Overview
Audi AG, a Bavaria (Germany) based luxury automotive manufacturer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group. Volkswagen AG is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry.
Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years.
With the launch of its electric vehicle ID. Family, VW is fast cementing a dominant position to become the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer by 2028, with the automotive behemoth planning to manufacturer 22 million electric vehicles. The Audi all-electric e-tron portfolio includes:
- Q4 e-tron
- Q4 e-tron Sportback
- Q8 e-tron
- SQ8 e-tron
- SQ8 e-tron Sportback
- Q8 e-tron Sportback
- e-tron GT
- RS e-tron GT
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback Coupé-SUV
The all-electric Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is the range-topping EV, replacing the first-generation Audi e-tron Sportback. The Q8 e-tron is also available in a more traditional SUV body style. Both EVs are being manufactured at the Audi Brussels factory.
The Audi Sportback body style was first shown in 2009. For those seeking a sportier exterior styling, the coupé-SUV roofline of the Q8 e-tron Sportback will appeal. According to Audi, “the Sportback e-tron has the unmistakable dimensions of an SUV – with the dynamic silhouette of a sporty coupé“. Indeed, this is correct, in that, the length, wheelbase and width of the Q8 SUV and Q8 Sportback are similar. However the key differences are in the height and the boot space.
The Q8 SUV height is 1633mm, while the height for the Sportback is 1619mm. The Sportback has a smaller boot (528 L) compared to the SUV (569 L). Both body styles have a frunk (62 L). Also, given the sleeker roof, headroom is compromised in the cabin and rear-view visibility impacted.
However, in return, the aerodynamics and efficiency of the electric vehicle is improved, compared to a more traditional SUV body style. The Q8 Sportback has an improved aerodynamic efficiency (0.24 Cd), compared to the traditional SUV (0.27 Cd). Moreover, for the latest generation e-tron Sportback, the drag coefficient has been reduced from 0.26 to 0.24 Cd.
The Q8 pure electric Sportback is available in two EV battery sizes: 95 kWh and 114 kWh. An increase in size from the original Audi e-tron Sportback, which was also available in two battery sizes (71.2 kWh/ 95 kWh). Audi claims that the Q8 e-tron Sportback can achieve an electric range up to 292 miles (WLTP) for the 95 kWh EV battery, and an e-range up to 345 miles (WLTP) for the larger 114 kWh EV battery. Both options offer marginally more zero-emission range, compared to the traditional SUV body style.
Of course, the real-world zero-emission electric range will differ from the manufacturer quoted range. Expect a real-world e-range closer to 250 miles for the 95 kWh EV battery and up to 290 miles for the 114 kWh EV battery. Certainly, a useful and practical range for short and long distance travel.
Audi has marginally improved the high-speed DC charging capability of the latest e-tron Sportback. The EV offers rapid DC charging up to 170 kW, but only for the 55 e-tron variant. The 50 e-tron variant is available with 150 kW DC.
The 95 kWh EV battery will take 28 minutes to achieve up to 80% charge at 150 kW DC, and will take up to 1 hour and 16 minutes to achieve 80% charge at 50 kW DC. The 114 kWh EV battery can be charged up to 80% in 31 minutes at 170 kW DC and 1 hour and 18 minutes at 50 kW DC.
The Q8 e-tron Sportback has a three-phase 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard, with the option to upgrade to a 22 kW AC onboard charger. If you expect the majority of the charging to be done at home, upgrading to a 22 kW AC onboard charger will not be required, as most homes in the UK are powered by single-phase power supply i.e. in reality you will be charging at 7.4 kW AC.
For those fortunate enough to have access to 11 kW three-phase EV charging at the workplace or any other public charging points, the 95 kWh EV battery can be fully charged in 9 hours and 15 minutes for 11kW AC charging. At 22 kW AC charging, it will take up to 4 hours and 45 minutes.
For the larger EV battery (114 kWh), at 11 kW AC charging, it will take 11 hours and 30 minutes, and for 22 kW AC charging, it will take up to 6 hours. Of course, charging at single-phase (7.4 kW AC) will take longer compared to three-phase EV charging.
At 7.4 kW AC, the 95 kWh EV battery will take 14 hours and 30 minutes to fully charge, while 114 kWh will take up to 18 hours. We at e-zoomed recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to charging an electric car, this way, charging times are always shorter!
