Audi Q8 e-tron
By Ian Strachan.
Many car buyers have a mindset when it comes to fully electric vehicles. They’ll think of city cars or medium-sized cars with dull design and dull performance. Something environmentally worthy but not very luxurious or exciting. Good for short commutes or trips to the shops, but not the sort of car you’d take on holiday or on business trips.
Think again. Audi’s biggest SUV – the high-level luxury four-wheel-drive Q8 – is now available as a fully electric car. And it has superb performance and extreme comfort. Plus it has a decent range and fast charging time, easing the anxieties that put people off going electric.
The Q8 e-tron is certainly no slouch. It pumps out 408 horsepower, has a top speed of 124 mph and will propel you from 0 to 60mph in not much more than five seconds. Obviously making full use of the Audi’s impressive performance will have a range penalty. Published range is in excess of 300 miles, but expect to get less, depending on driving style and any other demands you may put on the battery, particularly heating and air conditioning.
The Q8 e-tron has lots of other things to like. It is packed with technology and safety aids. It handles well, is capable off road and it is very well behaved on road. It also looks good, with aluminium roof rails, rear spoiler and and impressive 21-inch graphite alloys. My test car came in a striking Ultra Blue metallic finish (£795 extra).
The Q8 is a serious competitor with the big beasts from Land Rover, matching them wheel-to-wheel when it comes to luxury and, comfort and specification. A superb motorway cruiser it can go from tarmac to mud without the driver having to do anything.
Despite its size, this is undoubtedly an Audi, with the distinctive deep Audi grille, unique trim and pleasing lines. Inside it’s very roomy and comfortable, with plenty of creature comforts. There are touchscreen functions for most of the car’s settings and controls.
The design takes its cues from smaller Audi estates, but it is obviously much taller. The load-space behind the rear seats is considerable at 569 litres which can be increased to 1637 litres by folding the seats. The tailgate is electronically powered.
The Q8 handles better than most 4x4s. It is stable and predictable, with no suspension wallow, and flat cornering.
The Q8’s manners are impeccable and it’s a great motorway cruiser. Steering is light but precise.
Specification is exceptionally good as Audi goes all-out for luxury with this car. Pretty much anything you can think of. Specification on the Q8 e-tron S Line which I tested includes leather upholstery, park assist, two-zone automatic air conditioning, satellite navigation, premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, cruise control with speed limiter, lane departure warning, multi-function all round camera system, electric heated front seats with memory function and multi-function steering wheel.
My test car came with a range of extras, including a technology pack at £2995.
The Q8 e-tron S Line quattro comes at £87,475 on the road. Price-wise we’re nudging Range Rover territory here, but this Audi is exceptionally well-equipped and you get the benefit of an impressive, high specification vehicle that won’t depreciate quickly, and a versatile and more than competent performer. Plus, even though you’re driving a big 4×4 you can’t be accused of being a gas-guzzler.
