Summary
The Audi Q8 e-tron is a large electric SUV/crossover vehicle and Audi’s first production electric car. Originally named the ‘Audi e-tron’ when launched in early 2019, the SUV picked up the ‘Q8’ moniker after its 2022 facelift, despite not being related to the combustion-powered Audi Q8 range.
The Q8 e-tron is available in two similar body styles; a conventional SUV with a fairly vertical tailgate, and a slightly sleeker ‘coupé-SUV’ liftback version called the Q8 e-tron Sportback. The front half of the two cars is the same.
The Audi e-tron has received positive reviews from the UK automotive media, with scores ranging from good to outstanding. The lowest scores have tended to be from performance-oriented titles like Top Gear and Evo, while the highest scores have come from consumer titles like Honest John and Auto Express.
The e-tron has received particular praise for its smooth and quiet drivetrain, practicality and overall refinement. The main criticisms levelled at it argue that it’s not as exciting to drive as a Jaguar I-Pace and the optional rear-view wing cameras are a bit gimmicky.
Facelifted in the late months of 2022, the updated model features several cosmetic tweaks and an improved battery range.
As of January 2025, the Audi e-tron holds a New Car Expert Rating of B (67%) and a slightly lower Used Car Expert Rating of C (63%), based on 62 published media reviews – for the original e-tron and the updated Q8 e-tron – as well as Euro NCAP safety ratings, and running costs.
Q8 e-tron highlights
- Comfortable, refined, spacious
- Plenty of advanced technology
- Drives better than expected for a heavy car
- Similarities to regular Audis will appeal to some
Q8 e-tron lowlights
- More expensive than Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes EQC
- Battery range not as good as rivals
- Expensive camera option to replace mirrors not worth it
- Not as dramatic as a Tesla Model X
Key specifications
Body style: Large SUV and coupé-SUV
Powertrain: electric motor, battery-powered
Price: From £70,910 on-road
Launched: Winter 2018/19
Last updated: Winter 2022/23
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: Range overview (before Q8 facelift)
“The Audi e-tron has completely wowed simply because it is so normal. For years, we’ve been testing electric cars with spaceship-like qualities, but Audi has taken the features of its fantastic SUV range and seamlessly added all-electric power.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: SQ8 e-tron
Score: 8 / 10
“The revised Audi SQ8 e-tron – like its predecessor – can sometimes feel every bit of its chunky kerb weight. Yet the blend of power, performance, luxury and refinement it delivers remains hard to beat, especially now that the updated car gets the standard Q8 e-tron’s bigger battery and faster charging. It’s expensive, but as an effective all-rounder, there’s an awful lot to like.”
Author: Richard Ingram
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Model reviewed: Range overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“The e-tron is Audi’s first all-electric production car, but it excels with a fantastic blend of performance, comfort and refinement.”
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Model reviewed: Sportback overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 7 / 10
“Whether you opt for this sleeker Sportback over the already quiet and comfortable e-tron SUV will come down to personal taste. You will need to step up to the more expensive specs, but like-for-like, the premium this car commands isn’t as sizeable as you might imagine.”
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Model reviewed: e-tron S Sportback 2020
Score: 8 / 10
“This Audi e-tron S feels a cut above its main rivals when it comes to performance. The changes to the chassis, the integration of the triple-motor set-up and the way it handles for such a heavy car are all mighty impressive.”
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Model reviewed: e-tron 55 quattro 2019
Score: 9 / 10
“Audi has already established itself in the SUV market, but the e-tron moves the game on and is a convincing step into the next-generation.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Q8 e-tron range
Score: 8 / 10
“Sharper looks, fresher tech and more range help the all-electric Audi Q8 e-tron push the brand’s electric ambitions.”
