The word FLAGSHIP is not a word to be thrown about lightly in the automotive world. With those 8 letters come big expectations. Especially when it comes to the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron, (previously known as simply e-tron), the brand's flagship electrified crossover.
Audi e-tron
The e-tron, Audi's first all-electric SUV, debuted as a 2019 model, making quite a splash at the time. But recently it's lagged behind competitors in terms of range and charging capabilities. That changes for 2024.
New for 2024
Audi's flagship all-electric crossover, newly rebadged as the Q8 e-tron, enjoys a number of significant improvements for 2024.
Higher Capacity Battery and Improved DC Fast Charging Speed
Audi's increased the e-tron's battery capacity. Instead of a 95 kWh battery it now has a 114 kWh battery. Maximum DC charging power has also been increased from 150 kW to 170 kW.
Better Aerodynamics
Improved aerodynamics are a big part of the story behind improved performance, efficiency and range. Audi gave it new more aerodynamic wheel designs and made other exterior improvements like enlarging the spoiler ahead of the front axle on the SUV and Sportback models. Also, in an Audi-first, engineers incorporated a self-sealing aero system in addition to the electric shutters that automatically close off the radiator, for more efficient cooling.
More Engaging Driving Dynamics
Audi engineers also focused on the new e-tron's driving dynamics. Enhancements included redesigned steering hardware and suspension software to sharpen responsiveness along with handling and agility improvements.
Exterior
My Q8 e-tron S Line Sportback Prestige e-tron review vehicle looks sporty and stylish in White Glacier Metallic ($595) with an available Black Optic Package which includes terrific-looking 21-inch bi-color finish wheels and black exterior trim.
New for 2024, you'll find Audi's new two-dimensional rings logo on the Singleframe projection light grille. The Prestige trim adds digital matrix LED headlights. Premium Plus and Prestige models add headlight and taillight animation.
The Q8 e-tron is also Audi's first model with laser-etched model badging on the B-pillar. Soft-closing doors are a benefit of the Prestige Package.
Other exterior design changes include new treatments to the front and rear fascia designed to improve aerodynamics.
Performance
The Q8 e-tron Sportback is powered by dual motors and a new larger, 114 kWh, battery. Audi's e-Quattro all-wheel drive is standard. Performance specs are a peak 402-horsepower with boost engaged. (For comparison, the upcoming SQ8 e-tron will deliver 496-horsepower.) Acceleration is quick off-the-line. Audi cites a 0-60 time of 5.4 (5.3 with the Ultra pkg.)
Range
The e-tron Sportback model delivers more range than the SUV variant. Updates bring the Sportback's EPA-estimated total range to 296 miles (300 when equipped with the Ultra package). This is a boost over the 2023 Sportback's 225-mile range. As with all EVs, you'll lose some range when you use certain features like the A/C. In my case, using the A/C dropped range from 138 to 132. (EV range for the e-tron SUV variant is 285 miles.)
You'll control regenerative braking, which can be used to help extend range, via paddle shifters on the steering wheel. However, there's no one-pedal option as in some EVs.
Interior
Already an Audi fan (I used to lease an A3), it's no surprise I loved the Q8 e-tron Sportback's roomy interior. It's luxurious, comfortable, well-crafted and full of great tech. Quality switchgear looks and feels nice as does the Prestige model's leather-trimmed dash, door armrests and center console. Open pore wood trim in volcano gray adds interest to the dash along with e-tron badging.
The Prestige's Black Valcona/Milano leather front seats with Rock Gray Stitching are a highlight. They're super comfortable and the 8-way power driver's seat features a cushion extender. Prestige also includes individual contour massaging seats. A heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel sports regenerative braking paddles.
A unique feature is the thumb-activated electronic gear shift on the center console, which I quite liked. It's easy to operate and quite ergonomic in design. The center console is also where you'll find glass-optic controls, the push button stop/start, switchgear for the camera and parking system, two smallish cupholders and a wireless charger.
Above, an expansive two-pan glass panoramic roof features a power blackout sunshade and integrated wind deflector.
I enjoyed using Audi's technology in here. The highlight being Audi's Virtual Cockpit Plus with full mapping capability. Mapping and graphics are great and info is easy to read. It's bright and thank you Audi for making the font big! It also has traffic sign recognition.
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I also like the dual-screen MMI touch response operating system. I like the design of it and the haptic touch functionality. There's an upper 10.1-inch and lower 8.6-inch display. Media, apps, charging info, Audi Navigation Plus, massage seat controls and the available Intelligent Park Assist system are a few of the functions displayed on the top screen. On the lower screen you'll access climate controls and drive mode options.
As for sound, the Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system is pretty exceptional.
