Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback evaluation: Huge however thrilling

That is the newest version of the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback, which I’ve been eager to drive after testing previous e-tron variants. Now, I’m usually a fan of small and nimble EVs and the Q8 is much from being compact. Nonetheless, for those who’re out there for a large and beefy all-electric SUV, and the BMW iX or Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV version aren’t tempting, Audi’s newest is price contemplating.

It is also price remembering that Audi affords the Q8 e-tron in two totally different flavors. I like the marginally extra sloping and due to this fact extra slinky Sportback, but when desire a extra upright experience, I’d go after the usual mannequin. Both manner, it is a massive automotive, with lots of room inside for passengers and a trunk that may simply carry loads. Admittedly, in comparison with a few of the best electric cars, the Q8 e-tron shouldn’t be visually gorgeous, however it’s additionally laborious to overlook on the freeway.

Being an Audi, it’s additionally secure to say that the efficiency matches the purposeful appears. There’s luxurious too, which is hardly stunning provided that it is a premium automotive. Add to that loads of expertise and a construct high quality that’s every little thing I’d anticipate from this automaker. Let’s dig deeper and see the way it fares, we could?

Beneficial

Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback

Now that Audi has rounded out its vary of all-electric fashions, the Q8 e-tron Sportback sits within the portfolio very properly certainly. It is massive, cumbersome and a little bit of a handful in tight spots and works to finest impact on lengthy freeway treks. There’s a premium really feel to the inside, with spectacular ranges of tech for those who head for the choice pack. Outdoors, it’s somewhat bit humdrum, although in the appropriate coloration that slanting coupe-esque roofline turns the Q8 e-tron Sportback into correct a hit story.

Professionals

• Easy freeway driving
• Lots of house for members of the family and baggage
• Acquainted Audi infotainment system and controls

Cons

• Huge and ponderous however nice for highways
• Heavy and inefficient
• Upright, non-coupe model extra sensible

Specs, pricing and availability

The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback seen here’s a full-on premium bundle. Consequently, it comes with an costly price ticket, which for the UK is £95,130 (simply over $120,000). Simply 5 grand shy of the £100,000 mark makes it appear costly, however for vehicles of this dimension and ilk, that is now not as loopy as it would sound. My take a look at automotive is dubbed the Black Version, however it was really completed in a coloration Audi calls Magnet Grey. I must also level out that the asking worth consists of the price of a Expertise Pack Professional choice, which is available in at a whopping £5,995 (round $7,500).

Design and Construct

Probably not a headturner however it works

If I’m spending practically £100k, I prefer to suppose I’m getting a car that makes a press release. I’m not into flashy vehicles as such, preferring one thing extra low key. So in that respect, the 2024 Q8 e-tron Sportback does the trick because it’s actually not brash. Positive, it’s massive and daring, however there’s nothing in regards to the exterior that makes it a headturner. In that respect, for those who love an SUV and crave consideration, then this Audi might be not for you. It is not that a lot of a method assertion.

The sober appears are exacerbated by the grey paint end, which could be very of the second, however it does are inclined to make this massive Audi fade into the background a bit. I discovered this to undoubtedly be the case once I returned from a flight and had hassle finding the automotive amongst a sea of different grey tin within the car parking zone of an airport. Possibly a extra scorching shade would carry the automotive to life somewhat, however on this guise, I believe it’s somewhat bit pedestrian within the appears division.

I used to be grateful for the large 265/45 tires on 21-inch shiny again Audi Sport alloys, nonetheless. In reality, squeezing the automotive by a ticket barrier on the airport didn’t afford a lot house between curb and wheels. Fortunately although, a number of rubber sidewall meant there was no fear about scuffing these shiny alloys. The 4 chunks of rubber at every nook additionally means the automotive sits on the street purposefully and handles lumps and bumps with aplomb too. Something decrease profile would most likely present the other impact.

