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The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron represents a substantial upgrade from its predecessor, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and offering 285-300 miles of EPA-estimated range[1][2]. Starting at $74,400 for the Premium trim with Fair Purchase Pricing around $65,673, this luxury electric SUV delivers 402 horsepower, refined driving dynamics, and a serene cabin experience[3]. However, owner-reported issues with range discrepancies and the Electrify America charging network require consideration before purchase.
Overview: The Renamed and Improved e-tron
The 2024 model year marked a significant transformation for Audi’s flagship electric SUV. Formerly known simply as the “e-tron,” the vehicle received the Q8 prefix alongside meaningful upgrades: a larger 106 kWh battery pack (up from 86.5 kWh), improved efficiency, and updated exterior styling[1]. The result is a nearly 60-mile improvement in range compared to the outgoing model[4].
Audi positioned the Q8 e-tron as a traditionally styled luxury alternative to more futuristic competitors like the BMW iX and Tesla Model X. The conservative design appeals to buyers who want electric propulsion without the attention-grabbing aesthetics of newer EVs[1]. Both SUV and sleeker Sportback body styles are available.
For EV shoppers exploring Audi’s electric lineup, the smaller Audi Q4 e-tron offers a more affordable entry point, while the SQ8 e-tron delivers enhanced performance for those seeking more power.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Specifications
| Specification | Q8 e-tron 55 | SQ8 e-tron |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $74,400-$84,800 | $89,800+ |
| Fair Purchase Price | $65,673 | ~$78,000 |
| Battery Capacity | 114 kWh (106 net) | 114 kWh (106 net) |
| Total Output | 402 hp | 496 hp |
| Torque | 489 lb-ft | 718 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 5.4 sec (Car and Driver: 5.2 sec) | 4.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 124 mph | 130 mph |
| EPA Range (SUV) | 285 mi | ~250 mi |
| EPA Range (Sportback) | 296-300 mi | ~260 mi |
| EPA Efficiency | 80-81 MPGe (SUV) | 63-73 MPGe |
| DC Fast Charging | 170 kW | 170 kW |
| Drivetrain | quattro AWD | quattro AWD |
| Cargo Volume | 28.5 cu ft | 28.5 cu ft |
| Max Cargo (seats folded) | 56.4 cu ft | 56.4 cu ft |
| Length | 193.1 in | 193.1 in |
| Curb Weight | ~5,700 lbs | ~5,800 lbs |
Data from Car and Driver, Edmunds, KBB, and MotorTrend[1][2][3][5].
Driving Experience
In Car and Driver testing, the Q8 e-tron Sportback reached 60 mph in 5.2 seconds with a quarter-mile time of 13.8 seconds at 102 mph[1]. The dual-motor setup delivers smooth, linear power—far and away the most refined and well-calibrated power delivery among modern luxury EVs tested[4]. Rolling start acceleration (5-60 mph) clocked 5.3 seconds, demonstrating real-world passing capability.
Ride quality exemplifies Audi’s luxury positioning. The Q8 e-tron provides a serene driving experience that surpasses both gas-powered luxury vehicles and competitors like the BMW iX or Mercedes EQE in terms of traditional luxury refinement[4]. The air suspension delivers excellent composure over rough surfaces while maintaining appropriate body control during spirited driving.
Real-world range varies significantly based on driving conditions. GreenCars testing regularly achieved over 330 miles without resorting to range-extending measures—substantially exceeding the EPA estimate[6]. However, MotorTrend’s road trip test returned only 239 miles[5], and Car and Driver observed 69 MPGe in mixed driving versus the 87 MPGe EPA rating for the Sportback[1].
Some owners report concerning range discrepancies. One Edmunds reviewer reported only 140 miles on a full charge instead of the advertised 285 miles, with Audi being “completely unhelpful in managing this issue”[7]. This variance highlights the importance of understanding how driving conditions, climate control usage, and temperature affect EV range. For charging guidance, consult our best EV chargers guide.
Interior & Technology
The Q8 e-tron interior reflects Audi’s traditional luxury approach with dual touchscreens rather than the minimalist designs of newer competitors. Standard equipment across the lineup includes:
- Dual-screen MMI touch infotainment (10.1″ upper, 8.6″ lower)
- Audi Virtual Cockpit 12.3″ digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless phone charging
- Leather seating surfaces
- Heated front and rear seats
- Four-zone automatic climate control
- Panoramic glass roof
- 360-degree camera system
The Premium Plus trim ($79,495) adds Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound, ventilated front seats, and Matrix LED headlights. The Prestige trim ($84,800) includes massage seats, head-up display, and enhanced driver assistance features[2][4].
