2025 Audi Q8 e-tron Review

2025 Audi Q8 e-tron – Overview

Audi was an early leader in the electric SUV market when it launched the original e-tron in 2019, beating rivals like the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV by several years. In 2024, the e-tron received its most comprehensive update yet, improving range, sharpening handling, refreshing its design, and adopting a new name: the 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron. This change aligns with Audi’s revised naming strategy, where even numbers designate electric vehicles and odd numbers are reserved for internal combustion models.

The lineup now includes both a traditional SUV body and a sleeker Sportback variant, both styled to echo the familiar, conventional look of the Audi Q8. The 2025 Q8 e-tron delivers a driving experience closer to that of a gasoline-powered SUV, offering smooth performance and approachable handling that should feel intuitive to drivers transitioning to electric vehicles.

When Is The 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron Coming Out?

Audi has slated the 2025 Q8 e-tron for release in the fall of 2024, making it available for the 2025 model year. This refresh brings several improvements over the previous generation, ensuring it remains competitive in the rapidly evolving electric SUV segment.

What’s New for 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron?

For the 2025 model year, the Audi Q8 e-tron and its Sportback counterpart receive a handful of subtle yet meaningful updates. The Park Assist Plus system now includes Remote Park Assist, enabling the vehicle to park itself from outside the cabin, adding convenience in tight spaces. Audi’s infotainment app store expands available apps and features, enhancing the cabin’s tech ecosystem. Additionally, the Homelink garage-door controls have been relocated from the overhead console to the rearview mirror for easier access.

On the styling front, Audi introduces a new Magnesium package, which includes exclusive 21-inch wheels that offer a distinct, lightweight look. The Black Optic package is updated with Anthracite gray Audi rings, providing a subtle but sporty visual refresh.

Notably, Audi has announced that 2025 will be the final production year for the Q8 e-tron, following the closure of its Brussels, Belgium factory in February 2025.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron pricing starts at $76,095 for the base Premium trim and climbs to around $89,895 depending on the chosen trim level and options.

While both the standard SUV and Sportback body styles have their fans, we recommend the entry-level Premium trim for most buyers. It offers an impressive array of features without pushing the budget too high—especially for a luxury electric SUV. This trim comes well-equipped with 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, a sophisticated air suspension system, heated and power-adjustable front seats, LED headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, and premium leather upholstery.

This combination delivers a well-rounded package of comfort, technology, and style, making the Premium trim an excellent value choice.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

Underneath the sharply sculpted exterior of the 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron lie two electric motors—one powering the front axle and the other the rear—delivering a sophisticated electronic all-wheel-drive system. In everyday driving, the motors combine to produce 355 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque, with the rear motor doing most of the heavy lifting.

Engaging Sport mode temporarily boosts output to 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque, giving the SUV an extra burst of acceleration when needed. On the road, the Q8 e-tron feels quick and composed, with the instant torque typical of electric vehicles providing lively and smooth acceleration. The ride quality is quiet and refined, reinforcing its status as a luxury vehicle.

The braking system smoothly integrates traditional friction brakes with regenerative braking, though the latter is calibrated conservatively and doesn’t offer aggressive one-pedal driving. Still, the Q8 e-tron behaves much like a traditional SUV, including a respectable towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds—a notable plus for electric SUVs.

0–60-MPH Times

During testing, the Q8 e-tron Sportback reached 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, closely matching the standard Q8 e-tron’s acceleration time. This is notably faster—by about 0.4 seconds—than the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4Matic. For context, the sportier SQ8 e-tron trims the 0–60 time further to approximately 4.5 seconds, while the BMW iX xDrive50 leads the pack with a quicker 4.0 seconds sprint.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron packs a sizable 106.0-kWh battery that the EPA estimates will deliver up to 285 miles of driving range per charge. The Sportback variant edges ahead slightly with a rating of up to 300 miles, but that figure applies only if you opt for the Ultra package. This package includes more aerodynamic 19-inch wheels and a specially tuned suspension designed to maximize efficiency. Without the Ultra package, the Sportback’s range is estimated at 296 miles.

If the 300-mile rating holds true in real-world conditions, the Q8 e-tron Sportback will stand competitively against rivals like the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X. Both versions come equipped with a 170-kW fast-charging system capable of replenishing approximately 80% of the battery in just about 30 minutes, making longer trips more manageable.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The EPA rates the standard 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron at about 80 MPGe in the city and 83 MPGe on the highway. Thanks to its sleeker design, the Sportback model improves these numbers slightly, achieving 84 MPGe city and 89 MPGe highway.

We plan to conduct our own rigorous testing on a 75-mph highway route soon and will update with real-world fuel economy figures as soon as those results are available. For the latest official EPA figures and more details, you can also visit the EPA website directly.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

While the 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron shines with its electric drivetrain, its interior also impresses with a blend of modern technology and practical design. The cabin seats five comfortably and features a dashboard dominated by multiple high-resolution screens: Audi’s signature Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster, complemented by two flush-mounted central touchscreens that handle infotainment and climate controls.

Luxury options include a head-up display, massaging front seats, and upscale materials throughout. The battery pack’s clever underfloor placement creates a flat floor, maximizing interior space and comfort.

Cargo capacity in the standard Q8 e-tron is generous, offering 29 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanding to 57 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. The Sportback’s more sloping roofline reduces cargo volume by about 2 cubic feet, but it still fits seven carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats—just one less than the regular model.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron features a sophisticated dual-touchscreen infotainment setup, with a 10.1-inch upper display and an 8.6-inch touchscreen below. The top screen handles most of the multimedia functions, including seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also controls the available Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, delivering an immersive listening experience.

The lower touchscreen is primarily dedicated to climate control settings, making adjustments quick and intuitive. Multiple power outlets are strategically placed throughout the cabin to keep devices charged. Additionally, the Q8 e-tron offers a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot for in-car connectivity, while wireless smartphone charging comes standard on the Premium Plus and Prestige trims, adding convenience for everyday use.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Both the standard 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron and the Sportback come equipped with a comprehensive array of standard driver-assistance technologies aimed at enhancing safety and driver confidence. Key features include:

• Forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking

• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

• Lane-departure warning

Additionally, advanced systems such as adaptive cruise control and self-parking assist are available options, making driving and parking easier in various situations. For detailed crash-test ratings and safety scores, you can consult the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi offers a warranty package that aligns with industry norms but lacks some perks found on competing electric SUVs:

• Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Powertrain warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Electrical components (including battery): 8 years or 100,000 miles

Unlike competitors such as the BMW iX, Audi does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance, which means owners should budget for routine upkeep after the warranty expires.

2025 Audi Q8 e-tron Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron is a compelling luxury electric SUV that delivers a refined driving experience, advanced technology, and a plush interior. While its acceleration won’t blow away sports EVs, it balances power and comfort well. Its real-world range and fast charging make it practical for daily use and long trips alike. Audi’s commitment to safety and premium features ensures the Q8 e-tron remains a strong contender in the upscale electric SUV market.

2025 Audi Q8 e-tron Videos