If the Audi Q8 e-tron is somewhat too standard for you, the Q8 Sportback e-tron provides a bit extra visible aptitude.
Audi’s tackle the crossover coupe pattern is a bit more restrained than the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, however the Q8 Sportback e-tron follows a well-recognized components with its distinctive tapered rear roofline that’s extra sedan than SUV.
Previously often called the Audi e-tron Sportback, the brand new 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron includes a revised naming construction to reaffirm its flagship standing, and a variety of delicate updates to enhance on the components laid down by its predecessor.
There are some very small adjustments to design parts just like the entrance grille and bumpers, in addition to Audi’s newest flat badging, whereas a a lot bigger battery sits within the ground pan which affords considerably extra vary towards official metrics – a key grievance of the outdated one.
It stays based mostly on the VW Group’s MLB evo platform, which is a transformed combustion and hybrid platform shared with every little thing from the A4 and Q5, by way of to the A8 and ICE-fired Q8, in addition to a variety of extra boutique choices just like the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus.
Having already reviewed the SUV-bodied model with the identical drivetrain, our goal right here is to see if the Sportback is the higher providing and whether or not it justifies its $12,000 premium over the usual model.
Moreover, how does it stack up towards rival choices on devoted architectures – i.e. the BMW iX, Jaguar I-Tempo, Lexus RZ, and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV?
How does the Audi Q8 evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Audi Q8 towards equally sized autos.
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Q8
How a lot does the Audi Q8 e-tron price?
Pricing for the Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron begins from $166,600 earlier than on-road prices – $12,000 greater than the 55 e-tron SUV.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron pricing:
2024 Audi Q8 55 e-tron quattro: $154,6002024 Audi Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron quattro: $166,6002024 Audi SQ8 e-tron: $173,6002024 Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron: $180,600
Costs exclude on-road prices
To see how the Audi Q8 e-tron traces up towards its rivals, take a look at our comparability device.
What’s the Audi Q8 e-tron like on the within?
Should you’re anticipating any wholesale adjustments contained in the Q8 e-tron in comparison with the outdated e-tron, don’t.
Whereas it could not have modified a lot in comparison with the pre-facelift model, the e-ton debuted the present Audi inside design that has filtered out throughout the bigger MLB evo-based fashions, and it nonetheless appears to be like fairly recent.
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. The shows are carried over from the pre-update e-tron however stay in the direction of the highest of the category for readability, usability and response.
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in addition to Audi join plus on-line providers all characteristic as earlier than, and all work as supposed. You do get the odd dropout with smartphone mirroring in identified interference factors in Melbourne although.
Elsewhere, the cabin is acquainted Audi and e-tron fare. Perceived high quality is high notch, and there’s a way of conference in a time the place some rivals are going for showroom wow issue on the expense of ergonomics and tactility.
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 to be like, feels and works identical to some other bigger Audi product.
There are sturdy hyperlinks to the petrol- and diesel-powered Audi Q8, although they’re nonetheless technically two totally different vehicles.
Our check automotive was fitted with the non-compulsory digital mirrors bundle ($3500), which continues to divide opinion when it comes to their type and performance.
I’m don’t hate them like a few of my colleagues do, however the door-mounted OLED shows that venture the dwell digicam feed take a little bit of adjustment as you usually must look down or transfer your arms in the event that they’re rested on the door tops…
The second row is suitably giant 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. The Sportback’s sloping roofline eats into the rear considerably, however not sufficient to trigger any main points.
Rear facilities embody directional air vents with two further zones of local weather management, net-type map pockets, a fold down centre armrest with cupholders, and bottle holders within the doorways.
Apparently, rear privateness glass stays relegated to the choices record, to the tune of $1050. Desire a sunroof? You’ll must shell out a further $3400. Tsk tsk…
Behind the rear seats is a 528L boot (versus 569L for the SUV) which expands to 1567L with the rear seatbacks folded. Whereas which 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’ house saver spare wheel, the place most different EVs solely get tyre restore kits – useful to have on roadtrips…
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The Q8 Sportback e-tron is presently solely out there with the ’55’ drivetrain in Australia, when you low cost the SQ8 efficiency model.
How does the Audi Q8 e-tron drive?
The Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron drives very very similar to the Q8 55 e-tron Launch Version I examined earlier this yr.
Whereas it has by no means had the vary or efficiency of one thing out of the Tesla showroom, the Audi Q8 e-tron presents the identical fantastically easy drive and experience you get in an Audi Q7 or Q8 – and simply occurs to be electrical.
Every little thing has been tuned for optimum consolation and refinement, and whereas the doughy throttle response received’t be to the tastes of these hungry for neck-snapping efficiency, it’s a simple and wafty factor to dwell with day-to-day.
In its customary setting, the 55 e-tron doesn’t really feel prefer it has 300kW and 664Nm underneath your proper foot, most likely as a result of it’s solely supplying you with about 75 per cent of that in Drive and you actually need 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, and you are feeling that added response because the Q8 e-tron offers you all of its electrical may to shift its hefty 2.5-tonne mass.
