2024 Audi Q8 e-tron 50 and S quattro review

Audi’s ‘e-tron’ badge originally appeared on (and was the name of) its first EV. Following greater adoption of battery electric cars and a wider roll-out of electrified models, the moniker went from a model of its own to a spec for existing ones to denote they’re fitted with electric powertrains.

In the last year, Audi hasn’t so much discontinued the original e-tron as it has rehoused its variants within the familiar Q8 five-seat medium SUV’s line-up. A Q8 e-tron can now be had in 50, 55 and S trims, and are sold parallel to conventional powertrain versions of the Q8.

The 50 and S are new for 2024, with the range starting from $140,600 for the wagon-body-only 50 quattro, growing to $173,600 for wagon-bodied S and rounded out by the coupe-like S Sportback for $180,600. These variants join the $166,600 e-tron 55 quattro released in 2023.

Assuring buyers is a five-year, unlimited km warranty, with the battery guaranteed for eight years/160,000 km. A six-year Chargefox subscription and complimentary home charger installation may appeal to buyers getting into an EV for the first time.

New, entry-level 50 trim gets a 95kWh battery pack (carried over from the original e-tron), with an electric motor on each axle to produce a combined 250kW/664Nm.

S trim scores a new 114kWh pack – among the largest battery capacity of any EV in Australia – with Audi saying the unit is no larger physically thanks to increased energy density. Resultant is the tri-motor S (with one motor up front and two in the rear) being able to pump out 370kW/973Nm. 

Inside and out, the Q8 e-tron is a thing to behold. One thing Audi always gets right is an exciting transition from tame to aggressive styling as you climb a model’s trim rungs.

The Q8 e-tron is no exception, inspiring excitement on the way from 50 to S by way of aero body panels, 20-to-22-inch wheels, red brake callipers, additional badging and interior tweaks. Different materials and styles of steering wheel feature between the S and 50, with the latter’s somewhat embarrassingly featuring manual adjustment.

A 10.1-inch centre touchscreen runs wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth and FM/AM/DAB+ radio. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster presents (and dare we say may also age) well, providing drivers with no-nonsense access to information. Below these two is an 8.6-inch touchscreen which operates climate control.

Audi’s renowned air suspension features on all variants, allowing for multiple driving modes. On-road dynamics are excellent in each, with good cabin insulation giving justification to the asking price. We rarely found the ride jarring even in S trim with the stiffest settings selected.

Quattro all-wheel drive helps get the considerable ~2600kg weight around corners, with torque vectoring front-to-rear (as well as left-to-right in the S’s dual-motor rear) almost unnoticeable but done to great effect.

A faster steering rack (compared to the superseded e-tron) also further adds to driver engagement. The S is, of course, the sportier of the two, but the point at which it surpasses the 50’s impressive capabilities will already be at a level most driver will never take their car. 

Driving range is moderate across the range thanks to the model’s high thirst for energy. Our testing saw consumption of 26kWh/100km for the 50 and 29kWh/100km for the S, resulting in theoretic driving ranges of 365km and 393km respectively.

Depending on the route, style of driving, and whether you’re in a wagon or more slipper Sportback variant, expect to see figures swing either side of these.

Excessive consumption is made worse by lacklustre charge rates. The 50 can take up to 150kW of DC charge; the S, 170kW.

These rates may be a non-issue with smaller battery packs, but for a brand that seems hell-bent on increasing battery capacity rather than reducing energy consumption, it seems a faux pas – especially at the beginning of a model generation. 

The Q8 e-tron objectively improves on the formula of its predecessor, with sharper driving dynamics and more battery capacity, however a lack of forward-thinking towards charging might hurt its value proposition as rivals enter new generations.

Pros: sharp styling; super ride quality; smooth dynamics

Cons: high energy consumption; average charge rate