We tested the Audi Q8 e-tron: the new electric SUV, now with almost 600 km of range

I remember as if it were yesterday the presentation of the Audi e-tron, the first electric vehicle from Audi, five years ago and in the same city where we have now been able to drive its successor, the new Audi Q8 e-tron. Just a couple of years later we also attended the presentation of the coupé-style body version, the Audi e-tron Sportback. Now, the electric range of Audi already includes another SUV, the Audi Q4 e-tron, and the Gran Turismo Audi e-tron GT, which we have also driven.

And this is only just beginning: remember that from 2026, which is just around the corner, Audi plans for all new vehicles it launches on the market to be 100% battery-electric. A year earlier, a range with more than 20 electric models is announced; though here the Sportback versions and the RS variants are counted as different models. The next we will see will be the Audi Q6 and the production version of the spectacular Audi A6 e-tron Avant concept. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, and let’s focus on the thoroughly renewed Audi Q8 e-tron.

To start with, it must be said that, despite the new name, the Audi Q8 e-tron has absolutely nothing in common, from a technical standpoint, with the Audi Q8, which is sold with petrol and diesel engines and in the Q8 TFSIe plug-in hybrid version. Audi has decided to integrate the renewed electric SUV into the Q8 range as part of its commercial strategy, although in reality the Q8 e-tron is still an Audi e-tron with touch-ups to the exterior design, some changes to the chassis to improve the driving experience and changes to the propulsion system to increase range.

And not just gaining a few kilometres through another software update. This time it involves the introduction of higher-capacity batteries, which allows for WLTP ranges of up to 595 km. This is undoubtedly the most important point, because this is precisely where the Audi e-tron had fallen somewhat behind what its rivals offer… and what is nowadays expected of an electric car, especially in this category. Let’s recall that after the last software update at the end of 2021, up to 446 km on a single charge was announced in the best case.

What changes outside and inside

The design changes, rather than bringing the new Q8 e-tron closer to the Q8 range, are focused on improving the aerodynamic coefficient. It may sound trivial, but reducing the Cx by up to two tenths on a car like this, which was already very well “tuned”, is no easy task. To go from a Cx of 0.28 to 0.27 on the SUV, and to 0.24 on the Sportback -starting from 0.26- Audi has fitted small spoilers on the underbody that improve airflow when it meets the wheels, as well as electrically operated grille shutters behind the radiator grille that close when not needed. The intakes that generate the “air curtains” have also been redesigned so the air flows better around the front wheels on its way along the side of the car.

Among the design changes that are visible, just a few brushstrokes refresh the image of the electric SUV, where the new grille and the two-dimensional four-ring logo stand out. There are also five new body colours and new wheel designs, which can be up to 22 inches. Optionally, for those seeking a touch more sophistication, Audi offers an indirect lighting system for the Singleframe grille, which at the same time creates a visual connection between the front headlights.

The options list still includes virtual exterior mirrors, which personally still don’t fully convince me; and not only because of the position of the screen on the doors, which forces you to look sideways and downwards; for certain parking manoeuvres, conventional mirrors remain easier and more intuitive.

Inside, the changes are minimal, to put it mildly. Some novelties in the upholstery, including new contrast stitching packs, as well as decorative inserts in a technical fabric that blend perfectly with the “hi-tech” atmosphere of the Q8 e-tron’s cabin. The electric SUV remains fully up to date in this respect, with a magnificent and very digital driving position, although by current trends the 10.1-inch multimedia system screen may now even seem small. Not so, especially when behind the steering wheel we have the magnificent digital instrument cluster Audi virtual cockpit with its 12.3-inch screen and multiple configuration options, where you can even display navigation maps full screen. It is true, though, that multimedia screens are now not only larger but also tend to be positioned higher.

As for the third screen, in this case 8.6 inches and mainly intended for controlling the climate system, since Audi started using it I have been saying that I prefer conventional climate controls rather than a touchscreen.

