The 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron, and its sporty variant the SQ8 E-Tron, includes a lineup of five-seat electric crossover SUVs. It’s a refreshed version of what used to simply be called the E-Tron. Offered in SUV or Sportback body styles as before, it’s rivaled by a growing field that now includes the BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq, Mercedes EQE SUV, and Rivian R1S, as well as the Tesla Model X. Despite the name change, the Q8 E-Tron carries on with the same shapes—and overall dimensions, of around 194 inches long, 64 inches high, and built on a 115.3-inch wheelbase—as the previous E-Tron lineup. That means it includes two body styles, SUV and Sportback, that are identical ahead of the front seats. The Sportback has a tapered, coupe-like roofline that limits rear-seat space and cargo somewhat in favor of an especially distinctive, high-tail profile.
You won’t find any awkward angles here, and the Q8 E-Tron family are attractive without looking like outliers. There are two different body styles of the Q8 E-Tron: SUV and Sportback. They share their designs ahead of the middle of the vehicle, with the Sportback following a more flowing, tapered look toward the rear that gives up some cargo space and a little rear-seat space for the sake of styling. Especially for the SUV, the design fits right in somewhere between Audi’s Allroad wagon and the big Q7 SUV. The proportions are balanced, and it fits right in alongside other Audis; you might not even expect from the outside that it’s an EV. Versus the previous E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback, the minimal changes in the transition to the Q8 E-Tron are most noteworthy from the outside, where upper- and lower-body trim pieces now look better-coordinated, and a new Audi logo adorns the grille, now with new framing and patterning.
The Q8 E-Tron has motors at the front and rear wheels, providing a combined 402 hp and capable of accelerating to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Driving range has been boosted more than 30% from last year’s total, to an EPA-rated 300 miles for the Sportback and 285 miles for the SUV. Performance-oriented SQ8 versions have three motors, including two in back, and they make 496 hp and 718 lb-ft, cutting the 0-60 mph acceleration to 4.3 seconds. That allows some powerful torque vectoring—with big handling dividends and perhaps some traction benefit, with its more nuanced control at each wheel. Throughout the lineup, the Q8 E-Tron also has an innovative regenerative braking system that emphasizes coasting most of the time but will slow entirely with the electric motors when using the brake pedal to decelerate.
All E-Tron’s offers a supremely quiet ride, with handling impressions brightened this year by some steering and suspension changes that make it feel a bit perkier. SUV or Sportback, you’ll find responsive handling, capable braking, and an engaging driving experience that doesn’t sacrifice ride comfort. An adaptive air suspension is included across the model line and offers 3.0 inches of body-height adjustment, utilized with specialized modes for off-roading, efficiency, and more. With this year’s changes, Audi shortened the steering ratio and adjusted the front suspension geometry to bring a sharper feel to the Q8 E-Tron’s handling, and it’s a difference you’ll feel around town or on a tight, curvy road. Although the E-Tron isn’t nimble, it’s very maneuverable and easy to place on narrow streets and in parking lots, and its low center of mass makes it feel stable and confident. The Q8 E-Tron can tow up to 4,000 pounds. Don’t be surprised to see usable range drop in half when towing, though..
With a range of up to 300 miles (for the Sportback) from a battery capacity of 114 kwh (106 kwh usable), the 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron will land in the middle for electric-vehicle efficiency—below 3.0 miles per kwh but well above 2.0 mi/kwh. While usable capacity is up about 23% from last year’s 86.5 kwh, Audi expects a 30% boost in range versus last year’s model, thanks to a host of other efficiency improvements, including active grille shutters, new underbody aerodynamic measures, and more windings (14 versus 12) for the Q8 E-Tron’s rear motor. Most of the E-Tron’s motor and propulsion tech carries over, and we’ve found in past experiences that the E-Tron family does well in approaching its EPA range figures in real-world driving, even when the temperatures turn chilly. The SQ8 E-Tron’s three-motor layout costs some efficiency, with estimated ratings of 253 miles.
On a Level 2 AC charger, such as what you might install at home, the E-Tron will charge to full in less than 10 hours. With a CCS-format DC fast-charger providing more than the Q8 E-Tron’s new, higher 170-kw peak, the E-Tron will get to 80% in as little as 31 minutes. On a 150-kw unit, expect to only add about five more minutes. Curiously, you can opt for a second charge port, including a 19.2-kw onboard charger, hastening the potential home charging time and bringing some convenience by having a charge port on both sides of the vehicle.
