Audi Q8 e-tron Road Test: 8 Features That Made Me Rethink Luxury EVs
I’ve lost count of the number of premium SUVs I’ve schlepped up and down Britain in. But a few weeks back, I pointed the nose of an Audi Q8 e-tron from the vast, wind-brushed sands of Ynyslas Beach in Wales to the eerie shingle of Dungeness. About 500 miles all-in, through motorways, wriggly A-roads, and a couple of cities I didn’t mean to visit. The takeaway? The Audi Q8 e-tron isn’t just a polished luxury EV—it’s a deeply sorted everyday companion with a few clever tricks that genuinely make life easier.
- Power: up to 402 hp (boost); 664 Nm
- Battery: 114 kWh gross (around 106 kWh usable)
- 0–62 mph: 5.6 seconds (claimed)
- Range: up to circa 330 miles WLTP (spec-dependent)
- Max DC charge rate: up to 170 kW
- On-board AC: up to 22 kW (optional in some markets)
1) Virtual Mirrors on the Audi Q8 e-tron: Techy, Helpful, Slightly Odd (At First)
I’ll admit it—I wasn’t sure about the camera-based mirrors. First hour felt like patting my head and rubbing my stomach. But by Birmingham traffic, I’d stopped thinking about them. The OLED displays stay clear in drizzle and dew, and the extra modes—intersection and kerb views—make tight lanes and parallel parks less sweaty.
- Clear, steady images even in rain or early-morning condensation.
- Intersection view is brilliant for angled junctions; kerb view saves alloys.
- Downsides: takes a day to adjust; night glare handling is good but not perfect.
2) City Assist Pack in the Audi Q8 e-tron: Your Second Pair of Eyes
City centres are where big SUVs feel their size. This pack calms the nerves. The exit warning stops kids flinging doors into cyclists (ask me how I know), and cross-traffic assist is worth its weight in parking sensors. It’s like having a co-driver who never blinks.
- Exit warning protects door edges and passersby alike.
- Cross-traffic assist peeks around sightlines you can’t.
- Feels natural, not naggy—rare for urban driver aids.
3) Tour Pack: The Audi Q8 e-tron’s Long-Haul Superpower
On the M4, Adaptive Cruise Assist and active lane assist did that serene glide the Germans nail. It tracks smoothly, doesn’t ping-pong, and gives you confidence on a long slog. Predictive efficiency assist subtly eases off for roundabouts and speed changes so you arrive less frazzled and with more miles left than you expected.
- Adaptive cruise and lane assist feel calm and natural.
- Predictive efficiency helps stretch range without driving like a saint.
- Turn Assist gives a cleaner view of approaching traffic at junctions.
4) Panoramic Roof: Big-Sky Thinking Suits the Audi Q8 e-tron
Half the roof is glass, which sounds frivolous until the Welsh weather behaves for ten minutes and the cabin fills with soft light. Even on murky days it makes the interior feel like a modern lounge. Cracking it open on a B-road—gentle whoosh, no booming—was a happy surprise.
- Airy, calming atmosphere for long stints.
- Quiet when tilted; minimal wind rush when open.
- Great for family trips—kids stare upwards instead of at you.
5) Matrix LED Headlights: Night Becomes Day in the Audi Q8 e-tron
Rural Kent at midnight isn’t famous for ambient lighting. These are the headlights you want. The beam shapes around oncoming cars like you’re painting the road with light, not blinding the pub-goer coming the other way. I ended up arriving earlier simply because I could see further and commit.
- Excellent throw and cut-off; easy on incoming traffic.
- Reduces fatigue on unlit A-roads.
- Minor gripe: menu diving to tweak settings isn’t very “eyes on road.”
6) Ambient Lighting: 30 Hues of “Ahh” in the Audi Q8 e-tron
Thirty colours sounds like a gimmick until you set cool blue for a late-night return or warm amber for dreary morning school runs. It changes the mood more than you think. Also hides afternoon snack crimes surprisingly well.
- 30-colour palette and layered surfaces look high-end.
- Pairs nicely with the serene ride and acoustic glazing.
- Pro tip: softer hues minimize screen reflections at night.