The Audi Q8 e-tron range

And we now get to the area where the Audi Q8 e-tron brings the most novelties: the new batteries. To keep it simple: the “small” battery now is equivalent to the one that previously had the greater capacity, with 95 kWh gross (86 kWh usable), and it is the one fitted to the Q8 e-tron 50. For the Q8 e-tron 55 and SQ8 e-tron, which will arrive a little later, the battery reaches 114 kWh gross (106 kWh usable). There are no changes to the announced power outputs, although in all versions the rear motor has changes that improve efficiency. The range is as follows:

• Audi Q8 e-tron 50: 250 kW / 487 km of range. Price from €84,610
• Audi Q8 e-tron 55: 300 kW / 576 km of range. Price €94,610

For the Sportback body variants, which carry a €2,500 premium, the ranges are up to 501 km for the e-tron 50, and up to 595 km for the e-tron 55, thanks to more favourable aerodynamics. The former e-tron S models are now the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron Sportback, keeping the configuration with one motor on the front axle and two motors on the rear axle, with 370 kW and ranges of up to 465 km for the SUV and up to 483 km for the Sportback. They will arrive this same year.

A first reading: anyone who recently bought an Audi e-tron is going to be tearing their hair out. Because if you buy a car just before it receives a “restyling”, you can expect the new model to arrive with design or equipment changes, but in the case of the Q8 e-tron the changes are so significant technically, especially for an electric car, that the e-tron is suddenly and abruptly very outdated. It is true that these cars are often acquired through leasing, so it is simply a matter of waiting and renewing it when the contract ends.

Audi Q8 e-tron – Image gallery

Audi offers two trim levels, Advanced and S line, with very complete equipment. As novelties in this area, it is now possible to specify the digital Matrix LED headlights that debuted on the Audi A8, with functions such as lane light or guide light on secondary roads. It seemed difficult to improve this matrix lighting technology, but it does, above all thanks to the ability to project indications directly onto the road surface. Another novelty will arrive during the year: the remote park assist plus function, which allows parking remotely using a smartphone.

An electric SUV you can actually travel with

Another improvement Audi has implemented on the new Q8 e-tron, which makes the electric SUV a car for longer journeys with greater confidence, concerns charging. This matters, because in the end, if we consider real-world ranges rather than WLTP homologated figures, reality tells us that regardless of whether you choose a Q8 e-tron with the “small” or the larger battery, on a trip you will have to stop at least once for a fast charge.

The advantage here goes to the Q8 e-tron with the “big” battery, which increase peak charging power from 150 kW to 170 kW. In terms of stop time and recovered range, which is what matters, we are talking about around 10 minutes of high-power charging to gain roughly 120 km of range, or half an hour to go from 10 to 80% battery capacity. Audi also emphasises the importance of the optimised charging curve, which keeps charging power above 100 kW almost continuously until practically reaching 80% charge. An improvement that, according to the brand, means the 800-volt technology offered on the e-tron GT is not missed, though it is not possible on this platform.

The standard charger allows AC charging at 11 kW, and optionally a 22 kW charger can be specified, as previously on the e-tron. As a novelty, the Plug & Charge functionality is now also added, which allows convenient charging with vehicle identification and automatic payment -to the account associated with the new Audi charging service– at compatible charging points simply by plugging in the cable.

And now on to our first contact drive, in which we were able to confirm that not only do the efficiency measures and new batteries make a big difference, but so do the chassis touch-ups. Overall, all of this makes driving the Q8 e-tron even more rewarding, with better steering feel and, above all, reducing the stress that comes with constantly watching the remaining range in an electric car.

A very twisty route, with constant climbs and descents and including a stretch of motorway, confirmed that the real gain in range is more than notable. You can now plan 400 km runs without worrying about driving especially efficiently, and enjoy performance that remains magnificent even in the least powerful version. The brake feel has improved, and agility gains a point thanks to the more direct steering and the new suspension tuning. There is also more differentiation in how the car responds depending on the selected driving mode, especially between “efficiency”, “comfort” and “dynamic”. And the soundproofing remains excellent, with an acoustic comfort inside that makes journeys a real pleasure.

Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron – Image gallery