Audi Q8 e-tron 2025: Transitioning to Electric in Comfort and Style for Q7 and Q8 Owners
If you currently drive an Audi Q7 or Q8 SUV but are considering switching to an electric vehicle next time, the Audi Q8 e-tron (formerly known simply as the e-tron) offers you an easy transition.
Audi Q8 e-tron
There are two body styles to choose from – the standard Q8 e-tron and the sportier Q8 e-tron Sportback hatchback, but neither shouts about their eco-friendliness – in fact, they couldn’t look more conventional. Whichever body style you choose, the Q8 e-tron comes with a battery pack that offers a real-world usable range that promises to be competitive with that of other luxury EV SUVs. Plus, it can be quickly recharged at a public charging station on long journeys.
Acceleration is strong, but not as rushed as rivals like the BMW iX , Jaguar I-Pace or Tesla Model X. If you fancy a faster version of the Q8 e-tron, there’s an SQ8 e-tron (reviewed separately) that offers 496 horsepower. High-tech features line the Q8 e-tron’s hushed cabin, which is what Audi loyalists have come to expect.
What’s new ?
For , the e-tron and e-tron Sportback SUVs have been renamed Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback, presumably to avoid confusion with other members of Audi’s growing EV lineup, all of which use some form of the e-tron name.
To mark the occasion, Audi has given the SUVs a styling refresh that includes a redesigned grille, redesigned lighting elements and updated wheel designs. Both models also now feature a larger 106.0 kWh battery pack that should give the Q8 e-tron models more range and better competitiveness. A more powerful S e-tron model was offered last year, but it was spun off as the SQ8 e-tron, which we review separately.
Audi hasn’t released pricing information on the Q8 e-tron models, but in the past we’ve recommended the entry-level Premium trims because they offer a comprehensive suite of standard features at a reasonable — for a luxury EV SUV — price. When we learn more about how each trim will be priced and equipped, we’ll update this story with those details.
EV Motor, Power and Performance
Beneath the Q8 e-tron’s heavily creased body are two electric motors, one on the front axle, the other on the rear. Together, they provide electronic all-wheel drive, but the rear motor does most of the work. In normal driving situations, they put out a combined 355 horsepower. However, briefly flicking the shifter into Sport mode unlocks 402 ponies and 490 pound-feet of torque. Our driving impressions showed the Q8 e-tron to be quick and confident. Its snappy acceleration is typical of electric vehicles, and the smooth, quiet ride quality confirmed its luxury. Its braking system expertly mixed its traditional friction brakes with the mandatory regenerative braking system. However, we were disappointed that regeneration wasn’t aggressive enough to allow one-pedal driving. Still, the Q8 e-tron displays traditional SUV characteristics with the ability to tow up to 4,000 pounds.
Range, charging and battery life
According to Audi, the Q8 e-tron’s 106.0 kWh battery pack should be able to manage up to 500 km per charge. If this estimate is correct, it would give the Q8 e-tron a competitive range estimate against rivals such as the I-Pace and Model X. Each e-tron has a 170 kW fast charger that can recharge 80 percent of its battery in about 30 minutes.
Interior, comfort and cargo
The Q8 e-tron’s most impressive technology is its electrified systems, but the five-seat crossover also boasts a state-of-the-art and practical cabin. The dashboard is packed with several high-resolution screens, including Audi’s digital instrument cluster – called Virtual Cockpit – and two flush-mounted touchscreens in the center.
Of course, there are a host of upscale options such as a head-up display and massaging front seats to further round out the Q8 e-tron’s sophisticated interior, which benefits from a flat floor thanks to its neatly packaged underfloor battery pack.
This helps give the regular Q8 e-tron a roomy cargo area, measuring 29 cubic feet behind the rear row and 57 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded flat. The Sportback’s sloping roofline reduces both numbers by 2 cubes, but we still fit seven carry-on suitcases behind its rear seats – one less than in the regular e-tron.
Infotainment and connectivity
The infotainment system in every Q8 e-tron runs on two touchscreens, with a 10.1-inch display on top and an 8.6-inch unit below. While the upper screen provides access to the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps, as well as the available Bang & Olufsen audio system, the lower screen is primarily used to control climate settings. In addition to several power outlets, the system also features a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot; a wireless smartphone charger is optional.
Price and release date
Market launch of the new Audi Q8 e-tron and Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron, available from mid-November in Germany and the most important European markets. The base price of the Audi Q8 e-tron in Germany is 74,400 euros.