The improvements for the latest generation e-tron continues: as an example, the Q8 e-tron Sportback has an improved asynchronous motor concept. It has upgraded the previous generation 12 coils to 14, further improving the delivery of torque for the Q8 and also reducing the energy required.
The pure electric Q8 e-tron Sportback is available in two drivetrain options, the 50 e-tron and the 55 e-tron. Despite the weight of the four-wheel drive electric SUV (2,585 kg), the performance is impressive. The higher specification, 55 e-tron can achieve 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds (maximum power: 408 PS/ torque: 664 Nm). The 50 e-tron can achieve 0-62 mph in 6 seconds (maximum power: 340 PS/ torque: 664 Nm). The top speed of the EV is 124 mph.
In terms of interior quality, equipment and technology, it reflects the premium price tag. The Q8 Sportback EV has 40 driver assistance systems, supported by five radar sensors, five cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors. The EV also incorporates remote paring assist plus, which is perfect for those tight parking spaces. The Q8 also uses the MMI touchscreen operating system, as is the case with the other Audi electric cars. The Q8 has two high-resolution displays, 8.6 inch and 10.1 inch.
As is the trend now with global automotive manufacturers, Audi is also keen to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, in particular, in regards to materials used for production. Audi has used recycled materials for insulation, damping and carpeting.
The EV also incorporates recycled automotive plastic waste. The Q8 e-tron is expected to be certified as net-carbon-neutral for customers in Europe and the USA. The Q8 e-tron is available to order in the UK, with deliveries commencing in 2023.
Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-2%) tax charge for pure electric cars. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Improved and good pure electric range | Cheaper pure electric SUVs are available |
| Attractive Coupé-SUV exterior styling | 22 kW AC onboard charger not standard |
| 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard | 170 kW DC rapid charging not available on all variants |
Gallery
The All-Electric Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback (credit: Audi)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | Coupé-SUV |
| Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In UK: | Yes |
| £ Variants (8 Options) |
|---|
| Audi Q8 Sport 50 e-tron (from £69,585) |
| Audi Q8 Sport 55 e-tron (from £79,585) |
| Audi Q8 S Line 50 e-tron (from £74,585) |
| Audi Q8 S Line 55 e-tron (from £84,585) |
| Audi Q8 Black Edition 50 e-tron (from £76,935) |
| Audi Q8 Black Edition 55 e-tron (from £86,935) |
| Audi Q8 Vorsprung 50 e-tron (from £91,585) |
| Audi Q8 Vorsprung 55 e-tron (from £101,585) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 95 kWh/ 114 kWh |
| Charging: | 170 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 28-31 mins). Onboard charger: 11kW AC (0%-100%: 9.15 hrs – 11.30 hrs) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
| £ Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity : 16.7 kWh | £2.40 |
| Battery net capacity : 30.0 kWh | £4.32 |
| Battery net capacity : 39.2 kWh | £5.64 |
| Battery net capacity : 45.0 kWh | £6.48 |
| Battery net capacity : 50.0 kWh | £7.20 |
| Battery net capacity : 64.0 kWh | £9.22 |
| Battery net capacity : 71.0 kWh | £10.22 |
| Battery net capacity : 77.0 kWh | £11.09 |
| Battery net capacity : 90.0 kWh | £12.96 |
| Battery net capacity : 100.0 kWh | £14.40 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1619 |
| Width (mm): | 2189 |
| Length (mm): | 4915 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2928 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 12.2 |
| Boot Space (L): | 528 |
| Q8 50 e-tron quattro | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 95 kWh (89 kWh net capacity) |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 261 – 292 miles |
| Electric Energy Consumption (miles/kWh): | 2.7 – 3.0 |
| Charging: | 150 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 28 mins). Onboard charger: 11kW AC (0%-100%: 9 hrs 15 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 124 mph |
| 0-62 mph: | 6 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 250 |
| Max Power (PS): | 340 |
| Torque (Nm): | 664 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,585 |
| Colours: | 9 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
| Q8 55 e-tron quattro | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 114 kWh (106 kWh net capacity) |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 306 – 345 miles |
| Electric Energy Consumption (miles/kWh): | 2.6 – 2.9 |
| Charging: | 170 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11kW AC (0%-100%: 11 hrs 30 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 124 mph |
| 0-62 mph: | 5.6 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 300 |
| Max Power (PS): | 408 |
| Torque (Nm): | 664 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,585 |
| Colours: | 9 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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