Audi Q8 e-tron review: what the car critics say
Audi’s new electric SUV is a ‘pleasant’ but ‘unremarkable’ drive

When the e-tron launched in 2018, there were only a few premium electric SUVs on the market, but as rivals joined the party, it lost its edge, said Auto Express. Cue a midlife facelift offering some visual tweaks, but most of the changes – such as better motors and improved efficiency – aren’t visible. Audi has increased battery capacity from 71 to 89kWh in the basic 50 variant, and 89 to 106kWh in the 55 and SQ8 models.
Audi claims a range of up to 343 miles, which translates in the real world to 230, said Autocar. There’s faster steering, retuned suspension and better stability and traction control, making the Q8 e-tron “pleasant” but “unremarkable” to drive. It can do 0-62mph in a reasonably quick 5.6 seconds; and though not sporty, it has great noise isolation, handles well and is well-weighted.
A full charge from a 7kW wall box takes at least 14 hours, but the bigger battery can take 170kW charging, meaning 10-80% charge in half-an-hour, said What Car?. With four trim levels, the lavish, hi-tech interior has “glitzy trims, chrome highlights and lashings of leather”, though the dual touchscreen is a bit fiddly. There’s ample head- and legroom, and this is one of the most comfortable electric cars on the market. Price: from £68,595.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In pictures: Audi Q8 e-tron
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Make mine a soju and tonic: the rise of Korea's favourite spirit
The Week Recommends The rice-based drink can replace gin or vodka in traditional cocktails for a refreshing twist on the classics
-
The full moon calendar for every month
In depth When to see the lunar phenomenon every month
-
The end of WeightWatchers
Talking Point The diet brand has filed for bankruptcy in the US as it struggles to survive in era of weight-loss jabs
-
In search of paradise in Thailand's western isles
The Week Recommends 'Unspoiled spots' remain, providing a fascinating insight into the past
-
Dark chocolate macadamia cookies recipe
The Week Recommends These one-bowl cookies will melt in your mouth
-
6 charming homes in Rhode Island
Feature Featuring an award-winning home on Block Island and a casket-making-company-turned-condo in Providence
-
Titus Andronicus: a 'beautiful, blood-soaked nightmare'
The Week Recommends Max Webster's staging of Shakespeare's tragedy 'glitters with poetic richness'
-
The Alienation Effect: a 'compelling' study of the émigrés who reshaped postwar Britain
The Week Recommends Owen Hatherley's 'monumental' study is brimming with 'extraordinary revelations'
-
The Four Seasons: 'moving and funny' show stars Steve Carell and Tina Fey
The Week Recommends Netflix series follows three affluent mid-50s couples on a mini-break and the drama that ensues
-
Thunderbolts*: Florence Pugh stars in 'super-silly' yet 'terrific' film
The Week Recommends This is a Marvel movie with a difference, featuring an 'ill-matched squad of antiheroes'
-
Nashville dining: Far more than barbecue and hot chicken
Feature A modern approach to fine-dining, a daily-changing menu, and more