Despite the desert’s typically dry climate, winter in Arizona has been quite wet this year. However, those weather conditions did not stop us from experiencing the thrill of driving the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron. This state-of-the-art vehicle boasts impressive features, such as its electric-powered motors and Audi quattro all-wheel drive, allowing us to navigate easily through the wet terrain. The ability to get wet and dirty is always a remarkable experience, and we fully appreciate the power and performance of this car. Was it exceptional? Let’s get into it.
What moves the Audi Q8 e-tron?
The 2024 Q8 e-tron maintains Audi’s legacy of delivering a dynamic and exhilarating driving experience. It features two electric motors, but the previous model’s rear motor has been updated. Combined, the two motors supply 355 horsepower and 414 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a Dynamic Boost function which provides 402-hp and 490 lb-ft, if only for around 12 seconds.
The 2024 revision in the Q8 e-tron’s motors bring more torque and reduced energy consumption, giving the e-tron an approximate MPGe of 80 city/83 highway. This is partly due to a new higher-capacity battery of 86.5 kWh.
The Q8 e-tron has a revised range of approximately 285 miles per charge. Using a DC fast charger, charge times estimates will allow going from 10 percent to 80 percent in just over 30 minutes. Charging at home is naturally slower, though. Using a 120-volt household outlet and portable charger, It took us seven hours to charge from 150 miles to 170 miles. We recommend either adding a 240-volt/Level 2 charger or taking advantage of the two-year Electrify America DC fast charging bonus included with purchase of the e-tron. That’s only if your local E/A charger is working and fully functional.
The Q8 e-tron can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Just remember though, that doing it will severely reduce your mileage range. And that’s where that thing called range anxiety creeps in.
The Ride Inside
The drivetrain on the all-wheel drive Q8 e-tron consists of an electric motor on each axle, with improved traction, because, well, quattro. The steering system has also been revised for a more responsive feel. There was a much more precise feel than we felt with other Audis.
While words like responsive and precise usually mean harsh, we thought the ride was comfortable, too. The Audi Q8 e-tron is standard with an air-suspension featuring normal and sport modes that tailor the ride to your needs at any specific time or road condition.
What Else About the Inside?
We found the interior of the car to be roomy, refined, and even a bit opulent. Its front seats feature 14-way adjustable chairs covered in upgraded Valcona / Milano leather with orange accents. They even have massage functionality, making them ideal for a post-workout unwinding after a Pilates class. You can even indulge in a full body massage while queuing up in the pickup line at your favorite caffeine emporium. While waiting your turn, you can take advantage of the open-glass panoramic roof that allows you to enjoy the outside world from the comfort of your electric vehicle.
The infotainment cluster is a 12.3-inch color display to allow control of navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and other functions. Climate controls are just below and relatively easy to figure out. There’s plenty of room for passengers and for cargo capacity. Behind the rear seats, we found 28.5 cubic feet of storage. Fold the rear seats forward, and that space grew to 56.4-cubic feet.
How About the Outside of the Audi Q8 e-tron.
The Q8 e-tron is available in two body styles: A sportback (fastback) model with a sleekly-tapered roofline, and our tester, which was a standard configuration SUV. The Sportback offers longer range of 300 miles, but we weren’t far off at 285 miles from the SUV.
For 2024, Audi has revised the grille, refreshed wheel designs and improved aerodynamics for improved range economy and wind resistance. Besides making it more slippery while cutting through the wind, it also helps reduce interior wind turbulence.
Behind the wheel of the Q8 e-tron
Think of the Q8 e-tron as a mostly rear-wheel drive SUV that only draws front-wheel power when traction and road dictates demand it. Going from front to rear was a smooth operation that we never really felt while it was working. What the e-tron didn’t have that we hoped it did was the opportunity to use “one pedal” driving. That’s where the vehicle goes into braking mode as soon as you lift your foot from the accelerator.
We truly enjoyed driving the Q8. We never felt the nerves that come from range anxiety, only a bunch of good vibrations (Cue the Beach Boys). It sprints from 50 to 70 mph in 3 seconds, so those behind us can eat our carbon footprint. The Q8 is an electric SUV designed to provide a luxurious, quiet driving experience with smooth acceleration and balanced handling.
