Audi Q8 e-tron Review

EV Universe

Audi’s midsize electric crossover gets a welcome refresh that makes it much more compelling

Audi has continued to cement itself as a formidable opponent to national rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz over the years, and the EV revolution has only strengthened its position. Its early-mover approach on electrification has made it a mainstay in the consideration set of wealthy buyers, and the Q8 e-tron – previously known simply as e-tron – gets even more refinement in a substantial mid-cycle refresh.

Originally introduced in 2019 as the e-tron, the midsize crossover was meant to challenge the Mercedes-Benz EQC and BMW iX3. Lo and behold, those two electrified variants of Benz and BMW’s best-selling CUVs never even made it to the U.S. market, leaving the e-tron as the sole entrant from the German Big Three in that size segment. Residing on Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform, it had no gasoline-powered Audi equivalent in the U.S. market and thus was genuinely unique. Fast forward to 2023, and it’s been rebranded as part of the wildly successful Q8’s product line; although slightly smaller than the “regular” Q8, it’s a rebrand that makes sense and will give the product more visibility to American consumers. The rename comes with a thorough update to the car’s looks and tech, making the mid-cycle update meaningful rather than cosmetic.

Audi Q8 e-tron Review: EVU Hot Take

Pros:

• Gorgeous looks inside and out, significantly improved by subtle changes in refresh
• Good looking period, not “good for an EV” or “good from this angle” like oddball BMW iX
• Significantly improved range and power from new electric motors

Cons:

• Pricing begins at an eye-watering $74,400, uglier but much nicer BMW iX can be had for just $10,000 more
• The standard Q8 looks even better, is significantly bigger, and starts cheaper
• Better range to be had for similar or sometimes less money if you can go without lux

Audi Q8 e-tron Review: Exterior Design and Packaging

The exterior design of the Q8 e-tron isn’t a full redesign from the original e-tron; this is more of a significant mid-cycle refresh such as the Porsche Cayenne is currently getting. That being said, it brings the exterior upmarket with cool additions like a lightbar across the front and rear, and more steampunk-future grilles and vents abound. The rest is the usual handsome Audi design language, featuring a large grille and cool lights throughout.

The Q8 e-tron has a smaller footprint overall than the “real” Q8, but doesn’t come off as compact as its gasoline Q5 sibling. Even though it’s clear that this is an Audi, it’s immediately recognizable as something different within their lineup and nobody will mistake it for the Ingolstadt institution’s sometimes ho-hum standard cars.

Audi Q8 e-tron Review: Interior, Features and Tech

The interior gets less of a refresh, but it also needed less of one. The large double center screens still dominate the interior, complemented by a fully digital driver’s display too. Nearly all functions are controlled through either of the screens, much to the chagrin of button lovers everywhere (including this writer). There’s still the large, armrest-style shifter and excellent ambient lighting throughout, reminding any occupants that Audi is nearly unmatched in interior design and execution when it comes to the big important bits. These revisions on both the exterior and interior extend across the lineup, whether you opt for the regular crossover-style version or the coupe-like Sportback. As for tech, safety and such, it’s the usual Audi MMI flair and the bigger news is in the powertrains and range.

Audi Q8 e-tron Review: Performance, Electric Range and Charging

The e-tron, when it first launched for the 2019 model year, provided only 204 miles of range. This was achieved through a full charge from a 95 kWh battery pack. By 2021, through software updates, Audi managed to extract about 20 additional miles of range from the vehicle. Yet, it continued to lag behind competitors such as the Tesla Model Y.

Fast forward to today, and things have changed. Thanks to new motors and an optional 170 kWh battery pack, the redesigned Q8 e-tron can now cover up to 285 miles on a single charge. The vehicle includes the now-standard AC and DC charger setups. Whether Audi will adopt Tesla’s NACS charger standard in 2023, as many other automakers have, is still unknown.

When it comes to performance, the system is quite impressive. The standard car delivers 402 HP, while the sportier SQ8 e-tron approaches 500 HP, according to Audi.

Audi Q8 e-tron Review: Pricing

As with all German brands, the badge carries a significant cost. As noted in our Hot Take, the Q8 e-tron’s starting price in the standard CUV body style is nearly $75,000. If you opt for the racier Sportback, you’re looking at nearly $78,000, without adding any extras. As for the high-performance SQ8, the starting price is close to a whopping $90,000.

When you take into account the competition, these prices seem steep. Other brands offer more for just a bit more money. Interestingly, Audi’s own larger and more luxurious ICE Q8 can be a more affordable option. That is, of course, if you’re not fully committed to owning an EV yet. Although, if you’re reading this on EV Universe, that’s probably unlikely. It’s a funny contrast, but one that warrants mentioning. To sum it up, you really need to love the look and feel of the Q8 e-tron to consider it.

Audi Q8 e-tron Review: Final Thoughts

Audi has made a smart move in recent years by rebranding the somewhat unexciting e-tron CUV. They’ve incorporated it into the Q8 lineup, adding much-needed design enhancements. It’s now a more compelling and competent EV, thanks to its larger battery and superior motors. In terms of aesthetics, it looks seriously cool. The original styling seemed more akin to a base model for the European market in most specs.

However, the issue of overpricing, common to all German automakers, is inescapable. With this car, you’re paying a hefty premium for the Audi badge. Several competitors offer similar features for less. Others provide significantly more value for just a little more money. Take the BMW iX, for example. It may look strange, but it offers a far better luxury experience. Moreover, it falls into the same price bracket.

Despite these points, Audi enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate the revamped Q8 e-tron. Audi’s handsome design language is a strong selling point. No matter the variant you choose, if you love Audi, the revised Q8 e-tron will make you very happy.

Images Courtesy of Audi AG

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