Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron: reliability & safety rating

Audi may not have all too many satisfied customers, but the Q8 Sportback e-tron should be safe, at least

Overall rating

4.0 out of 5

Reliability & safety rating rating

4.0 out of 5

Fuel Type:
Electric

Euro NCAP

Adult protection

Child protection

Safety assistance

5 stars (2019)

91%

85%

76%

Audi has a very good reputation for quality and reliability, even if this wasn’t backed up by real-life owners in the most recent Driver Power satisfaction survey. All is not lost, however, as electric-car owners in general are reporting fewer mechanical issues, and given the fact the standard e-tron has been on sale in one form or another for almost five years now, and that the regular Q8 e-tron has a strong safety score, ownership should be trouble free.

Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron reliability & problems

Finishing 22nd out of 32 car makers in our latest Driver Power owner satisfaction survey will be cause for concern for Audi, even if the result did place it just ahead of arch-rival Mercedes. Audi owners were particularly disappointed with their cars’ ride and handling, and they thought the infotainment systems could do with improvement – not issues we’d level at the quiet, comfortable and tech-filled Q8 Sportback e-tron . 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Value for money was another area of dissatisfaction, though quality and cabin finish drew plenty of praise. It’s worth noting that in general, electric cars tend to be more reliable due to the fact there are fewer moving parts and therefore less to go wrong.

Safety

The Sportback variant hasn’t been individually evaluated by independent crash-test body Euro NCAP, but the conventional SUV has – posting an enviable five-star rating when it was assessed in 2019. It scored top marks in all categories, including an impressive 91% for adult occupant protection. This is helped by a strong list of safety kit – the e-tron managed 76% in the Safety Assist category – including autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, a plethora of airbags and of Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is editor of DrivingElectric, as well as sister site Carbuyer.co.uk, and a regular contributor to Auto Express. An electric and hybrid car advocate, he spent more than five years working on the news and reviews desk at Auto Express and has driven almost every new car currently on sale.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Top 10 best hybrid hatchbacks 2024
Best hybrid hatchbacks
Best cars

Top 10 best hybrid hatchbacks 2024

A hybrid hatchback is just as practical as a normal hatchback, but with even lower running costs. These are the best on sale in 2024
7 Nov 2024
Top 10 best hybrid cars 2024
Best hybrid cars
Best cars

Top 10 best hybrid cars 2024

The best hybrid cars will help reduce your fuel bills without needing to invest big bucks in a new electric car. These are our favourites…
7 Nov 2024
Omoda E5 review
Omoda E5 - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Omoda E5 review

Omoda’s debut on the UK’s EV market is a pretty promising one
24 Oct 2024