Option packages can escalate pricing significantly. A fully loaded Q8 e-tron Sportback S Line tested at $95,990 with the Launch Edition package ($3,750), AC charging package ($1,850), and various convenience options[1]. The AC charging package includes a 19.2 kW onboard charger and second charge port on the passenger side—useful for home charging flexibility.
Cargo space measures 28.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 56.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The Sportback version trades some cargo volume for improved aerodynamics and range. A spare tire is included under the load floor—increasingly rare in modern vehicles[4].
For buyers curious about Audi’s technology approach, Audi CarPlay information and navigation details provide additional context.
Safety Features & Ratings
The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation—the organization’s highest safety rating—with “Good” scores in all five crash tests[8]. This represents significant validation for Audi’s safety engineering in the electric SUV segment.
Key IIHS testing highlights[9]:
- Small overlap front (driver): Good
- Small overlap front (passenger): Good
- Moderate overlap front: Good
- Side impact: Good
- Roof strength: Good
- Pedestrian crash prevention: Superior rating (Advanced designation)
Night-time pedestrian detection showed strong results: the Q8 e-tron avoided collisions at 12 mph and 25 mph tests in both high-beam and low-beam scenarios for parallel adult detection[9]. In crossing adult night tests, impact speed was reduced by 23-36 mph depending on conditions.
Standard active safety equipment includes:
- Pre-sense front collision mitigation
- Pre-sense rear
- Lane departure warning
- Lane change assist
- Adaptive cruise assist
- Exit warning to prevent dooring cyclists
- Park assist with 360-degree cameras
Audi’s warranty coverage spans 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper with an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.
Known Issues & Owner Feedback
Owner reviews reveal several recurring concerns that prospective buyers should evaluate[7][10][11]:
- Range discrepancies: Multiple owners report significantly lower range than EPA estimates. One owner documented receiving only 140 miles on a full charge instead of 285 miles, with the vehicle showing 208 miles at 88% charge (implying only 236 total miles)[7].
- Electrify America charging network: A recurring complaint involves the included 2-year free charging with Electrify America. Owners report chargers are “ALWAYS broken,” with older first-generation units having cords too short to reach the charge port. App integration frustrations compound the issue[7].
- Infotainment glitches: Consumer Reports documents cases where “the main display cluster failed completely and made the car undriveable” within the first month of ownership[10]. Phone connectivity issues causing audio skipping through Android Auto have also been reported.
- Lane assist behavior: Some owners find the lane assist system overly aggressive, making “aggressive turns away from lines in the road” and perceiving it as dangerous. The system requires manual deactivation each time the vehicle starts[11].
- Regenerative braking calibration: The paddle-activated regen system receives mixed reviews—pressing once barely slows the vehicle while pressing twice slows too much, leading some owners to feel the car drives like a “runaway train”[11].
Despite these concerns, KBB owners rate reliability at 4.9 out of 5[3], and many report positive experiences with the refined driving character and build quality. Understanding Audi longevity helps set realistic ownership expectations.
Competitive Comparison: Q8 e-tron vs BMW iX
| Criteria | Audi Q8 e-tron | BMW iX xDrive50 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $74,400 | $87,100 |
| EPA Range | 285-300 mi | 307-324 mi |
| Horsepower | 402 hp | 516 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 5.2 sec | ~4.6 sec |
| Cargo (seats up) | 28.5 cu ft | 35.5 cu ft |
| Cargo (max) | 56.4 cu ft | 77.9 cu ft |
| Efficiency | 80-87 MPGe | 80-83 MPGe |
| IIHS Rating | Top Safety Pick+ | Top Safety Pick+ |
The BMW iX offers more power, range, and significantly more cargo space at a higher price[4][12]. The base iX xDrive50 is nearly as quick as Audi’s higher-performance SQ8 e-tron model[12]. However, the Q8 e-tron provides better maximum efficiency (86 MPGe Sportback vs 83 MPGe iX) and traditional styling that appeals to conservative luxury buyers.
