles. Nonetheless, the best way Audi has neatly built-in blind-spot warning and indicator lights into the sting of the OLED shows is kind of fetching – they undoubtedly aren’t to all tastes.
Encompass cameras make parking this huge bus rather more manageable, although the encompass parking sensors are intrusively loud. They virtually shriek at you which of them is a tad off-putting, and are simply plain annoying when making cellphone calls.
Lastly, I lament the essential LED headlight bundle with auto high-beam. Whereas ‘high-quality’, it’s a little bit of a pisstake that Audi is charging $170,000 and maintaining the trick Matrix LED headlights as an choice – $3300, actually?
What do you get?
Q8 55 e-tron highlights:
Wheels, suspension, brakes, dynamics
20-inch alloy wheels in 5-arm aero styleGraphite greyDiamond-turned finish255/50 R20 tyresAdaptive air suspensionAnti-theft wheel bolts, free wheel detectionCollapsible short-term spare wheelAudi drive selecte-quattro totally variable all-wheel drive
Exterior
LED headlightsLED daytime working lightsHigh beam assistRear dynamic indicatorsExterior mirrorsHeated, folding, auto-dimmingMemory functionKerbside perform, passenger sideHigh gloss styling packageWindow slot trims in anodised aluminiumRoof rails in aluminiumConvenience keyFull keyless entry, startElectric tailgateProgrammable heightGesture management
Seating and fabric
Normal entrance seatsLeatherette upholsteryElectric entrance seats incl. driver memoryHeated entrance seatsDashboard higher, decrease inside components in leatheretteInlays in brushed aluminium, darkish
Inside
Auxiliary air-conditioningPre-conditioning by way of MMI or MyAudi appDual-zone local weather controlAuto-dimming inside mirrorDoor sill trims in aluminiumInterior lighting packageLeather steering wheel incl. shift paddlesHeadlining in lunar silver fabricLoad sill protector in stainless steelComfort entrance centre armrestAdjustable fore-aft place, angleFloor mats entrance, rearStorage and baggage compartment package2 x cupholders in rear centre armrestNets in baggage compartment
Infotainment
12.3-inch Audi digital cockpitAudi smartphone interfaceWireless Apple CarPlay, Android AutoWired Apple CarPlay, Android AutoAudi music interface2 x USB ports entrance (cost, information switch)2 x USB ports rear (cost)Audi cellphone field lightQi wi-fi smartphone charger, 180WAudi sound system10 speakers6-channel amplifier180 watt system outputDAB+ digital radioHead-up displayAudi join plus
Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron provides:
Wheels, suspension, brakes, dynamics
21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels10-spoke rotor designAnthracite blackGloss turned265/45 R21 tyres
Seating and fabric
Sport entrance seats in Valcona leather-based
Inside
Q8 55 e-tron Launch Version provides:
Wheels, suspension, brakes, dynamics
21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels5-arm aero structureBlack metallic265/45 R21 tures
Exterior
S line bumpers entrance, rearFull paint finishRadiator grille in titanium blackRadiator grille matte aluminium vertical slatsFront blades in platinum gray matteAir intakes in platinum gray matteBlack exterior styling bundle plusRoof rails in black
Seating and Upholstery
S sport entrance seats in Valcona leatherDiamond distinction stitchingEmbossed ‘S’ on entrance seatsIntegrated headrests for entrance seats
Inside
Color inside lighting package30 selectable colours6 color profilesSport leather-based steering wheel incl. shift paddlesElectrically adjustable steering column incl. memoryHeadlining in blackPedals and footrest in stainless-steel
Choices
22kW charger bundle: $6900
Will increase car cost capability as much as 22kW ACOnboard charger as much as 22kW ACAudi join charging system (as much as 22kW)
22-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels: $1600
6-segment spokes designBlack metallic265/40 R22 tyresAdaptive air suspension sport
Matrix LED headlights: $3300
Entrance, rear dynamic indicatorsAuto dynamic headlight vary controlMotorway lightDynamic gentle design
Digital mirrors: $3500
OLED facet touchscreensKerb viewIntersection viewMotorway view
Black exterior styling bundle: $1900 (55 e-tron)
Accents on Audi SingleframeTrim strips on facet windowsSide door insertsFront, rear bumpersExterior mirror housingsRoof rails in black ($900 Sportback)
Privateness glass: $1050
Panoramic glass sunroof: $3400
Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System: $1750
16 speakers15-channel amplifier705 watt output
Colors
Normal
Premium: $2300
Glacier white metallicChronos gray metallicManhattan gray metallic (55 e-tron)Mythos black metallicPlasma blue metallicUltra blue metallic (Launch Version, Sportback)Soneira crimson metallicDaytona gray pearl impact (Launch Version, Sportback)
Is the Audi Q8 e-tron secure?