Author: Dan Trent
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Model reviewed: Range overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 7 / 10
“The e-tron is a well-made, comfortable SUV that offers a more premium experience than its rivals with a great interior and plenty of features available. If you want a really nicely made electric family car, the Audi e-tron is well worth checking out.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: 55 quattro S Line
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi’s e-tron gets an injection of style with a morsel of extra range. However, the Mercedes-Benz EQC and Jaguar I-Pace are both cheaper than the Audi, and they and the Tesla Model X all offer greater driving ranges.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Range overview (after Q8 facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“It now offers a competitive claimed range from its enormous battery packs, and the comfort and tech are up there with the best. It’s a lovely place to sit and drive around in, and now handles more sharply – something we’d welcome.” (Keith Adams)
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Model reviewed: SQ8 e-tron
Score: 8 / 10
“The name change of Audi’s flagship electric SUV is a little confusing, but the car underneath is definitely worth it. We’d still question the wisdom behind those virtual mirrors and at 2.6 tonnes it is extremely heavy, but if you liked the Audi e-tron you’ll love the Audi Q8 e-tron.” (James Dennison)
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Model reviewed: Range overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“As you’d expect, the Audi e-tron’s engineering is polished. What you might not expect is how well it handles given its vast size and weight. The e-tron is also comfortable and spacious, and will hit the spot for wealthy Audi fans keen to embrace zero emissions. However, you’ll find that many rivals will go further between plugs while delivering a similarly seamless driving experience. “
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Model reviewed: Sportback overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“While it’s not the most exciting option the Sportback does turn the heat up a little when compared to the e-tron SUV and at its heart remains a good car – with a class-leading interior and buttoned-down driving experience.” (Adam Binnie)
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: Sportback overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi e-tron Sportback remains hugely spacious but also impressively luxurious and brimmed with technology.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 9 / 10
“The amazing thing about the Audi e-tron is that it’s so normal, which is a surprisingly strange thing to be happy about. Audi has ensured that the e-tron feels as like its regular Q SUVs as possible, so the transition for drivers won’t be as difficult.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: e-tron Sportback range (after Q8 facelift)
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The striking Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is an upmarket electric SUV, with a huge battery to match its prodigious long-distance refinement.” (Richard Ingram)
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Model reviewed: Range overview (after Q8 facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi’s first production electric has been updated, with a new name, plus bigger batteries for more range.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview (after Q8 facelift)
“The Audi Q8 e-tron builds on the success of the e-tron, with the updated styling and battery options a huge bonus.” (Mat Watson)
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Model reviewed: Range overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi e-tron is a posh, practical, electric large SUV. It has an impressive turn of speed but not the range you’d expect from a traditional petrol or diesel SUV.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: e-tron S (before Q8 facelift)
“Incredibly rapid and more engaging and driveable than might be expected from a high-powered electric SUV.”
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Model reviewed: Sportback overview (before Q8 facelift)
“The looks of the Audi e-tron Sportback may sway it over the regular e-tron, and a good range, pleasant driving experience and high-quality interior are strong draws for what is still an expensive up-front cost that will of course benefit from low BiK payments for the next few years.”
Model reviewed: 55 quattro 95 kWh 2019
Score: 8.5 / 10
“Another step for electric vehicle technology, the Audi e-tron takes what Audi is good at and turns it into an electric vehicle with decent range and performance.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: Range overview (before Q8 facelift)
“It really is a prime example of the sort of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ – or leap ahead through technology – for which the German car firm has become rightly renowned over many decades.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 55 quattro SUV 2019
Score: 6 / 10
“Audi has achieved what it has set out to do with the e-tron and that’s to guide its customers into the world of electric motoring with a car that will be familiar to them – just as Mercedes has done with its conventional EQC electric SUV. Just leave those wacky camera ‘mirrors’ off.”
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Discover EV
Model reviewed: Sportback 55 S line
Score: 7 / 10
“Unless you’re an ardent Audi fan, we’d go for the Tesla Model X, because what it lacks in eye-catching design and build quality it makes up for in range and an easy-to-use, quick and widespread charging network, otherwise we’d save over £12k and go for the Mercedes EQC.”
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Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview (after Q8 facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi’s flagship electric SUV has been updated with bigger batteries and more range, but it still puts comfort first.” (Richard Ingram)
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Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview (after Q8 facelift)
Score: 7 / 10
“Audi’s revamp of its big electric SUV has given it the range it needs to stay competitive and it is a thoroughly nice car to drive. Just don’t expect great efficiency.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 6 / 10
“Audi played it safe with its first electric car. It’s simply another of its high quality, signature SUVs that happens to be powered by electricity. But its looking old and inefficient these days.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Sportback overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi e-tron is the most convincing example yet of an electric SUV, undone by the usual range compromise.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s smooth and refined, but the Audi e-tron is very heavy and can’t match a Jaguar i-Pace for entertainment.”
