We drive the 2024 Audi Q8 e-Tron and find out if it is the BEST AWD Luxury EV.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:28 What's New?
1:45 Under The Hood
2:32 Charging
2:57 Cargo Space
4:08 Pricing
5:27 Rear Seats
6:09 Interior And Tech
10:25 Driving
18:01 Verdict

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.

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