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.
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
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
October 5 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Sunday's political cartoons include half-truth hucksters, Capitol lockdown, and more
-
Jaguar Land Rover’s cyber bailout
Talking Point Should the government do more to protect business from the ‘cyber shockwave’?
-
Russia: already at war with Europe?
Talking Point As Kremlin begins ‘cranking up attacks’ on Ukraine’s European allies, questions about future action remain unanswered
-
Mustardy beans and hazelnuts recipe
The Week Recommends Nod to French classic offers zingy, fresh taste
-
Susie Dent picks her favourite books
The Week Recommends The lexicographer and etymologist shares works by Jane Goodall, Noel Streatfeild and Madeleine Pelling
-
6 incredible homes under $1 million
Feature Featuring a home in the National Historic Landmark District of Virginia and a renovated mid-century modern house in Washington
-
The Harder They Come: ‘triumphant’ adaptation of cinema classic
The Week Recommends ‘Uniformly excellent’ cast follow an aspiring musician facing the ‘corruption’ of Kingston, Jamaica
-
House of Guinness: ‘rip-roaring’ Dublin brewing dynasty period drama
The Week Recommends The Irish series mixes the family tangles of ‘Downton’ and ‘Succession’ for a ‘dark’ and ‘quaffable’ watch
-
Dead of Winter: a ‘kick-ass’ hostage thriller
The Week Recommends Emma Thompson plays against type in suspenseful Minnesota-set hair-raiser ‘ringing with gunshots’
-
A Booker shortlist for grown-ups?
Talking Point Dominated by middle-aged authors, this year’s list is a return to ‘good old-fashioned literary fiction’
-
Fractured France: an ‘informative and funny’ enquiry
The Week Recommends Andrew Hussey's work is a blend of ‘memoir, travelogue and personal confession’