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Fleetworld
Model reviewed: Sportback S line
Score: 7 / 10
“Lower boot line doesn’t hinder practicality much, but elevates the e-tron into an expensive but smart electric cruiser.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: Sportback overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 9 / 10
“The Audi e-tron Sportback 55 quattro is a capable and desirable premium product.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 10 / 10
“The Audi e-tron does lots of things very well. It delivers a very polished and enjoyable driving experience, with strong performance. The interior is bristling with all the very latest Audi technology. And all this comes in a spacious and practical SUV body style.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview (after Q8 facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“Thanks to an impressive electric range, sharper looks and a mix of trim levels and power outputs to suit a wide audience, the new Audi Q8 e-tron is finally the competitive premium SUV its predecessor ought to have been.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi e-tron might not be one of the best electric cars out there, but it is a very good choice for those looking for a big dose of luxury in their electric SUV, and is well worthy of your consideration.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview (after Q8 facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“In many ways, the Audi Q8 e-tron is simply an Audi e-tron with a few minor tweaks. A longer electric range makes it a much more desirable choice, though, while the interior is one of the most impressive in its class.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Audi e-tron offers the space and comfort of one of the brand’s typical full-size models.”
Read review
Model reviewed: e-tron 55 quattro 2019
“Putting concerns about cost and range aside, the e-tron is a no-less-than-brilliant entry into the electric vehicle market for Audi. It’s great to drive, if not quite as impressive as the Jaguar I-Pace, and it’s up to the firm’s usual high standards in every way. As a car to live with every day, there probably isn’t a better electric car on the market.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Q8 e-tron range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi Q8 e-tron goes further between charges than it did, and that’s what matters most. It is also satisfying to drive, a refined thing to ride in, and looks good in a sector of decidedly mixed rivals. Among these, the Jaguar I-Pace is super but getting old, the Mercedes-Benz EQC is also aged and feels it, the Genesis Electrified GV70 awaits a dealer network, and the BMW iX’s superb cabin and drive are ruined by *that* exterior.”
Author: Richard Aucock
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Model reviewed: Range overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi’s first all-electric car is a classy SUV. It’s everything you’d expect from an Audi SUV, but without a traditional engine. It’s also rather heavy and expensive. Early adopters will love it.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview (after Q8 facelift)
Score: 7.8 / 10
“With this mid-life update and shift to the Q8 E-Tron name, Audi’s flagship electric car is far more competitive than it once was. We’ve always rated the E-Tron for its refinement and usability, but the rate of change is rapid in the electric car market.” (Keith Adams)
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Model reviewed: Sportback overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 5.8 / 10
“Audi’s first electric model sets an interesting benchmark”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Audi e-tron is another fast and planet-friendly family wagon but lack of wing mirrors let it down.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Range overview (before Q8 facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“Very, very good… but not for everyone.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Q8 e-tron 55 S-Line
Score: 8 / 10
“The myriad changes haven’t really effected much of a difference in the way the Audi Q8 e-tron feels; consequently, it can’t quite match the interior panache of the BMW iX or the handling of the Jaguar I-Pace. But they have done just enough to keep this car toward the top of its class, which it sits astride as a good all-rounder; not perfect, but still rather likeable nonetheless.” (Alex Robbins)
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Model reviewed: Sportback 55 quattro 2020
Score: 8 / 10
“While dynamically the Audi e-tron Sportback is no rival for the Jaguar i-Pace, it is in refinement and luxurious appointment. It’s expensive, but this is a lovely relaxing car in which to do long distances, although you’ll need to drink a lot of coffee while waiting for it to charge.”
Read review
Model reviewed: e-tron 55 Quattro 2019
Score: 8 / 10
“Effortless cruising ability, quality feel and, yes, even its studied normality will make the Audi e-tron the ideal electric car for some. But it doesn’t come cheap, falls short on range – and you do wonder whether it couldn’t be just a little bit more exciting.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview (after Q8 facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“A very conventional Audi, built to persuade regular SUV buyers to make the EV jump.”
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Model reviewed: e-tron 55 quattro 2019
Score: 8 / 10
“A car designed to make precisely no statement about electrification at all.”
