Audi Q8 e-tron
MODEL TESTED: Q8 e-tron 55 quattro Sport PRICE: £77,085 POWERTRAIN: 2x e-motors, 106kWh battery, 402bhp
THIS car was once known simply as the e-tron, but as Audi began to expand its all-electric range, the name has transitioned into a brand, prompting the Q8 prefix to be added to this big SUV. In 55 Sport trim (Vorsprung pictured) the Q8 e-tron costs £77,085, making it a little pricier than the Genesis. Is it worth the extra?
Tech highlights
DESPITE – much like the Genesis – being based on a platform used for various petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles, the Q8 e-tron manages to cram a huge 114kWh battery into its frame. Of that, 106kWh is usable, representing a capacity increase of a fifth over the pre-update model and providing an official range figure of up to 330 miles.
Both the 50 and 55 versions feature two motors to provide a quattro-branded all-wheel drive system. The SQ8 e-tron goes a step further with a triple-motor set-up, although the 55 we’re testing isn’t wanting for power, putting out 402bhp and 664Nm of torque.
A big battery does mean a lot of weight, though; the Q8 e-tron tips the scales at nearly 2,600kg. This means it’s less powerful and much heavier than the Genesis, making it noticeably slower, with a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds.
The Q8 is also a little behind in terms of charging technology; it’s capable of accepting up to 170kW, which is 20kW higher than older models, but that’s still some way off the Electrified GV70’s 240kW capability.
SAFETY: When the car was assessed by Euro NCAP in pre-update e-tron guise, back in 2019, it scored the maximum five-star rating. All models come as standard with cruise control, lanedeparture warning and traffic-sign recognition.
On road
THE Q8 e-tron is noticeably stiffer than the Electrified GV70, which makes it feel more composed on B-roads, but compromises comfort.
AROUND TOWN: The Q8 e-tron’s relatively firm response means you need to be wary of tackling speed bumps and potholes, although you don’t hear suspension knocks quite as much as when you’re driving the Genesis. When navigating built-up areas, the Audi feels every bit the large and heavy car it is, and you need to take care with the throttle, which responds more sharply than its rival’s.
A & B-ROADS: Initially, that tight control over suspension movement makes the Q8 e-tron feel more capable through the turns – especially in the firmer-still Dynamic mode. When driving over undulations in the road surface, the Audi settles down quickly, making it feel less wayward than the Electrified GV70 and producing less body roll when cornering.
However, there’s only so much the suspension can do about the Q8 e-tron’s sheer mass. You don’t have to be cornering particularly fast for the front end to push into understeer, with the tyres making a very unhappy noise in the process. The steering feels more natural than in the Genesis, as well as a little quicker, but it could prove a touch too heavy for some in Dynamic mode.
MOTORWAY: High-speed refinement and noise levels are superb, and both have the beating of the GV70. There’s more than enough thrust for the Q8 e-tron to swiftly get up to the national speed limit when heading down a slip road, but owing to its lower power output and extra weight relative to the Genesis, it feels brisk rather than fast.
“High-speed refinement and noise levels are superb, and both have the beating of the GV70”
Ownership
IF there’s one thing Audi consistently delivers on, it’s build quality. The finish of the Q8 e-tron’s cabin is superb, and every surface feels expensive. Meanwhile, the driving position offers a wide range of adjustment in both the steering wheel and seat, although the GV70’s front seats have a greater range of adjustment. The Audi’s dashboard level is a little higher than in its rival, which only encourages you to adopt the kind of lofty seating position that seems appropriate for a large SUV. As standard, the Q8 e-tron comes with a threeyear, 60,000-mile warranty package, plus three years’ worth of breakdown cover from new.
When it comes to performance, there’s only so much that can be done to overcome a 2.5-tonne kerbweight, and the same applies to efficiency. At 2.3 miles per kilowatt hour, the e-tron is one of the more energy-hungry EVs on the market, but there’s no particular scenario in which it shines. However, it’s a notable improvement on its predecessor when it comes to motorway efficiency. Thanks to its huge battery, range is still strong, too. At that 2.3mi/kWh figure, the Audi should be able to cover 244 miles between charges – and that figure will only improve in warmer conditions.
Unusually – but usefully – the Q8 has two charge ports, one on each front wing. The nearside has a Type 2 connection, while the offside boosts this with a rapid-charging CCS connector.
STORAGE: Very large door bins front and rear are useful for storing a wide range of items, including drinks bottles. The centre console features a pair of cup-holders, which are covered by a sliding lid, while there’s a further storage space beneath the adjustable armrest.
The Q8 e-tron comes with three Isofix points. One is mounted on the front passenger seat, while those in the back compartment are very easy to get to behind removable plastic covers.