For those cross-shopping German luxury EVs, the Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 comparison provides context on how these brands differ in their ICE offerings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with Superior pedestrian detection
- Refined, quiet driving experience superior to competitors
- Significant range improvement over predecessor (285-300 miles)
- Traditional luxury styling appeals to conservative buyers
- Strong real-world range in favorable conditions (330+ miles)
- Fair Purchase Pricing ~$9,000 below MSRP
- 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty
Cons:
- Range significantly lower than EPA estimates for some owners
- Electrify America charging network reliability issues
- Infotainment system failures reported
- Less cargo space than BMW iX despite similar exterior size
- 170 kW charging slower than newest competitors (350 kW)
- Not eligible for federal EV tax credit
- Production ending in 2025—long-term support concerns
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron?
Choose the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron if you:
- Want a refined luxury EV with traditional design language
- Prioritize ride quality and interior comfort over maximum range
- Can find significant dealer discounts on remaining inventory
- Have reliable home charging infrastructure
- Prefer Audi’s established controls over Tesla-style minimalism
Consider alternatives if you:
- Need maximum range and cargo capacity (BMW iX)
- Require federal EV tax credit eligibility
- Want fastest charging speeds (350 kW competitors)
- Are concerned about long-term parts and service support
- Frequently rely on DC fast charging networks
The 2024 Q8 e-tron represents the refined evolution of Audi’s first serious EV effort[1]. For buyers who find discounted inventory and have reliable home charging, the combination of IIHS Top Safety Pick+ credentials, refined driving experience, and substantial battery warranty creates genuine value. The vehicle excels at what luxury EVs should do: deliver quiet, comfortable transportation with the prestige of the four rings.
However, the Electrify America charging complaints and range discrepancy reports warrant careful consideration[7]. Test extensively, verify real-world range expectations, and factor in the model’s discontinuation when evaluating resale value. For those exploring Audi’s electric future, the best Audi electric cars guide offers broader perspective on the brand’s EV direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real-world range of the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron?
Is the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron eligible for the federal EV tax credit?
How does the Q8 e-tron compare to the BMW iX?
The BMW iX offers more range (307-324 miles), power (516 hp), and cargo space (35.5 cu ft vs 28.5 cu ft) but starts at $87,100 versus $74,400[12]. The Q8 e-tron provides better efficiency (up to 87 MPGe vs 83 MPGe) and more traditional styling.
What safety rating does the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron have?
Is the Audi Q8 e-tron being discontinued?
Yes. Production ended in February 2025 following the Brussels factory closure. Remaining 2024 inventory offers significant discounts, but buyers should consider long-term parts and service implications.
References
- Car and Driver. (2023). 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback Go Farther, Quietly. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a43958587/2024-audi-q8-e-tron-q8-e-tron-sportback-drive/
- Edmunds. (2024). 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Specs & Features. https://www.edmunds.com/audi/q8-e-tron/2024/features-specs/
- Kelley Blue Book. (2024). 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Price, Cost-to-Own, Reviews & More. https://www.kbb.com/audi/q8-e-tron/2024/
- YouTube – Downshift. (2023). The WORST And 9 BEST Things About The 2024 Audi Q8 eTron.
- MotorTrend. (2024). Audi Q8 E-Tron Buyer’s Guide. https://www.motortrend.com/cars/audi/q8-e-tron
- GreenCars. (2024). Audi Q8 e-tron Road Test. https://www.greencars.com/expert-insights/audi-q8-etron-road-test
- Edmunds. (2024). 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Consumer Reviews. https://www.edmunds.com/audi/q8-e-tron/2024/consumer-reviews/
- Car Explore. (2024). 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Crash Test Ratings. https://www.carexplore.com.au/2024-audi-q8-e-tron-crash-test-ratings-safety-in-the-electric-age/
- IIHS. (2024). 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Safety Ratings. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/audi/q8-e-tron-4-door-suv/2024
- Consumer Reports. (2024). 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron Reliability. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/audi/q8-e-tron/2024/reliability/
- Reddit r/Audi. (2024). Q8 E-Tron complaints!
Q8 E-Tron complaints!
byu/bramflakes87 inAudi - Autoweb. (2023). 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron vs. 2024 BMW iX. https://www.autoweb.com/2024-audi-q8-e-tron-vs-2024-bmw-ix
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
