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.
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.
| 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].
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.
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:
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.
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]:
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:
Audi's warranty coverage spans 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper with an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.
Owner reviews reveal several recurring concerns that prospective buyers should evaluate[7][10][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.
| 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:
Cons:
Choose the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron if you:
Consider alternatives if you:
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.
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