Audi Q8 e-tron first drive | evolution at work

It’s only been four years since Audi’s e-tron SUV first hit the roads as the brand’s first mass-produced electric car and one of only a handful of premium zero-emission models on sale.

Things change quickly, however, and as important as the e-tron was at its launch, the model’s evolution is now crucial to keep it competitive against a growing pool of rivals.

Its position in the Audi line-up has now been given substance with the adoption of the Q8 e-tron name, aligning it with the firm’s flagship SUV.

While the new name might signify significant change, the car under the skin is very much the same model as it was before. Visual tweaks, chassis upgrades and new batteries are the key changes here.

There are three powertrain options available, as before, along with two bodystyles: SUV and Sportback (pictured below). New battery packs across the line-up provide longer ranges.

The entry-level Q8 e-tron 50 uses a 95kWh battery, sporting additional usable capacity of 18kWh. It gives a range of up to 281 miles in the SUV and 290 miles in the sleeker Sportback variant.

The 55 version benefits from a 114kWh battery – an increase in useable capacity of 17kWh - making up to 343 miles between charges possible.

A key point to note here is that the physical size of the battery packs has not changed, just the density – demonstrating the rapid pace of development in this space.

All Q8 e-tron models are fitted with at least two electric motors, giving all wheel drive. The 50 develops 340PS and the 55 makes 408PS. At the top of the range, the SQ8 e-tron uses three motors to deliver maximum power of 503PS. Using the same 114kWh battery as the 55, it returns up to 284 miles from a charge.

Charging speeds for the larger battery have been boosted to 170kW, while the smaller unit remains at 150kW, enabling a 10%-80% recharge in around half an hour for either. The on-board charger is rated at 11kW, with a 22kW unit optionally available for £1,750.

Visual changes give the Q8 e-tron a sportier and more purposeful look, bringing it closer to its Q8 stablemate. The interior shares much the same technology and design too, making use of a central 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen, lower climate control screen and fully digital instrument cluster.

In terms of spec, the entry-level Sport comes equipped with plethora of kit including keyless entry, heated seats, LED Matrix headlights, rear view camera and leather upholstery. S Line gets sportier bumpers and larger 21-inch alloy wheels. Range-topping Vorsprung packs in all the available options, including adaptive cruise control, panoramic sunroof, an illuminated front grille and Audi's 'virtual' camera-based side mirrors.

The Q8 e-tron’s overall footprint is slightly smaller than the Q8’s but interior space is largely on par, with ample space for five adults on board. There’s 569 litres of boot space in the SUV and 528 litres in the Sportback, you also get a 69 litre storage area under the bonnet, which is ideal for storing the charging cables.

All variants are equipped with air suspension as standard, which benefits from a range of tweaks and upgrades by Audi engineers. As a result, the Q8 e-tron delivers un unflustered and highly refined ride. The unruffled on-board experience does not hamper the cars handling either. While the car remains firm and stable in corners, there is no harshness to the ride even though the chassis is coping with the best part of 2.5-tonnes.

Don’t expect an overly thrilling experience, though. While the 55 variant we tested packs impressive power figures and manages to sprint from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, the power delivery is best described as progressive. The Q8 e-tron delivers its power with minimal drama, with only the digital speedometer giving any real sense of pace.

After driving the SUV for almost two hours we’d managed to consume power at a rate of 2.3mi/kWh, suggesting a range of around 240 miles would be achievable in real-world driving. We then switched into the Sportback, in the same spec, and were able to get 2.6mi/kWh. The latter equates to around 275 miles. It’s unlikely the body style alone had such a drastic impact on range and we’re certain driving style and temperature had a part to play here.

The evolution of Audi’s flagship electric SUV has been significant in a small timeframe and showcases how quickly the benchmark can move in this space. While the e-tron launched with no direct rivals, its successor wades into battle with the BMW iX and Mercedes EQE SUV.

Prices for the Audi start at £67,800, undercutting both competitors. The 55 variant costs from £77,800 and all Sportback models command a £2,500 uplift over the equivalent SUV. Across the line-up the Q8 e-tron is considerably cheaper than the comparable iX and EQE, while its real-world range performance is largely on par.

It’s not the most exciting EV on sale, but for those that want a capable luxury electric SUV, the Q8 e-tron ticks all the right boxes.