I attempted a number of full-throttle moments on the freeway onramp with the transmission in S, and the 5.6-second 0-100km/h declare feels correct – the 0-60km/h acceleration specifically actually hits you within the again.
That’s not likely what this automotive is about, 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, and cuts the 0-100 declare by 1.1 seconds (4.5s).
Merely put, you’re finest to drive this Q8 e-tron just like the V6 TDI variations of its stablemates, leaning on the huge reserves of torque and effortlessly wafting by way of every day 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 may be very easy and ] quiet on a regular basis. Like different MLB-based Audis, sound insulation from the skin world can also be glorious, making for a really serene expertise whether or not you’re navigating metropolis visitors or touring on the open highway.
The usual adaptive air suspension is typical Audi, in that it 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 by way of twistier roads with aplomb.
You’ll be able to increase and decrease the experience top by way of the assorted Audi drive choose modes, or independently when you want. And, the assorted modes regulate the damping accordingly. I notably just like the ‘allroad’ and ‘offroad’ modes the place the Q8 will rise up 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 improve and often not drop as shortly. This is without doubt one of the few EVs the place I persistently 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 high velocity and ancillaries so as to add much more vary.
At velocity the Q8 e-tron is fantastically hushed from the skin world and quiet. I took the Sportback as much as my grandparent’s residence in Kilmore by way of the Hume and Northern Highways and my dad and mom each commented on the consolation and serenity of the Q8’s cabin at velocity. I used to be additionally impressed with its long-haul consolation.
The Q8 e-tron’s driver help suite is techy as you’d anticipate, with Audi’s adaptive cruise help combining adaptive cruise and lane centring capabilities for semi-autonomous freeway motoring – it’s probably the most user-friendly and natural-feeling programs of its kind that I’ve examined.
Our check automotive’s non-compulsory digital mirrors take some getting used to, and the small door-mounted shows could possibly be greater 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 sort of fetching – they positively an acquired style.
Encompass cameras make parking this huge crossover far more manageable, although the parking sensors are intrusively loud. They nearly shriek at you which ones is a tad off-putting, and are simply plain annoying when making cellphone calls, for instance.
Lastly, whereas the usual LED headlights with auto high-beam are high-quality, it’s a little bit of a pisstake that Audi is charging $170,000 for a expertise flagship and conserving the trick Matrix LED headlights as a $3300 choice – like actually? Come on Audi…
What do you get?
For the extra spend, the Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron picks up some further equipment over the usual SUV model.
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, unfastened wheel detectionCollapsible momentary 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 parts 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
Choices
A variety of packages and single merchandise choices can be found on the Q8 e-tron.
22kW charger bundle: $6900
Will increase automobile 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
Is the Audi Q8 e-tron protected?
The Q8 e-tron retains the pre-facelift mannequin’s five-star ANCAP security score, based mostly 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)Automobile to Automobile (5-250km/h)Pedestrian, bicycle owner detection (5-85km/h)Flip assistAdaptive drive assistAdaptive cruise management with cease/goDistance indicatorTraffic jam assistLane steerage 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 price 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 among the finest possession packages within the enterprise for electrical autos, one thing that Mercedes-Benz has moved away from for example. BMW presents 5 years of limitless Chargefox charging with the iX.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Audi Q8 e-tron
I’m not usually an SUV-coupe man, however I used to be actually taken by this Audi’s design.
The Q8 Sportback e-tron is the type of restrained and understated class that the four-ringed marque is understood for, and like its SUV-bodied sibling it presents all of the facets of huge Audi SUV possession with an electrical drivetrain.
It’s huge, it’s comfy, it’s luxurious, it’s tech laden, and every little thing simply… works. Even higher, it offers you minimal six years of carefree possession because of its complementary servicing and charging packages.
For these wanting an EV that feels acquainted and becoming of legacy manufacturers, the Audi actually performs to that components in a manner a variety of different manufacturers – mainstream or premium – haven’t at all times been in a position to handle.
Nonetheless, my points with the 55 e-tron SUV stay. It’s very inefficient comparatively talking, which means that regardless of having such an enormous battery the vary is fairly common – 400-450km of reasonable driving vary is simply not sufficient for a automobile quoting a large 114kWh (gross) of battery capability.
It’s additionally very costly contemplating how lengthy this automobile has been on sale, and a variety of characteristic objects that actually must be customary at this worth level stay non-compulsory – Matrix LED headlights and the panoramic sunroof specifically.
Not solely is the Sportback $12,000 costlier than the equal SUV with minimal specification enhancements, it’s dearer than a variety of key rivals with solely aggressive efficiency and under common driving vary.
However vary isn’t at all times every little thing, and when you’re a loyal Audi proprietor desirous to commerce as much as one thing throughout the household that additionally has an electrical drivetrain, the Audi Q8 e-tron could possibly be a seamless introduction to electrified motoring.
I’d additionally advocate having a check run of the digital mirrors when you plan on ticking the choice. They’re to not all tastes and can take a little bit of getting used to.
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