In parallel with its new Audi Q8 E-Tron Standard, the German brand also launches the Sportback version, which is distinguished by a slightly more dynamic style. Does the electric SUV thus have all the cards in hand to overshadow Tesla Model X and its German rivals? To find out, we took the wheel in different conditions, in this complete and detailed test.

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Audi will not escape electrification. Like all manufacturers, the German firm will be forced to stop selling thermal cars from 2035 in Europe, in accordance with the will of Brussels. It is already starting to prepare for this deadline and will even be ahead, since it will no longer market any internal combustion model from 2033 in its range. Before that, and from 2026, the brand with the rings will cease to launch new petrol vehicles. It then plans to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.

Audi Q8 e-tron sportback // Source: Marie Lizak for Frandroid

To achieve these objectives, Audi must obviously expand its electrical catalog. From 2018, the firm launched its e-tron, followed by the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT then the Q4 e-tron in 2021. At the end of the year, it will be the turn of the Q6 e-tron of See the day to support the models already present. But before that, it is time for the first electric vehicle, the Q8 e-tron, to offer a small youth cure with a mid-carrier restyling.

For the record, more than 175,000 copies have found takers around the world since the launch of the first version. But it was all the same time to offer a slight facelift to the electric SUV, which also took the opportunity to review its surname in order to better integrate into the catalog. This is how he inherits the name of Q8 e-tron, since it is between the thermal Q7 and Q8. Please note, it absolutely does not replace the latter, which is still present in the catalog.

This new name makes it possible to better stick to the nomenclature of the range, but also to mark a real turning point with the old version. Because it is not the only thing that evolves on this new version, which also takes advantage of it to review its design, but also its technical characteristics. Indispensable changes to better compete with the Tesla Model X, Mercedes EQE SUV and other BMW IX and stay in the race.

Design: a little more dynamism

As we have already seen in detail during our previous Audi Q8 e-tron test with its standard version, the German SUV evolves fairly deep compared to the restylages that we are used to seeing. We immediately notice the new more worked and slightly widened grille, associated with air intakes that also take up a little more space. Optics were not affected.

The profile evolves not from an iota, since the length is always displayed at 4.92 meters. A value strictly identical to the SUV version, and which approaches the 506 meters of the Tesla Model X. On the other hand, the height is slightly lower, since it peaks at 1.62 meters for the Q8 e-tron sportback, or 14 millimeters less than the classic version.

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It is possible to opt for a backlit grille, as proposed in particular by the Skoda Enyaq iV. Note that the Cx (aerodynamic drag coefficient) has been considerably reduced on our test model, displayed at 0.24 against 0.26 previously. What reduce consumption at high speeds. A value strictly identical to its American rival. A result made possible in particular by the numerous improvements including the arrival of active shutters on the grille and the 21-inch aero rims.

Habitability: more than adequate despite the lower roof

You will obviously not be surprised to learn that the Audi Q8 e-tron does not change its wheelbase compared to the standard model. The latter is therefore always displayed at 2.92 meters, which is more than correct for a vehicle in this segment. Although it is smaller than the thermal Q8, our test model is still very habitable, even for the occupants seated in the back. The latter benefit from a roof clearance of 97.6 centimeters, or about 3 centimeters less than the classic SUV.

Legroom is also very decent, while the driver and front passenger are also pampered. The S-Line version, which now plays the entry-level role, comes standard with electric and heated seats, which offer a multitude of positions for all sizes. Of course, the trunk volume is slightly lower than the standard version, since it fluctuates between 528 and 1,567 liters when the rear seat is folded down. It is also complemented by a 60-litre front frunk for storing charging cables in particular.

The driving position of the Audi e-tron Sportback is very elaborate, with quality materials despite some hard plastics which we would do well. The finishes are satisfactory, but we still deplore a certain very Germanic austerity. Only a few small red stitchings bring a little color to this very sober driving position. These do not come as standard, but can be chosen for free on leather sports seats and Dinamica.

Infotainment: Screens galore

If the exterior changes visibly, the cockpit of the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback remains almost unchanged compared to the old version. It’s the same for the 10.1-inch touch screen which takes place in the center of the dashboard. The latter incorporates the infotainment system that we have already been able to test on the standard version of the SUV. No change is therefore to be reported, since we find the same functionalities, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Again, no remote OTA updates, only offered on the Q4 e-tron.

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This central screen is also associated with a large, customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument panel displaying all driving-related data. It is also possible to opt for an optional head-up display, as well as for rear-view cameras, for an addition of 1,910 euros on the final invoice. An accessory that is more gadget than really essential, which does not really add anything to driving, or even complicates it in some cases. On the other hand, we appreciate the presence of numerous USB-C sockets at the front and for the passengers. Too bad the overall ergonomics are a bit average, although the infotainment is nice to look at and very responsive.

Driving aids: a well-equipped SUV

As far as driving aids are concerned, there is no real surprise since the equipment is identical to the standard version. Despite the slightly higher price, the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback offers the same level of equipment with the same finish. The S Line version, which plays the entry-level role, is therefore delivered as standard with the adaptive Sport air suspension, keyless opening and starting and LED lights. Many driving aids are also included, whatever the finish, including cruise control and the Park Assistance pack.

