Audi’s e-tron gets a new name for 2023 in the form of the Q8 e-tron. Symbolising its position as the brand’s flagship electric SUV, the name has changed because of the brand’s growing choice of battery-powered SUVs.
Not only does the Q8 e-tron benefit from revised styling as part of the update, but a number of powertrain improvements to help improve its range. Let’s see how it compares with some of its rivals.
BMW iX
BMW iX made a bold statement when it arrived on sale in late 2021, and for all its accomplishments – including a stunning interior and long electric range – there’s one key thing that many buyers can’t get past, and that’s the way it looks.
Particularly the front grille, which is challenging to say the least. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, if you would prefer a classier-looking electric SUV, the Q8 e-tron will fit the bill perfectly. Unlike the other models here, Audi also offers a choice of two bodytypes here, with the regular SUV and even more glamorous Sportback model.
Jaguar I-Pace
Jaguar’s I-Pace arrived onto the scene as one of the first electric SUVs, and remains the only electric Jaguar Land Rover model on sale to this day. The I-Pace is a very fine choice, particularly when it comes to styling and the way it drives, which is much sportier than you’d expect for a vehicle like this.
But for all its success for Jaguar, there’s no escaping the fact the I-Pace is just starting to show its age a touch, as it’s not benefited from any significant updates in the same way that the Audi has. Its 100kW charging speed just looks a bit behind the Q8 e-tron’s 170kW capability, and means you’ll be spending a bit longer charging it in the process.
Mercedes EQC
The EQC was introduced in 2019 as the first EV to come as part of Mercedes’ specific EQ electric sub-brand, which has grown significantly in size since then. While the EQC impresses with its technology and comfort, it’s another model that hasn’t been upgraded since, and now lags behind Audi’s new Q8 e-tron.
The main gripe in particular is range, as Mercedes claims only 245 miles on a full charge from its EQC, which is one of the lowest figures of any premium SUV. Even Audi’s entry-level ‘50’ powertrain can manage more than this (281 miles), but this increases to up to 343 miles for the Q8 e-tron Sportback.
Tesla Model X
There’s a lot to thank Tesla for when it comes to EVs, and were it not for this American brand, progress with electric cars wouldn’t be at the stage it is today. The Model X was the first battery-powered SUV to hit the market, too.
Though it continues to excel when it comes to towing ability and outright space, it’s another SUV that suffers from a rather ugly design that isn’t very flattering. While Tesla’s bespoke Supercharging network used to be a key selling point, due to the number of new Teslas on the roads, it often means there are queues to be found at these chargers, and it’s not quite as attractive a proposition as it once was.
