Audi Q8 e-tron: Leading the Charge in Electric Vehicles
Introduction:
Audi Q8 e-tron: Audi had a big head start in the EV space when it debuted the e-tron SUV in 2019, beating the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV to market by a few years.
Audi Q8 e-tron: Major Updates for 2025
Last year, the e-tron underwent its most significant refresh with improved range, sharper handling, a little stylistic nip-and-tuck, and a new name. Now known as the Q8 e-tron, it aligns with Audi’s naming convention, where even numbers denote EVs, and odd numbers are reserved for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Audi Q8 e-tron: New Sportback Model
A sleeker Sportback model now accompanies the standard e-tron body, and both adopt the Q8’s more conventional personality. The 2025 Q8 e-tron looks and drives more like a gas-powered SUV, with similar performance and manners that should be less of a shock to drivers who are new to EVs.
Audi Q8 e-tron: What’s New for 2025?
The standard Q8 e-tron and its Sportback variant receive a few minor tech and aesthetic enhancements this year. The Park Assist Plus system now includes Remote Park Assist, Audi’s infotainment app store access allows for expanded infotainment features, and the Homelink garage-door buttons have been moved to the rearview mirror. Elsewhere, a new Magnesium package debuts with a unique 21-inch wheel design, and the Black Optic package gets Anthracite gray Audi rings.
Audi Q8 e-tron: Pricing and Which Model to Buy
The price of the 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron starts at $76,095 and goes up to $89,895 depending on the trim and options.
- Premium: $76,095
- Sportback Premium: $79,495
- Premium Plus: $80,495
- Sportback Premium Plus: $83,895
- Prestige: $86,495
- Sportback Prestige: $89,895
While the choice between the Q8 body styles depends on your preference, we recommend sticking with the entry-level Premium trims. They offer a comprehensive suite of standard features at a reasonable price for a luxury electric SUV. The Premium trim includes 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, an air suspension system, heated front seats with power adjustments, LED headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Beneath the Q8 e-tron’s heavily creased bodywork are two electric motors, one located at the front axle and the other at the rear. Together, they provide electronic all-wheel drive, but the rear motor does most of the work.
In regular driving situations, they make a combined 355 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque. However, putting the shifter into Sport mode briefly unlocks 402 ponies and 490 pound-feet of torque. Our driving impressions revealed that the Q8 e-tron is swift and composed. Its snappy acceleration is typical of electric vehicles, and the smooth, quiet ride quality confirms its luxury bona fides. The stopping system expertly blends traditional friction brakes with the obligatory regenerative braking system. However, the regen wasn’t aggressive enough to enable one-pedal driving. Still, the Q8 e-tron demonstrates traditional SUV characteristics with the ability to tow up to 4000 pounds.
0–60-MPH Times
In our tests, the Q8 e-tron Sportback accelerated to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. That’s comparable to the standard Q8’s time and 0.4 seconds quicker than the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4Matic. The more powerful SQ8 e-tron should get there in 4.5 seconds, while the BMW iX xDrive50 needs only 4.0 seconds.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
According to the EPA, the Q8 e-tron’s 106.0-kWh battery pack should 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 a specially tuned suspension for efficiency. Without it, the standard Sportback is estimated at 296 miles. If that 300-mile estimate is accurate, the Q8 e-tron Sportback offers a competitive range versus rivals like the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X. Every e-tron features a 170-kW fast charger that allows it to replenish 80 percent of its battery in about 30 minutes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The EPA estimates that the Q8 e-tron will deliver 80 MPGe city and 83 MPGe highway, while the slightly slipperier Sportback model is rated for 84 MPGe city and 89 MPGe highway. When we get a chance, we’ll test the Q8 e-tron on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route and update this story with test results. For more information about the e-tron’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo: Exploring the Audi Q8 e-tron’s Luxurious Cabin
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo:
The Audi Q8 e-tron’s standout feature is its advanced electrified systems, enhanced by its impressive interior design and comfort. This five-seat crossover boasts a cutting-edge and practical cabin, highlighted by a dashboard packed with high-resolution screens, including Audi’s digital gauge cluster—known as Virtual Cockpit—and two flush-mounted touchscreens in the center. The Q8 e-tron’s sophisticated interior is further enhanced by upscale options such as a head-up display and massaging front seats. The flat floor, made possible by the neatly packaged underfloor battery pack, contributes to a spacious cargo area in the regular Q8 e-tron, offering 29 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The Sportback’s sloping roofline reduces space by 2 cubic feet but fits seven carry-on suitcases.
Infotainment and Connectivity: A Tech-Savvy Driving Experience
Infotainment and Connectivity:
The Audi Q8 e-tron’s infotainment system is a technological marvel, featuring dual touchscreens with a 10.1-inch display on top and an 8.6-inch unit below. The keyword “Audi Q8 e-tron” is central to the user experience, with the upper screen offering access to standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto apps, and the optional Bang & Olufsen audio system. The lower screen primarily controls climate settings. The system also includes several power points, a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless smartphone charger available in the Premium Plus and Prestige trims.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features: Advanced Protection in the Audi Q8 e-tron
Safety is paramount in the Audi Q8 e-tron, with an array of standard driver-assistance technologies ensuring a secure driving experience. The keyword “Audi Q8 e-tron” is synonymous with safety, offering features such as adaptive cruise control and self-parking assist. For comprehensive information on crash-test results, visit the NHTSA and IIHS websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard lane-departure warning
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage: Understanding the Audi Q8 e-tron’s Support
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage:
The Audi Q8 e-tron offers competitive warranty and maintenance coverage, aligning with industry standards. While the keyword “Audi Q8 e-tron” may not boast exceptional offerings in this area, it provides solid protection:
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