Level 2 semi-autonomous driving is also included, standard on the Avus finish and optional on the S-Line for 2,550 euros. This system combines adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance. Unfortunately, we were unable to test it during our test, because this device did not work in Portugal, where we took this test. We will not hesitate to tell you more about it in a future test that will allow us to try this technology.

Itinerary planner: an essential and complete tool

Among the many technologies delivered as standard on the electric SUV, we also find the route planner. The latter is accessible from the car’s touch screen or via the myAudi application. If we unfortunately did not have the opportunity to be able to test it during our quick start, it offers many very practical features to customers. In addition to calculating a route, it is also able to automatically search for the best terminals on the road and display the range of the vehicle. Regularly updated, it also includes a lot of information, such as the price and the payment options for the terminals.

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To better anticipate the distance that can be traveled without recharging the battery, the device analyzes driving in real time using numerous sensors, which assess acceleration, the topography of the road or even the outside temperature. Combined with navigation, this system also takes into account upcoming speed limits and traffic jams. Note that this route planner is associated with the Audi e-tron Charging Service fast charging network present in all countries where Audi is marketed. Again, this technology will have to undergo a more in-depth test, as we ran out of time during this test.

Driving: comfort above all

As on the standard version that we were able to test in parallel, the Q8 e-tron Sportback does not change its driving, while it retains the MLB-Evo platform that it shares with the thermal version of the Q8. Two power levels are offered for the moment, namely 340 and 408 horsepower, while an S version will see the light of day a little later. We meanwhile got behind the wheel of the currently most punchy variant in the range, known as the 55.

This comes standard with all-wheel drive, like the 50 variant, the most accessible in the catalogue. The same goes for the progressive steering, which is also part of the standard equipment. What theoretically make the electric SUV more dynamic. This is true when Sport mode is activated, since it also affects the throttle response, which delivers 664 Nm of torque immediately. The 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 5.6 seconds as on the standard version, for a maximum speed limited to 200 km/h.

If the handling is reassuring and the body roll is present but controlled, the whole thing remains a little clumsy in the curves, despite its very dynamic line and its slightly firmed adaptive suspensions. In reality, the Audi Q8 e-tron relies on its comfort rather than its dynamism to seduce, despite its large 21-inch rims. Ideal for long highway trips, the electric SUV is well insulated and has little road or air noise.

As with Tesla, among others, it is also possible to drive with just one pedal, which can be very practical in traffic jams. Especially since it is possible to choose from several levels of braking regeneration, via the paddles installed on each side of the steering wheel. Six driving modes are also available, including two designed for off-road driving, even if this is not the primary purpose of this Q8 e-tron. However, we were able to test it off-road and judge the good filtration of the shock absorbers on pebbles and on dirt.

High consumption

As on the standard version that we have already been able to test just before, Audi wanted to make a lot of corrections with regard to the batteries, in order to counter criticism about autonomy. This is how the capacity of the 50 version has increased from 71 to 95 kWh gross, while that of the 55 variant and the future SQ8 e-tron goes from 95 to 114 kWh. Which obviously has a direct impact on the distance that can be covered on a single charge, which is displayed at 552 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle. A figure up 32% compared to the old version.

On paper, it’s very interesting, especially when you know that motorists are primarily looking for a car with a long range, which is not actually essential. Because who says big battery also says high consumption. This is precisely the case with our test model, which runs at 26.5 kWh per 100 kilometers in the combined cycle. A slightly lower value in the city, to 24.6 kWh on average and which obviously soars on faster routes, around 29.3 kWh / 100 km. For its part, Audi announces an average of 24.1 kWh in the WLTP combined cycle (taking into account losses during recharging) a bit optimistic given the high weight of the vehicle, displayed at 2,585 kilos empty.

Note that the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback comes standard with an 11 kW on-board AC charger, but it is also possible to opt for a power of 22 kW via an option billed at 1,950 euros. In direct current, the electric SUV can collect up to 170 kW, which allows it to go from 10 to 81% in just 31 minutes. Or even 28 minutes for the 50 quattro version with its smaller battery

Note that it is also compatible with the Audi Charging Service network, which gives access to more than 440,000 terminals in Europe, including those of Ionity. In addition, the vehicle is also compatible with the Plug & Charge functionality, which allows you to connect without having to identify yourself with a card.

Final test score

The new Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback benefits from the same improvements as the standard version, both in terms of style and technical characteristics. Developments in the right direction, therefore for the electric SUV, which also increases its bill, to the point of becoming very elitist. However, it has many advantages, starting with its rather generous endowment, which would almost manage to make people forget the brand’s reputation with regard to the extended catalog of options.

Thus, with its price and its equipment, our test model remains in the average of the segment, facing rivals who are not given either. Not to mention the fact that it is compatible with the fast charging service giving access to many terminals all over Europe, including those of the Ionity network. The electric SUV makes life easier for users thanks to its many features such as route planning as well as its AC charging power.

In terms of driving, and despite its sportier design than the standard version, the Q8 e-tron Sportback actually relies more on comfort than dynamism. And this even if the road behavior is quite satisfactory, despite its weight far too high to offer real agility in the curves. We appreciate the adaptive damping which contributes to making the electric SUV versatile, as well as its fairly short turning circle despite the absence of rear steering wheels.

Even if the Sportback version does better in terms of consumption and autonomy thanks to its aerodynamic shape, it remains a large and heavy SUV, with a slightly lower autonomy than its American rival which is more technological, but less premium in terms of ‘approach.