Additional standard lineup features include Audi smartphone interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four-zone climate and natural wood inlays.
Your passengers will be comfortable in the second row with plenty of leg-room, though you lose a bit of headroom due to the stadium seating and the sloping roofline. The available heated seats are comfy and there is easy access to digital climate controls. A drop-down center console offers a flat storage area and two cupholders. You'll find USB C ports in front and back.
A remote, hands-free power lift gate opens at a nice speed and cargo space seems ample.
Ride and Drive
'The other big part of the new e-tron's story is its ride and drive. I think both are quite enjoyable. I applaud Audi designers for giving it a responsive steering feel - not I'm sure easy to do in a vehicle with a curb weight of nearly 5,800 pounds. Drive modes are easy to access and if you want the most engaging ride set it to Dynamic. While handling isn't sports car tight, it's a fun SUV to drive and a great daily driver. It's also easy to maneuver. Of course, standard adaptive air suspension is very, very nice. You get a comfortable ride on bump city streets and a notably smooth ride on the highway. It's a quiet one, too, thanks to the available dual pane acoustic glass for the side door windows.
Charging
The e-tron's charging port, located in front driver's side door, opens and closes with a press of a button.
The e-tron lineup is equipped with a standard 9.6 kW on-board charger and also now has an aforementioned 170 kW DC fast charge capability.
Here's a look at Level 2 and 3 charging times (trust me you don't want to use Level 1) with the standard on-board charger:
- Level 2 (210V) - 13 hours
- Level 3 DC Fast Charging: 10-80% - 31 minutes
A 19.2 kW on-board charger is optional and will speed things up further.
Home Charging
Audi includes a 2-in-1 charging cable, to accommodate Level 1 and Level 2 charging. Level 1 home charging is typically slow for EVs, so I would recommend installing a Level 2 charger at home. CarPro Show host Jerry Reynolds did this recently as you'll read here.
Public Charging
A lot of public charging stations, including Volta shown above, are Level 2. But Level 3 DC Fast Charging is your quickest option (you can charge from 10-80% in 31 minutes), so that means visiting a public fast charger.
If you can find an Electrify America network DC fast charger, great, because Q8 e-tron owners receive two years of free EA charging. A new Plug & Charge function streamlines the charging process at selected public charging stations. You can also use a route planner that maps out charging stations that's incorporated into the infotainment system.
Safety
The Q8 e-tron's semi-autonomous tech is my favorite yet in an Audi vehicle. That's thanks to its newly standard adaptive cruise assist and lane guidance system. It's impressive technology in highway driving.
The e-tron is also equipped with Audi Pre-Sense basic, Pre-Sense front (forward warning collision and avoidance assistance), lane departure warning, Audi side assist (blind spot warning) and rear cross traffic warning. It's also equipped with a 360 degree view camera along with front and rear parking sensors with rearview camera.
I'm not a huge fan of Audi's parking assistance system, as I don't find it as intuitive or easy to use as other systems.
Options and What You'll Pay
Options on this model include the paint color ($595), the Black Optic Package ($2,000), and rear side airbags ($400.)
A Prestige Package ($10,400), includes:
- Digital Matrix-design LED headlights
- Front passenger seat memory
- Head-up display
- Individual contour massaging front seats
- Intelligent Park assist (IPA)
- Intersection assist
- Leather trimmed dash, armrests, and center console
- LED interior lighting plus package
- Manual sunshades for rear doors
- Power soft-closing doors
- Singleframe projector lighting
- Valcona/Milano leather seats
Add it all up the MSRP is just over $92,000.
Verdict
A successful effort by Audi to keep its flagship electrified SUV relevant in a highly competitive and growing segment, all while remaining true to Audi's sporty luxury, engineering excellence and exceptional quality.
- What I liked most: Looks, luxury driving dynamics, technology and sound system.
- What I would change: If I had to be picky, power rear sunshades would be nice for the $.
- MSRP: Base price $77,800. As tested: $92,390.
- Fuel Economy: 84 city MPGe, 90 highway MPGe/87 combined MPGe.
- Odometer reading when tested: 1,264 miles.
- Weight: 5,798 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Space-saving spare tire with tool kit and vehicle jack.
- Length-Width-Height: 193.5” long/86.2” wide/ 65.1” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: N/A.
- Official Color: Glacier White Metallic ($595).
- Towing Capacity: 4,000 pounds.
- 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron in a few words: A significant step forward in Audi's electrification efforts worthy of applause.
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty, 8-year/100,000-mile high voltage battery coverage, 12-year limited warranty against corrosion perforation, 4-years roadside assistance provided by third party.
- Final Assembly Location: Brussels, Belgium.
- Manufacturer's website: Audi
