2024 Audi Q8 e-tron: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

Audi has been producing some of the world’s top luxury cars for decades now, so it wasn’t really a surprise when the carmaker came out as an early adopter of the EV movement. A decade and a half ago, back in 2009, Audi unveiled the concept for its own all-electric vehicle, the e-tron. Ten years later, in 2019, Audi finally released the e-tron SUV to the public, and it’s been in production since, along with a lineup of other electric vehicles under the e-tron family.

As the automaker continued to add more vehicles to the e-tron lineup, it was time to make a change to the popular SUV, and Audi replaced the standard e-tron with the 2024 Q8 e-tron. Though there are many similarities between the new version of the all-electric SUV and the namesake that put Audi on the EV map, the luxury carmaker made the Q8 e-tron distinctly its own, ensuring it’s a top-notch competitor in the all-electric SUV space.

Like previous years of the e-tron SUV, the Q8 e-tron is available with its standard, more angular body style, as well as the fastback-styled Q8 Sportback e-tron. The Sportback slopes the rear of the SUV down towards the trunk, creating the look of a big crossover compared to a standard SUV. The S-variant of the e-tron SUV that was previously available has also been spun off into its own new vehicle, the SQ8 e-tron, so you won’t find that option available as a trim of the Q8 e-tron this year.

What’s New For 2024

Since this is the first year for the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron, technically everything is different from the ground up. But considering it’s really just a redesigned and updated version of the Audi e-tron SUV of recent years, the Q8 e-tron retains much of what was already there. The Q8 e-tron brings back the same dual-motor setup from previous years, but changes to the battery have been made, as it’s now a larger 106.0 kilowatt-hour (kWh) unit with 170 kilowatt (kW) Fast-Charging now available compared to last year’s 150 kWh.

The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron also brings along with it some upgraded styling to the exterior along with a brand new trim: Launch Edition. Despite its name, the Launch Edition is not actually any quicker than other trims, but it does come with custom 21-inch wheels, different exterior styling, and some upgrades to the interiors.

2024 Highlights

• First year as the Q8 e-tron/Q8 Sportback e-tron
• New Launch Edition
• Updated exterior styling
• Upgraded 106.0 kWh net battery
• Luxurious, high-tech interior

Exterior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Audi)

Specifications And Performance

Even though there are a total of eight trims between the standard Q8 e-tron and the Q8 Sportback e-tron, all of them come with the exact same dual-motor setup and 106.0 kWh battery. The dual-motor powertrain puts one electric motor on each axle, the front and rear. During most driving conditions around town, the rear motor handles the heavy lifting until you need a little more power, and then the front motor will kick in.

As you might expect, having the same motors and battery also leads to all eight trims coming with identical power output and general performance numbers, with the all-electric powerplant pumping out a maximum of 402 horsepower while in Sport mode. This is good enough for a quick acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour (MPH) in 5.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 124 MPH.

These numbers are certainly impressive for a luxury SUV, and the Q8 e-tron will smoke most gasoline-powered vehicles on the road, but they’re not exactly eye-popping in the EV world. For comparison, the S-variant of this same SUV, the SQ8 e-tron, makes nearly 100 more horsepower and can get you from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.2 seconds.

Performance Specifications

(Data sourced from Audi)

Towing and Payload Capacities

All-electric SUVs might not exactly be known for their towing capabilities, especially not luxury ones, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hook up a trailer and tow a few things around town. All trims of the Audi Q8 e-tron are compatible with a towing hitch and can tow up to 4,000 pounds, which is more than enough to hold its own in its class. This is a fair amount more than the S-variant SQ8 e-tron can pull with its 3,300-pound towing capacity, even though the standard Q8 has a much less powerful motor setup.

(Data sourced from Audi)

Audi Q8 e-tron Charging Time And Range

Even though all eight trims of the Q8 e-tron use the same 106.0 kWh battery, the maximum range depends on which body style you go with. All standard body Q8 e-trons have a maximum range of 285 miles. Opting for the Sportback body, however, nets a maximum of 300 miles on a single charge, but that’s only if you upgrade to the Ultra package. This upgrade offers smaller 19-inch wheels and a unique suspension system that’s tuned specifically to add a bit of extra range.

At 300 miles of maximum range, the Q8 e-tron sits among many of its competitors with a solid, yet unremarkable, range that gets the job done for most everyday commutes. Helping get drivers back on the road as quickly as possible is the Q8 e-tron’s 170 kW charging capacity at public Fast Charging stations. This gets the Audi from 10% to 80% battery in just 31 minutes, which is great for while you’re running errands around town or during a lunch break on a longer road trip.