The Q8 e-tron retains the pre-facelift mannequin’s five-star ANCAP security score, primarily based on 2019 Euro NCAP exams.
It scored 91 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 88 per cent for little one occupant safety, 71 per cent for susceptible highway customers, and 78 per cent for security help.
Normal security options embody:
8 airbagsDual frontDual front-sideDual rear-sideDual facet curtainAutonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)Car to Car (5-250km/h)Pedestrian, bicycle owner detection (5-85km/h)Flip assistAdaptive drive assistAdaptive cruise management with cease/goDistance indicatorTraffic jam assistLane steering assistBlind-spot monitoringExit warning systemFront, rear parking sensors360-degree camerasCollision avoidance help (evasive steering)Rear cross-traffic help
How a lot does the Audi Q8 e-tron value to run?
The Q8 e-tron is roofed by Audi’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
Patrons of the Q8 e-tron, just like the e-tron earlier than it, additionally rating a six-year limitless subscription to the Chargefox public charger community, in addition to six years of complementary scheduled servicing and 6 years of roadside help.
That’s the most effective possession applications within the enterprise for electrical autos, one thing that Mercedes-Benz has moved away from for example. BMW gives 5 years of limitless Chargefox charging with the iX.
We noticed an indicated power consumption readout of 23.4kWh/100km of a mixture of metropolis, city and freeway driving protecting round 300 kilometres. Sure that’s higher than the declare, however we noticed as excessive as 27-28kWh/100km with extra stop-start city visitors – the e-motors need to work laborious to shift the burden of this factor.
Very similar to how we’re vital of thirsty ICE automobiles – lately something over 10L/100km is an excessive amount of for many non-performance or specialty merchandise – something over 20kWh/100km is what I’d contemplate inefficient.
Contemplating the Q8 55 e-tron has a large 114kWh (gross) battery, lifelike vary of beneath 500km is solely not ok. Audi would have been higher off maintaining the battery nearer to 100kWh and dealing tougher on weight-saving and the effectivity of the electrical motors to attain related, if not higher outcomes – that’s my two cents, anyway.
Sadly, we didn’t do a DC charging take a look at to see if we might hit Audi’s declare of 170kW capability (+20kW).
CarExpert’s Tackle the Audi Q8 e-tron
Like it or hate it, I feel the Audi Q8 e-tron largely does what it claims on the tin.
If you’d like a giant Audi SUV that simply occurs to have an electrical drivetrain, this hits the nail on the top. It drives superbly, is extraordinarily quiet and cozy, and retains the corporate’s glorious cabin shows and ergonomics.
Regardless of solely being a five-seater, it’s additionally impressively sensible. It has heaps of area for adults and lanky teenagers within the again, and its boot is extra accommodating than a lot newer rivals on devoted electrical platforms.
The developments to aerodynamics and battery have given it a good quantity extra usable vary, however haven’t actually addressed this car’s excessive power consumption. For those who’re doing largely stop-start driving this factor will probably be nearing 30kWh/100km which is much too excessive and the other of the place an EV must be its most effective.
For those who can cope with the vary and effectivity compromise, that is in any other case a genuinely luxurious SUV that occurs to be powered by electrical energy, and is a splendidly typical and acquainted factor to reside with – plus it has a superb aftersales program. Whether or not that works for you is actually all the way down to your preferences and priorities.
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