Audi Q8 e-tron review

It can get a little bit complicated here: there are four trim levels to choose from, two body styles and three different powertrain options. The Q8 50 e-tron in Sport spec is the entry car, starting proceedings at £67,800 rising to just under £115k in SQ8 e-tron Vorsprung format.

You can choose from Sport, S Line, Black Edition or Vorsprung specs – the entry-level Sport is already very well equipped with 20in wheels, adaptive air suspension, all-wheel drive, LED headlights, powered boot, heated electric front seats, two-zone aircon, 10.1in infotainment touchscreen, wireless phone charging and 360-degree parking sensors.

What do you get in the different trims?

We’ll compare prices in 50 guise – the Sport starts at £67,800 with that powertrain set-up. S Line adds some fancier exterior trim, sportier air suspension, darkened windows and 21in wheels for a £72,800 price tag.

The Black Edition cars costs £75,150 with the entry powertrain and come with gloss black 21in alloys and black trim around the exterior, while top-spec Vorsprung adds 22in wheels, matrix LED headlights, virtual door mirrors, heated steering wheel and all the option packs that Audi can throw at it, reflected in the hefty £89,800 OTR cost.

When it comes to the SUV or coupe set-ups, the coupe or ‘Sportback’ version demands a £2,500 premium for a swoopier roofline and less bootspace. You do get a useful boost to range and efficiency though thanks to the coupe’s more aero-friendly shape.

The 50 and 55 are available with all trim levels, while the SQ8 only comes in Black Edition and Vorsprung flavours. The S tops out the price list at £114,500 for the SQ8 e-tron Vorsprung. And breathe.

What about its rivals?

The Tesla Model X could probably be seen as a rival, but it’s a brash 10-gallon hat next to Audi’s pinstripe suit. Pricewise it’s a little more expensive too, starting at around £100k (although you can’t get an exact price from Tesla at the moment until the car you’ve ordered is ready to be shipped).

The Jaguar I-Pace gives the Audi a run for its money – it’s arguably more stylish and stands out more, but it’s starting to show its age a little. The Q8 e-tron’s mild update at the end of 2022 makes it the fresher offering.