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
Continue reading for free
We hope you're enjoying The Week's refreshingly open-minded journalism.
Subscribed to The Week? Register your account with the same email as your subscription.