Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback review

Is the less practical but more stylish Sportback coupe variant of Audi's Q8 e-tron electric SUV worth the higher asking price?

Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback
Overall rating

3.5 out of 5

Fuel Type:
Electric

Pros

  • Classy interior
  • Excellent refinement
  • Big battery offers good range

Cons

  • Expensive to buy
  • Jaguar I-Pace better to drive
  • Not as practical as standard SUV
ModelRangeWallbox charge timeRapid charge time
50 e-tron Sportback266-290 miles9hrs 15mins (0-100%, 11kW)28mins (10-80%, 150kW)
55 e-tron Sportback313-342 miles11hrs 30mins (0-100%, 11kW)31mins (10-80%, 170kW)
SQ8 e-tron Sportback290-295 miles11hrs 30mins (0-100%, 11kW)31mins (10-80%, 170kW)

Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback verdict

Designed as a sleeker – but ultimately, less practical – alternative to the Audi Q8 e-tron SUV, the Sportback gets the same luxurious interior and a similarly composed driving experience. Thing is, it really isn’t that much less versatile than the conventional electric Q8, so if you like the looks and can justify the price hike, the updated Sportback is easy to recommend. Especially now it has the range and fast charging tech to match its effortless long-distance refinement.

Range details, specs and alternatives

The Audi e-tron was launched in 2019, at a time when big, luxurious, electric SUVs were few and far between. But since then, the market has been flooded with equally premium alternatives – cars like the BMW iX, Mercedes EQE SUV and forthcoming Volvo EX90.

Those new rivals quickly chipped away at the Audi e-tron’s competitive edge, so in late-2022, the German marque completely revamped its zero-emissions range-topper. As well as inheriting the ‘Q8’ moniker, Audi’s high-end EV was given a choice of bigger batteries, plus a subtly updated look and extra standard kit. With a starting price of less than £70,000, it even looks like reasonable value for money.

Alongside the standard Q8 e-tron, Audi also offers the Q8 e-tron Sportback – a sleeker, coupe-style SUV with a little less rear headroom and a slightly smaller boot. In reality, though, it’s one of the more practical cars of this type. The Sportback commands a premium of £2,500 across the Q8 range.

The lineup now kicks off with the Q8 50 e-tron Sportback, which gets a 95kWh battery and a range of up to 290 miles. In entry-level Sport spec you get 20-inch wheels, matrix LED lights, adaptive air suspension and a completely digital dashboard. S line costs a little more and brings 21-inch wheels, privacy glass and sportier styling, plus Valcona leather upholstery with ‘S’ logos.

Black Edition switches out much of the chrome trim for darker flashes, and swaps the S line’s graphite wheels for gloss black rims. As before, Vorsprung tops the range and leaves no option box unchecked. There’s 22-inch wheels, digital lights, soft-close doors and a panoramic roof, plus four-zone climate control, and even virtual door mirrors.

Each of these models is also available in Q8 55 e-tron spec, ushering in a larger 114kWh battery for up to 342 miles of range. The triple-motor SQ8 gets the same big battery, but range drops to just shy of 300 miles. 

For a more detailed look at the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback, read on for the rest of our in-depth review…

Most Popular

Tesla Model 3 facelift will be a double-edged sword
Tesla badge
News

Tesla Model 3 facelift will be a double-edged sword

Tesla’s updated EV will have an improved interior, greater range and a more affordable price – as well as one unfortunate drawback
1 Jun 2023
Electric Ford Puma could become the UK’s best-selling EV
Ford Puma EV
News

Electric Ford Puma could become the UK’s best-selling EV

The Ford Puma EV is set to arrive in 2024 with a range of over 200 miles and a tweaked exterior design
22 May 2023
Vauxhall Astra Electric: price, range and video
Vauxhall Astra Electric
News

Vauxhall Astra Electric: price, range and video

The new Astra Electric shares its parts with the Peugeot e-308, with first deliveries due soon
31 May 2023