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Which EV?
Model reviewed: e-tron 50 quattro
Score: 6.6 / 10
“Audi appears to have started with a Q series body, dropped in an early electric motor and hoped for the best. Great driver comfort features go some way to off-setting the lack of performance, range and fun factor, but when you’re shelling out upward of £60,000, you don’t want to spend all your time worrying about range and whether you’ll make it through the next high-speed corner comfortably.” (James Morris)
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 76%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2025, the Audi e-tron has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Q8 e-tron is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
EV models | 301 miles | A | 175 – 343 miles | A – C |
Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
EV models | 2.9 m/KWh | E | 2.3 – 3.3 m/KWh | E – E |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 50 | F | 43 – 50 | D – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £436 | D |
Year 2 | £833 | C |
Year 3 | £1,272 | C |
Year 4 | £1,525 | C |
Year 5 | £2,014 | C |
Overall | £6,080 | C |
Despite being an EV, the Audi Q8 e-tron isn’t a cheap car in the world to own and run. That’s according to whole-life cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is poor, so you don’t get as much range out of the battery as you would in another car with a similarly sized battery.
Insurance is also likely to be pricey as the Q8 e-tron models all sit in the higher groups, with most in the very top Group 50.
Servicing and maintenance costs are reasonable for a premium car in this price range – more expensive than average for an electric vehicle but cheaper than an equivalent petrol or diesel Audi SUV.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Audi e-tron and Q8 e-tron
Date: June 2024
Recall number: R/2024/259
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2023 to 03/2024
Number of vehicles affected: 37
Defect: On affected vehicles the bolts for the brake pressure lines may have been tightened too far. In such cases the bolted connection may fail resulting in brake fluid escaping.
Remedy: Check the bolted connection and replace the brake pressure lines if required.
Date: February 2024
Recall number: R/2024/041
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2019 to 11/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 737
Defect: Certain vehicles with a specific type of high-voltage battery may have cell modules with technical irregularities regarding their charging and discharging characteristics. This may lead to the high-voltage battery overheating potentially creating a risk of fire.
Remedy: To minimise this risk temporarily do not charge the high-voltage battery above 80% capacity. The vehicle will be inspected and where necessary the individual cells within the high voltage battery will be replaced.
Date: February 2022
Recall number: R/2022/036
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 5,327
Defect: Following a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed.
Remedy: The wheel alignment must be checked and if necessary the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.
Date: October 2021
Recall number: R/2021/398
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2020 to 06/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 119
Defect: Components of the brake pressure unit may corrode during the vehicle’s service life.
Remedy: The electromechanical brake servo must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Date: August 2021
Recall number: R/2021/306
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2020 to 11/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 292
Defect: On vehicles manufactured within a specific period a brake servo which has a manufacturing discrepancy may have been fitted.
Remedy: The electromechanical brake servo must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Date: August 2021
Recall number: R/2021/305
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2021 to 03/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 58
Defect: There may be a loss of power and the message “Safely stop vehicle” may appear.
Remedy: Conduct a software update of the electric drive on the vehicles affected.
Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/236
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 10,089
Defect: One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links.
Remedy: The affected nuts on the rear axle will be replaced on affected vehicles.
Date: June 2019
Recall number: R/2019/182
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2019 to 04/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 238
Defect: Water ingress into the high- voltage battery potentially causing a short circuit and risk of fire.
Remedy: Permanent solution being developed. Owners offered an alternative vehicle until solution availible if required.
As of August 2024, there have been eight DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Audi e-tron and Q8 e-tron models. These cover sunroof motors, tyre size data, software and different battery issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Audi dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used e-tron or Q8 e-tron, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Security rating
Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research
Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Pass
Date: 2019
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Audi Q8 e-tron at The Car Expert
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi Q8 e-tron has received
2022
- Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Car for Families
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Luxury EV
2021
- carwow Awards – Best Large Electric Car (e-tron Sportback)
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Audi Q8 e-tron, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW iX3 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Jaguar I-Pace | Mercedes-Benz EQC | Tesla Model X
Buy an Audi Q8 e-tron
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Lease an Audi Q8 e-tron
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Subscribe to an Audi Q8 e-tron
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
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