The 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron replaces the 2020 Audi E-Tron with a new name, more range, more efficient batteries, better aerodynamics, and faster charging. The mechanical changes address customer concerns that they had about range and performance. 

Like the gas-powered Q8, the Q8 e-tron sits at the top of the SUV range, so luxury is expected. There have been several styling changes most notably dark-chrome S line trim and a redesigned grille and headlights that help to highlight its slightly wider body.  To reduce drag there are shutters in the nose that can open for cooling and close for faster driving situations, and bodywork around the wheel wells creates better overall aerodynamics. 

What’s New?

Changes to the Q8 e-tron’s steering and suspension are aimed at improving the driving experience. The steering has a quicker ratio and is more responsive. The front suspension gets stiffer bushings, and it also has adaptive air springs, which offer 3.0 inches of height adjustment.

The Q8 offers seven different drive modes, which alter ride height, accelerator response, steering feel, stability-control programming, and power delivery. The brake-energy regen can be adjusted via paddles on the steering wheel, and the most aggressive setting will just about bring the car to a complete stop.

Wheels and Tires

The Q8 e-tron gets new slippery wheel designs, they are 22-inch wearing these Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 EV, 265/40s all around.

Under the Hood

The Q8 has 2 motors the front one has 189 hp, and 228 lb-ft, and the rear one has 231 hp and 262 lb-ft. Combined Power is 402 hp and Combined Torque is 490 lb-ft.  All four wheels are powered via a direct-drive transmission. The new larger battery pack has a 106.0 kWh capacity which is good for 296 miles of range in this Sportback model.

Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate is now 170 kW still under what the competition offers but it will charge the vehicle from 10 percent battery to  80 percent in around 31 minutes.

Driving

Don’t expect the Q8 e-Tron to perform like a Tesla, Audi wants yo to have a more serene and more conventional experience. New features like updated and more precise steering, suspension modifications, and adjustments to the software behind the adaptive air suspension and drive modes result in an extremely nice drive.

Setting the drive mode to Dynamic and mashing the accelerator makes this car feel quicker and it’s a fun playmate on technical back roads as long as you pay attention to the battery level that is. Despite having seven drive modes,  which some may consider too many, they all do have a distinct character, and even in the most aggressive Dynamic mode comfort is still paramount.

The brakes are good for an electric vehicle they feel linear and my only complaint is at higher speeds the pedal does requite an overly firm push to get your speed down to single-digit speeds.

Interior

Inside, the Q8 e-tron is a wonderful place to hang out, luxury abounds and the design is perfect with high-quality materials such as super soft leather, Alcantara, and polished metal in the modern but not overly futuristic cabin. The interior is beautifully finished with three shades of gray leather, suede door cards, and eye-catching orange contrast stitching.

The seats are exceptionally comfortable, with ample support and a range of adjustability to accommodate all passengers including a massage function. There’s plenty of space ensuring that both front and rear occupants enjoy a very high level of comfort.

The Q8 is screen-heavy, with a second display for climate controls below the main infotainment screen my only real gripe since there are little to no physical buttons. One positive is the new shifter arrangement that creates a perfect palm rest for you to make those climate adjustments while n the move. 

Audi’s MMI touch response system takes center stage in the Q8 e-tron’s dashboard, the interface is intuitive and responsive, with crisp graphics and seamless integration with smartphones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the virtual cockpit display behind the steering wheel offers a customizable digital instrument cluster that provides essential driving information at a glance and is still the one to beat.

Cargo space

As expected, the Sportback offers cooler looks but sacrifices cargo space, but not by much versus the SUV. This one has  27 cubic feet and 54.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, the SUV has 28.5 and 56 cubic feet a marginal difference.

Pricing 

Base prices start at $77,800 and since this is a prestige and launch edition car it has loads of options.  For $10,400 you get a head-up display, digital matrix LED headlights, leather-trimmed dash and console, Bang & Olufsen 3D premium audio, top-view 360-degree camera system, and soft-close doors.

You also get ventilated and massaging front seats, front passenger’s seat memory and power lumbar, heated rear seats, wireless phone charging, park assist plus, dual-pane acoustic side-door glass, and rear-door manual sunshades.

The launch edition includes those 22-inch wheels, Black Exterior Trim, and Orange Leather Piping on the Front Seats and will cost you $3,750.  The A/C charging package gives you a 19.2-kW onboard charger and a second AC charge port on the passenger’s side, which is $1850 which takes the price including the destination fee to $95,395.  

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Verdict 

If you are looking for a thump in the back then this isn’t your car. Audi has purposely made its electric vehicles to be more comfortable and luxury-oriented and I think it works.  The improved range means less worry about recharging, allowing drivers to relax and enjoy the smooth, quiet ride. It does get expensive with options and with the significantly larger battery capacity I would have expected more but overall it is a very good effort.

2024 Audi Q8 e-tron quattro numbers

BASE PRICE: $77,800
AS TESTED PRICE: $95,395
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door crossover
ENGINE: 2 induction permanent magnet AC motors
BATTERY: Liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 106 kWh
ONBOARD CHARGER: 19.2 kW
PEAK DC FAST CHARGE RATE: 170 kW
COMBINED POWER: 402 hp 
TORQUE: 495 lb-ft 
TRANSMISSION: 1-speed automatic transmission
0-60 MPH: 5.2 sec
CURB WEIGHT: 5,790 lb
CARGO VOLUME: 27 cubic feet, 54.5 cubic feet with seat area
RANGE: 296 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY: 90 MPGe Highway
PROS: Super Smooth, doesn’t feel like an EV, beautiful cabin
CONS: Needs more range, not as quick as rivals