Ready to make new friends and fans of EVs!
It seems like there are two camps in EV. One likes it completely different from gas-powered vehicles, aimed at those who like to step up to the newest latest tech. They want their Jetson mobile, and they want it now. We’d put vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, Tesla and such in that camp.
But if you’re really going to get more traditional buyers out of their gas-powered vehicles, it needs to be easier. Friendlier. Familiar even. And one of those leading the way has been Audi, and with the 2024 Q8 e-tron, it’s super easy – you get everything you love about traditional Audis, matched up with the latest in EV powertrains.
With a fresh look and update for 2024, it seemed like a great time to take another look at one of our favorite EVs!
Jaw-Dropping Gorgeous!
Already a great looking vehicle, Audi has given the large SUV a refresh for an even bolder, more thrilling look.
Up front, there’s a new front fascia, with an all-new lighting design around the singleframe grille which activates when the headlights are turned on. Our tester also projected a little show every time we turned it on. Fun~
There’s also a new two-dimensional Audi logo on the grille. We think it’s interesting that you wouldn’t know it’s an EV from the front – some manufacturers simplify or delete the front grille, but not the Q8.
Audi has put a lot of time into enhancing the aerodynamics of the Q8 and reducing overall drag by 6% is impressive. We think the sporty lines of the profile are even more impressive, with a steeply raked windshield, small greenhouse and swept back roofline for a very athletic look. The wheels may be more aerodynamic for 2024, and being a Launch Edition, our tester had a gorgeous set of 22-inch, 6-segment-spoke design wheel that just make the Q8 look especially aggressive.
The rear continues the clean presentation with a light bar that spans the width of the rear, a new sporty lip spoiler below the rear window, and cool LED taillights that wrap around the corners and have a cool jet-like motif. Finishing things off, our tester wore a lovely Magnet Gray exterior a rich, creamy cement color that looks extremely upscale, and really sells the coupe-like lines.
Futuristic and Fashionable
Audi interiors are always gorgeous, and the e-tron takes things to a new level.
Open the door and your greeted by a group of displays that would please a modern airline pilot. The smell of Valcona/Milano leather interior wafts up to greet you, while the flint gray with contrasting piping adds that little bit of exclusivity. All the rest of the trim, including natural wood inlays looks of superior quality as well.
The front seats have that firm, German supportiveness that speaks to comfortable cruising for hours on end. The driver’s seat has a massage feature that will spoil you as well. And even though you have that steeply raked Sportback rear roofline, there’s plenty of room for adults in back. Good engineering also means the battery pack doesn’t punish your cargo-carrying goals, with plenty of room with the rear seats up, and an impressive 55 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down.
Back to the front, and the driver is met with 3 digital displays. Directly ahead is Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. Audi was one of the first with these info-rich displays, and the Q8’s 12.3-inch display still the best. On the center console is a large 10-inch info-tainment display, and it’s plenty big and our Apple CarPlay maps and WAZE looked great. Below that is a secondary 8.6-inch split-screen display for the climate control. We love that you don’t have to fish around in the primary screen just to adjust the temp.
On the center console, you find a convenient pad to rest your hand. Accessing the gears is pretty trick, just push the little ear on the left of the pad up or back to select your gear. We also love that Audi includes a real volume knob directly ahead of the gear selector – you don’t even need to raise your hand to fingertip tune the volume. We’d also mention that there’s a redundant volume control on the steering wheel, and typical Audi, it’s a rollable thumbwheel, and it really is the next best thing to a tradition volume knob. Audi knows how to do interiors!
Electric Rush
Driving the Q8 continues the thrills.
The Q8 has power to spare, thanks to dual electric motors, one at each axle. Max power is impressive, with 402 horsepower and 490 lb.-ft of torque. With all that power instantly available, the Q jumps off the line with authority and 0-60 mph comes up in a very quick 5.4 seconds. While the drivetrain is silent and vibration free, we liked the piped-in futuristic powertrain sound that adds to the fun – great news for people who love the sound of an engine!
The fun doesn’t stop when you turn the wheel. Audi’s legendary quattro AWD doles out the power to all the wheels, and grip is impressive off the line and when you’re getting frisky in the corners.
Despite being a tall, heavy vehicle, the Q8 loves to be tossed around, and will put a big smile on your face. Audi did a comprehensive upgrade, and the steering has a faster rack and better feel, and the suspension is more responsive than before. We also love the brakes, which have plenty of feel – much better than the Camry hybrid we recently tested. And when you’re cruising, the Audi is whisper quiet and the ride is smooth and composed. This is a great all-around vehicle!
We think it’s interesting that premium EV’s like the Mercedes EQE offer up lots of tech, but the drive is pure luxury – maybe a little dull, even – where the Q8 is athletic, responsive and involving to drive.
OK, range and charging are always a question in EV’s, and here the Audi steps up as well.
The 2024 Q8 features a higher capacity battery that’s more usable, utilizing 93 percent versus the previous 91 percent. With DC fast charging you can go from 10 to 80 percent capacity in 31 minutes. That same amount takes between 6.5 to 13 hours, depending on the type of level 2 charger.
Range is excellent, too with the EPA estimate being 296 miles with a full charge. So, range anxiety should be pretty much gone. Unless you’re the nervous type.
What’s the Charge?
Ok, let’s remember that the Q8 is the flagship SUV of the lineup, so it carries a premium price tag. The Q8 e-tron premium starts at $74,400. Opting for the sporty Sportback bumps that up to $77,800. For the amount of luxury and performance that’s quite reasonable.
Our tester was loaded, and proof that you have to be careful with the options list – true on just about all European vehicles. Ours had the Prestige Package ($10,400), Launch Edition ($3,750), AC Charging Package ($1,850) and Rear Side Airbags ($400). Add in $1,195 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $95,395. Gulp!
Competitors would include the BMW iX, at $103,425. Double gulp! It’s a bit quicker with 516 horsepower, but we think the styling could be polarizing. The all-new Porsche Macan electric comes in very close at $96,055. We think the Porsche will be a sportier drive, but the Q8 will be larger and more comfortable on a day-to-day basis. We say drive them all and choose which one speaks to you.
Welcome upgrades including stunning design, bespoke luxury and scintillating performance make the 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback one of the best SUVs available – electric or not!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.