Audi entered the electric vehicle (EV) SUV market early with the launch of the original e-tron back in 2018. However, as technology has rapidly progressed, the e-tron began to seem outdated, particularly in terms of its range. Now, Audi has refreshed its EV lineup with the 2024 Q8 e-tron, an electric powertrain version of its Q8 two-row luxury SUV.
Though the new Q8 e-tron is built on the same platform as the original e-tron and shares many features with the gas-powered Q8, Audi has achieved significant improvements in performance, range, and driving dynamics. The updated model also boasts a thoroughly refreshed design that positions it better in the competitive market.
The most noticeable change is in its appearance, although it might be less striking if you’re familiar with the gas-powered Q8. The updated Q8 e-tron features a redesigned front end with a sleeker grille, new 2D Audi rings, and functional ducting in the corners to direct airflow around the front tires for better efficiency. New aerodynamic wheel designs and other subtle adjustments add to its visual appeal. The car showcases a new laser-etched model designation on the B-pillar and black model badging on the rear, making it both simple and sophisticated without too much flair.
In terms of design, the Q8 e-tron stands out from competitors like the Mercedes EQE SUV. Although neither Audi nor Mercedes offer bold color palettes, sticking mostly to shades of grey, the Q8 e-tron’s styling is more appealing. Interestingly, the “e-tron” badge is absent from the rear, leaving only the “Q8” identifier, with the EV details hidden on the fender charge door. This subtlety likely appeals to Audi buyers who prioritize the brand more than the fact that it’s an electric vehicle.
Notably, the standard SUV version of the Q8 e-tron looks better than the sloped-back “Sportback” variant, which accounts for only about 15% of sales. The standard SUV offers more rear seat headroom and cargo space, while the Sportback compromises these aspects and also suffers from poor rearview and blind spot visibility. Additionally, the Sportback is pricier.
I had the opportunity to drive the Q8 e-tron in Northern California, testing it on a variety of roads: rural roads through vineyards, the twisty coastline of Highway 1, and stretches of freeway. The Q8 e-tron delivered an extremely smooth and quiet ride, be it on cruise control at high speeds or on uneven side roads. Larger wheels did introduce more road noise, so opting for the smaller 20-inch wheels might be wiser for a quieter experience. This is, after all, a luxury SUV meant to offer a smooth and comfortable ride.
The adaptive air suspension plays a vital role in ensuring ride quality, with adjustable height and firmness settings depending on the driving mode. While the “dynamic” mode offers sharp performance, even in “comfort” mode, the vehicle displayed minimal side-to-side body movement. The new steering ratio also imparted a nimble feel to this nearly 5800-pound SUV.
With 402 horsepower from its dual electric motors, the Q8 e-tron is impressively quick. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, slightly faster than the gas-powered Q8. The instant availability of power, a hallmark of EVs, enhances the driving experience, and the dual motors ensure good performance in various weather conditions.
Audi’s drivetrain programming is excellent, providing smooth power delivery at all speeds. The vehicle offers three driving modes: “efficiency,” “comfort,” and “dynamic,” each affecting pedal responsiveness. The “dynamic” mode unlocks extra “boost” power for quicker acceleration. During regular driving, I found the transition between coasting and regenerative braking to be well-judged. Wheel-mounted paddles allow for on-demand energy regeneration, giving you more control.
For an SUV starting at around $75,000 — with most models costing over $80,000 — the Q8 e-tron offers a highly comfortable interior. It accommodates even tall individuals well, offering ample headroom and shoulder room, along with highly adjustable seats and steering wheel. The seats are ventilated, adding to the comfort. New to this model are open-pore wood inlays, ambient lighting, and soft black leather, contributing to a luxurious feel.
Most controls on the central stack are touch-based, but Audi’s force-feedback technology makes the touchscreen more user-friendly, though it still doesn’t match the convenience of physical buttons and can be distracting. The shiny piano black plastic around the controls, which attracts dust and fingerprints, is less appealing.
The Q8 e-tron also features a new packaging for its battery cells, increasing capacity without changing physical size. This results in a 114 kWh battery pack, granting the SUV a range of up to 285 miles, significantly more than the older model. The Sportback version slightly extends the range to 296 miles, and even to 300 miles with the optional “ultra package.” Although these numbers may not be drastically higher, they add value considering the slight sacrifice in cargo space.
Charging speed has also improved, now up to 170 kW, which means a 10% to 80% charge in just 31 minutes, provided you can find a compatible DC fast charger. The integrated navigation system includes charging location information, reducing range anxiety.
Audi provides several incentives to ease EV ownership concerns: two years of free Electrify America charging, the option to integrate the cost of a home charger into the financing plan, and a week of free “Audi on demand” rental credit for gas-powered vehicles when charging isn’t feasible during long trips. These programs acknowledge that while Audi has been making EVs for several years, many prospective buyers are new to EVs and have practical concerns.
Starting at $74,400 for the base model or $77,800 for the Sportback, the Q8 e-tron is only slightly more expensive than the gas-powered Q8. While the gas model eliminates range concerns and offers similar performance, anyone committed to switching to an EV will find that the Q8 e-tron delivers a no-compromise luxury experience that is quiet, comfortable, and effortlessly suited for daily driving.