The 10 Second Review
Considering moving from an Audi Q7 or Q8 to an electric ride? The 2024 Q8 e-tron (previously known as the e-tron) makes that switch easy. It keeps the usual Audi style but goes electric with two motors, packing 402 horsepower for decent acceleration. It’s not lightning-fast but embodies Audi’s luxury and tech vibe, making it a solid flagship electric SUV.
Pros
- Extremely quiet interior
- Spacious rear seating
- Familiar Audi interior
- Decent driving range
Cons
- Weak Regen braking
- Can be quicker
The In-Depth Review
EV, Transmission, and Performance
Underneath the Q8 e-tron’s sleek exterior, you’ll spot two electric motors—one at the front and another at the rear. They team up for electronic all-wheel drive, with the rear motor doing most of the heavy lifting. In normal situations, they dish out 355 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque. Kick into Sport mode, and it briefly amps up to 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque. Our spin in the Q8 e-tron showed it’s quick and composed, giving that typical snappy electric vehicle acceleration and a smooth, quiet ride, ticking the luxury box. In our tests, the Sportback model hit 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. The braking system blends traditional brakes with regenerative braking, but we wished for a bit more regen to pull off one-pedal driving. Nonetheless, the Q8 e-tron keeps its SUV vibes intact and can tow up to 1814 kilograms.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Let’s start with those virtual side view mirrors! The screens that replace the traditional side view mirrors can get a bit wonky in strong sunlight and are placed lower than your regular mirrors, which might lead to some off-glances while driving the e-Tron. But hey, with time, owners could probably get used to it. While the aerodynamic advantage is cool, it feels like this tech still needs some work to beat the trusty but basic mirrors we use today.
Now, the Q8 e-tron’s coolest tech is its electrified systems, but this five-seater also rocks a high-tech and practical interior. Its dashboard is packed with high-res screens, including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit and two sleek touchscreens in the center.
Thanks to a smartly tucked-away battery pack, the regular Q8 e-tron gives you a flat cargo floor. That means a roomy cargo space: 29 cubic feet behind the back seats, expanding to 57 when those seats are down. In the Sportback, the sleek roofline trims these figures by 2 cubic feet, but you can still stuff seven carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Each Q8 e-tron is equipped with a dual touchscreen infotainment setup, comprising a 10.1-inch display above and an 8.6-inch unit beneath it. The upper screen grants access to standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto apps, and the optional Bang & Olufsen audio system. Meanwhile, the lower screen primarily manages the climate settings. Additionally, the system includes various power points, a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, and the option for a wireless smartphone charger.
Price from AED 379,900
“Audi’s Flagship SUV went EV. It’s a good start!”