7) Acoustic Glazing: The Audi Q8 e-tron’s Library Card
With the optional acoustic glass, the cabin hush is proper Bentley-adjacent. I could hear the faint buzz of the rear motors under full shove, and—charmingly—the kids arguing about crisps in the back. That’s how quiet it is. On rough aggregate, wind rustle stays background.
- Calm cabin makes EV torque feel even more premium.
- Long journeys feel shorter; fewer “are we there yet” moments.
- Note: 21/22-inch wheels add a touch more thump over sharp edges.
8) Dual-Sided Charging Port + Frunk Cable Bag: Audi Q8 e-tron Owners, Rejoice
Small things, big difference. Charging ports on both sides means no cable yoga with curbside chargers. The zip bag in the frunk keeps cables tidy—no more boot spaghetti tangling with your weekend kit.
- Charge from either side—handy in tight bays.
- Frunk bag keeps gloves, adapters, and cables clean and sorted.
- Only wish: a tiny LED in the frunk for nighttime cable fishing.
Precondition the battery before DC fast-charging (via nav routing to a charger) and the Audi Q8 e-tron can hit its peak up to 170 kW more consistently—shaving valuable minutes off a motorway splash-and-dash.
How the Audi Q8 e-tron Stacks Up
| Model | Power | 0–62 mph | Range (WLTP, approx.) | Max DC rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi Q8 e-tron 55 quattro | Up to 402 hp | 5.6 s | Up to ~330 miles | Up to 170 kW |
| BMW iX xDrive50 | 523 hp | 4.6 s | Up to ~380 miles | Up to 195 kW |
| Mercedes‑Benz EQE SUV 350+ | 288 hp | 6.6 s | Up to ~345 miles | Up to 170 kW |
| Tesla Model X (Dual Motor) | ~670 hp (est.) | 3.9 s | Up to ~348 miles | Up to 250 kW |
- The Audi’s ride quality and cabin quiet are class-leading.
- Charging speed isn’t the absolute fastest, but consistency is good with preconditioning.
- Infotainment is slick and responsive, though two touchscreens mean fingerprints and more eyes-off time than a proper rotary controller.
Premium Finishing Touch: Elevate Your Audi Q8 e-tron Cabin
One thing I always swap early on is floor mats. The right set keeps the cabin looking new and makes muddy weekends less of a panic. If you’re kitting out your Audi, the curated mats from AutoWin are built to handle real life while still looking the part. Nicely tailored, easy to clean—exactly what you want in a luxury EV that actually gets used.
AutoWin E‑Shop: Thoughtful Accessories for Your Audi
From model-specific mats to add-ons that solve everyday annoyances, AutoWin’s e‑shop is a tidy shortcut to getting your car just-so. It fits the vibe of a premium SUV—functional, neat, not shouty. Worth a browse if you’re organising the car for ski runs or family beach days.
Living With the Audi Q8 e-tron: Verdict
After a proper UK road trip, the Audi Q8 e-tron emerges as the grown-up’s choice in luxury EVs. It’s not the spec-sheet hero on charging speed or 0–62, but it nails the stuff you notice every single day: silence, ride comfort, thoughtful tech, and a cabin that feels like home. For Alpine ski weekends, long summer hauls, or just trying to keep peace on the school run, it fits. And that, honestly, is excellence.
FAQ: Audi Q8 e-tron
What real-world range can I expect?
In mixed UK driving, I saw around 260–300 miles depending on temperature, speed, and wheel size. Stick to 19/20s for the best efficiency.
How fast does it charge?
Up to 170 kW on a capable DC charger. With battery preconditioning (route to charger set), 10–80% can be done in roughly 30–35 minutes in good conditions.
Is the ride comfortable?
Yes—especially with air suspension. Big wheels add a touch of edge over potholes, but overall refinement is superb.
Are the virtual mirrors worth it?
If you do lots of city or narrow-street driving, yes. There’s a learning curve, but the kerb and intersection views are genuinely useful.
How does it compare to a BMW iX or Tesla Model X?
The Tesla is quicker and charges faster; the BMW is sportier. The Audi counters with class-leading quiet, a beautifully finished cabin, and stress-free long-distance manners.