Some superb crash-test scores and a complete set of safety features made the Q8 E-Tron’s predecessor, the E-Tron, a perfect 10. And while much has changed for 2024, the structure and key safety aspects carry over and both major U.S. agencies have re-upped their top ratings for the Q8 E-Tron. The IIHS gives the 2024 E-Tron family top “Good” and “Superior” ratings in every single category of testing. The federal government gives the 2024 E-Tron lineup a five-star overall rating, with only a four-star rating in frontal impact as a blemish. This electric SUV includes full-speed automatic emergency braking and active lane control, while adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition are among the other available driver assistance systems.
Inside, the Q8 E-Tron lineup provides a modern German luxury cabin through and through, and it’s a warm counterpoint both to the austere Tesla look as well as the minimalist look that has swept Volvo, Land Rover, and others. Brightwork is kept for highlights, there’s a soft ambience throughout, and soft-touch surfaces and dark-toned hues set the stage for the kind of comfort you’ll find inside. Two screens at the center are a hub for the interface, but the look and feel is sensible throughout—all except for the overstyled shifter.
In the significant refresh that the E-Tron lineup receives this year—along with the name change to Q8 E-Tron, the cabin has been changed the least. And that’s a good thing. Great front and rear seating, superb fit and finish, and impressive cargo space. The Q8 E-Tron SUV and Q8 E-Tron Sportback S-Line feel like true luxury vehicles in the way they offer supportive, comfortable seating for adults all around, hugh out wind and road noise, and have plush materials and intuitive switchgear. Cabin materials have been refreshed with a new lighter walnut wood trim on the menu, and Dinamica microfiber and synthetic leather seats for the S-Line.
Though the E-Tron lands solidly on the SUV side of the car/truck divide based on styling, it strikes a good midpoint between Audi’s cars and SUVs, and the front seating position and dash highlight that. You get supportive, widely adjustable seats good for all-day road trips, set a little closer to the dash than in cars and with great sightlines. Rear passengers will find plenty of legroom and kneeroom—enough to fit 6-footers behind 6-footers, and from the passenger floor to the cargo floor, there aren’t any glaring indications of the huge battery pack underneath. Sportbacks only sacrifice an inch or two of usable headroom for their more curvaceous look, although the way the roofline tapers squeezes three passngers across. The E-Tron offers 28.5 cubic feet with the rear seatback up, or 57 cubic feet with it folded. With the Sportback those figures are modestly smaller, at 27.2 and 54.5 cubic feet. Both models have the same small “frunk” that offers just enough space for the charging cord and a small daypack.
The 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron is offered in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige models, with Premium Plus versions adding Band & Olufsen premium audio, a surround-view camera system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and cooled front seats. Top Prestige versions add rear sunshades, projector lighting, power soft-closing doors, front-seat memory settings, leather upholstery, a head-up display, and more. Base version of the Q8 E-Tron isn’t already well-equipped. You won’t need to add options or jump up in price to get beautiful interior finishes worthy of the luxury badge, a panoramic roof, and the dual 10.1-inch and lower 8.6-inch display screens. If you’re thinking of the S-Line Sportback, test the back seat and cargo area. That’s the key difference, so if you’re OK with that you might appreciate the more stylish roofline (and slightly higher highway range).
The three-motor SQ8 starts at $90,895 for the SUV body style and $93,695 in Sportback guise. That’s for Premium Plus versions, which include Valcona leather upholstery, red brake calipers, and Bang & Olufsen sound. Step up to the Prestige for $6,000 more, bringing a head-up display, projector lighting, power soft-closing doors, and semi-automated parking. Add the Black Optic Package ($3,500) with its 22-inch wheels, plus contour seats ($2,000), plus a trailer hitch ($750), and you’re topping $105,000 for the SQ5 Sportback.
The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron delivers a luxurious all-electric driving experience, blending premium design, advanced technology, and impressive range. With an emphasis on refinement, the Q8 e-tron offers a quiet, smooth ride, while its dual-motor setup provides strong, effortless performance. The spacious, high-tech interior caters to both comfort and convenience, featuring Audi’s latest infotainment system and driver assistance technologies. With competitive electric range, enhanced charging capabilities, and eco-friendly features, the Q8 e-tron positions itself as a strong contender in the luxury electric SUV market.