The inside lowdown

Consolation and high quality in equal measure

I believe the inside of the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is one among its highpoints, and it actually instructions extra consideration than the outside. In case you’re fortunate sufficient to be the driving force, then the setup affords a commanding view of each the street forward in addition to the controls within the cockpit space. This being a top-of-the-range mannequin, I didn’t really feel like there was something lacking, and the consolation ranges had been as premium as anticipated.

I can’t actually fault the consolation ranges in any of the seating areas both, and the Q8 e-tron Sportback is simply as good to be in for those who’re within the again as it’s within the entrance. In fact, there’s somewhat extra management over seat settings on the entrance, with an all-electric choice on provide that allowed me to tweak and fine-tune the driving place to my necessities.

The one factor that I did discover mildly irritating was the piano black plastic finishes that dominate throughout the sprint space and down beneath the infotainment part. The reason being that I discovered these surfaces to be actually reflective in sturdy daylight and continuously received glare again from the pristine finishes. It appears nice however, similar to most different shiny plastic surfaces, there may be additionally the tendency to point out up mud and fingermarks way more simply than different much less shiny supplies. Nonetheless, Audi has carried out a high quality job at balancing out the mix of inside finishes and, total, I believe it really works effectively.

The expertise breakdown

An infotainment system that matches the invoice

As I discussed earlier, this the Q8 e-tron Sportback Black Version automotive turned up fitted with practically six grand price of additional tech. That is referred to as the Expertise Pack Professional bundle, and it offers me every little thing I want behind the wheel and extra in addition to. I’m not so certain that the present Audi infotainment system and its management interface is sort of nearly as good as the newest setup present in Mercedes-Benz EVs, however equally, every little thing works because it ought to.

That mentioned, I didn’t discover the voice controls nearly as good as these within the present vary of Mercs both, however in any other case, Audi has a great factor occurring, and it’ll be acquainted to anybody who’s been behind the wheel of different fashions within the vary. I haven’t pushed this automotive with out the Expertise Pack Professional choice and could be eager to know the way totally different the automotive appears minus all of the bells and whistles. Like something, this feature must be explored at leisure as a way to get the very best from it, though I’m nonetheless unsure it’s price practically six thousand. I’m a cheapskate although.

Battery, vary, and efficiency

Good vary however may very well be extra environment friendly

Out on the open street, the Q8 e-tron Sportback makes complete sense. It’ll get on down the freeway rapidly sufficient, though not that effectively, with round 3 miles per kWh displaying on my sprint more often than not. It is a massive and heavy SUV although, so it’s not stunning. I’m glad I had the back-up of a decent-sized 114kW battery pack, which managed to get me each to and from the airport with no need to cease for a cost.

That was an over 200-mile spherical journey and I did get to my dwelling charger with simply six miles left, however nonetheless, that is nice for these occasions once I simply need to get dwelling. Plugging within the beast at dwelling, the Audi knowledgeable me it was going to take 16 hours to get to a full cost on a 7kW unit. Plug it right into a business charger as much as 170kW although, and it’s potential to anticipate a fairly higher 10% to 80% cost in only a tad over half-hour.

Verdict

The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback in its Black Version variant is a monster of a machine that appears somewhat sleeker than its extra upright variant. I really like loads about it. There’s loads of nice efficiency on faucet, though each time I drove it enthusiastically it did make me somewhat nervous about vary on longer runs, despite the fact that it’s received a beefy 114kW battery pack. It’s not probably the most environment friendly of vehicles, however it could actually be on my listing if I wanted a premium all-electric SUV for normal freeway treks. Anybody who craves consolation, somewhat little bit of luxurious and excessive ranges of tech will discover it equally interesting.

Beneficial

Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback

Engine

Twin electrical motors powered by Lithium-ion battery

Drive Structure

4-wheel drive

Horsepower

300 kW / 402 hp

0-60mph

5.4 seconds

Torque

664 Nm

High Pace

124 mph

Increase