(Data sourced from Audi)

Like many of the other Audi EVs on the market, all new Q8 e-trons come with two years of unlimited charging through Electrify America. This massive network of public charging stations around the country will help keep your Q8 e-tron charged while you’re on the go, getting you back on the road faster, at no additional cost.

Interior Technology, Luxury, And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron

• All-digital instrumentation
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Panoramic sunroof
• Remote climate control with myAudi app
• Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system

No matter which body style you prefer, the Audi Q8 e-tron offers a spacious interior that seats five adults. The front seats are heated (along with the steering wheel), and they also have built-in massagers for those lucky enough to drive or ride shotgun. There is also four-zone climate control to ensure all occupants stay comfortable no matter where they’re sitting. Above everyone’s head is a panoramic sunroof that offers unbridled views of the starry sky at night or sun and clouds during the day.

Topping it all off is the Bang & Olufsen stereo system with 3D sound that completely immerses you in whatever you’re listening to. This innovative sound system uses audial technology to project sound from seemingly every inch of the Q8 e-tron, making it feel like you’re in the middle of a concert while you jam out on a long road trip.

Technology

When you take a seat in the Audi Q8 e-tron, it’ll be as if you’ve stepped into the future, as just about everything in front of you will turn digital as part of the Virtual Cockpit. While the head-up display will take center stage in your field of view on the windshield, the 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster is fully customizable to show you exactly what you want to see while you drive. To the right of that, the 10.1-inch infotainment center touchscreen sits atop the dash as the primary point of control, with the 8.6-inch touchscreen below it for all secondary amenities and climate control.

Interior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Audi)

Safety And Reliability

After meeting and exceeding all safety standards, both the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron received 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Further exemplifying how safe and reliable the SUV is, both the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron received 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), indicating that they met all front, side, and rollover crash test standards.

Driver Assistance Features

Over the years, Audi drivers have become accustomed to a full suite of driver-assistance features, and the Q8 e-tron is no exception. The tech-packed interior lends way to a bevy of driver-assistance features that enhance everything from your daily commute to running to the ice cream store late at night when you get a sweet tooth. These features include basics like lane-keeping assistance, front collision warning, and adaptive cruise control along with more advanced features such as parking assistance, a 360-degree camera system, and a head-up display on the windshield.

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane guidance
• Lane-keeping assist
• Park assist
• 360-degree camera system
• Head-up display
• Front collision warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Automatic emergency braking
• Virtual Cockpit Plus
• Audi connect CARE

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

(Data sourced from NHTSA)

• Recalls (NHTSA): 0
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0
• Awards: Top Safety Pick + (2023) (IIHS)

Warranties

Just like all other new Audi models, the Q8 e-tron comes with the Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty. This comprehensive coverage comes standard with a 48-month/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and maintenance coverage for 60 months/57,000 miles through prepaid Audi Care. As an Audi EV, it also comes with a 96-month/100,000-mile warranty on the battery and related electrical components. Topping it all off, Audi provides 24-month roadside assistance at no additional cost and a 12-year corrosion warranty with no mileage limit.

(Data sourced from Audi)

2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Versus Its Competitors

Even though Audi has been in the electric SUV game since 2009 with the original concept of the e-tron, it’s not the only automaker in this space. Without a doubt the biggest name in EVs is Tesla, and its Model X is one of the Q8 e-tron’s top competitors. It’s also worth comparing the Audi to the new R1S, a popular all-electric SUV from the relative newcomer in the space, Rivian.

How The Audi Q8 e-tron Compares To The Tesla Model X

• 	2024 Audi Q8 e-tron	2024 Tesla Model X
  Model	Audi Q8 E-Tron	Model X
  Engine	Dual-permanent-magnet motors	2-Motor/3-Motor
  Transmission	Single-speed automatic	1-Speed
  Torque	490 LB-FT	Up To 1151 LB-FT
  Driveline	All-wheel drive	AWD
  Range	285-300 miles	333-348 Miles
  MSRP	$74,400	$79,990
  Charge Time	16 hours @ 240V	7 Hours @ 17 kW
  0-60 MPH	5.4 seconds	2.5-3.8 Seconds

First up is the Tesla Model X, which is one of the most well-known all-electric SUVs on the market. With a starting price of $79,990 for the base model, the Tesla fits right into the price range of the lower-tiered versions of the Q8 e-tron, though you can get into the Audi for a little bit cheaper. Even though the cheapest Q8 e-tron might cost you a little less upfront, the Model X outperforms it nearly across the board, so the savings might not be as worthwhile as it seems.

The base Model X comes with 670 horsepower and is capable of reaching 60 MPH from a stop in just 3.8 seconds, both of which blow the Q8 e-tron out of the water. Upgrading to the $94,990 Model X Plaid version ups the ante, as it pumps out a blistering 1,020 horsepower, which can propel you from 0 to 60 MPH in just 2.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest production SUVs ever produced. In addition to pure power output, the Tesla also goes further than the Audi, with a maximum range of 348 miles on a single charge.

The Model X has performance locked down, but it’s not over yet. Where the Audi really outshines the Tesla is the tech-rich, comfortable interior. Like other Tesla models, the Model X has one large infotainment center screen on a relatively minimalist dashboard, within a somewhat lacking interior. You won’t get all the creature comforts in the Model X that you’d get in the Q8 e-tron (looking at you, heated massager seats), so if you’re looking for the most comfortable ride possible, the Audi is a clear winner.

How The Audi Q8 e-tron Compares To The Rivian R1S

• 	2024 Audi Q8 e-tron	2024 Rivian R1S
  Model	Audi Q8 E-Tron	R1S
  Engine	Dual-permanent-magnet motors	2-Motor/4-Motor
  Transmission	Single-speed automatic	1-Speed
  Torque	490 LB-FT	610-908 LB-FT
  Driveline	All-wheel drive	AWD
  Range	285-300 miles	270-390 miles
  MSRP	$74,400	$78,000
  Charge Time	16 hours @ 240V	12 Hours @ 11.5 kW
  0-60 MPH	5.4 seconds	3.0-3.5 seconds

Next up is the Rivian R1S, an all-electric SUV that’s likely not nearly as well-known as the Model X from Tesla. From the same manufacturer that produces the Rivian R1T electric truck, the R1S is a capable electric SUV that’s ready to take on competitors, both on and off the road.

With a starting price of $78,000, the Rivian R1S sits towards the lower end of the Q8 e-tron pricing spectrum, making it comparable to the Premium and Premium Plus trims. Unfortunately for the Audi, the R1S comes with a heck of a lot more power on top. Its base model uses a dual-motor setup that outshines the powertrain in the Q8 e-tron, putting out 600 horsepower and reaching 60 MPH in about 3.5 seconds. Upgrading to the optional quad-motor setup makes this comparison a joke as it uses 835 horsepower to rocket occupants to 60 MPH in just 3.0 seconds.

One place the Audi has the advantage is in terms of range, with the Rivian squeaking out just 260 miles on a single charge compared to the Q8 e-tron’s 300-mile maximum range. R1S customers can opt for two larger batteries for an additional cost, with the Max Battery upping that range to 390 miles.

Just like with the Tesla, however, the Rivian loses out to the Audi on the inside, and after all, that’s what really counts, right? The Q8 e-tron is more comfortable than the R1S, and it comes with a heck of a lot more features. The Rivian R1S does not even come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto standard, meaning you’d have to buy an external adapter or brave the roads of America without your smartphone connected.

How Much The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Costs

With how many models and trims there are, the prices of the Audi Q8 e-tron are relatively tightly packed, starting at $74,400 for the standard body style with Premium trim. From there, you can upgrade to the Sportback Premium for $77,800. Premium Plus models are $78,800 or $82,200 depending on which body style you go for. The next two most affordable options are the Prestige and Launch Edition models of the standard body style at $84,800 and $87,550, respectively. Topping the list are the same trims but on the fastback body, with prices of $88,200 for the Sportback Prestige and $91,950 for the top-of-the-line Sportback Launch Edition.

(Prices sourced from Audi)

Efficiency

(Data sourced from Audi and the EPA)

Is It Worth Buying An Audi Q8 e-tron?

Anyone in the market for a luxury all-electric SUV should certainly consider the Q8 e-tron at the top of their list. It comes in two different body styles and a total of eight trims, ranging from $74,400 to $91,950, making it a bit more accessible than other options on the market. The Q8 e-tron also comes with one of the most comfortable, functional interiors that are truly packed with high-tech features and capabilities that other electric SUVs simply do not offer.

Unfortunately, the Q8 e-tron really falls short in terms of performance, with its relatively low power output, mediocre acceleration, and middle-of-the-road range holding it back. For the same price, you can find other electric SUVs that go further and get up to speed a lot quicker. That said, few options on the market compete with the luxury feel of the Q8 e-tron, and you can always upgrade to the SQ8 e-tron if you’re a real fan of Audis and can’t imagine yourself driving anything else.