Audi Q8 e-tron boot space, seating & practicality

As you might guess from its generous exterior dimensions, the Audi Q8 e-tron is a spacious car inside, providing plenty of room for five adults and their luggage. In fact, Audi’s clever packaging means that despite the fact it’s based on a similar platform to the petrol and diesel-powered Audi Q5 and Q7 SUVs, it doesn’t suffer many of those cars’ shortcomings. There’s a big boot, plus a storage space in the nose for the charging cables. Rear-seat occupants benefit from a completely flat floor, too – not something that can be said of a Mercedes EQC, for example.

Audi has elected not to try squeezing seven seats into the Q8 e-tron, as that may have made things a bit more cramped. That gives the Tesla Model X an advantage over its Audi rival, but the Tesla's rearmost seats are only suitable for small children.

Standard-fit air suspension, plus supportive seats, plenty of adjustment up front and quiet running at speed all combine to make the e-tron an extremely comfortable car. It's one of its most impressive attributes, in fact.

Audi Q8 e-tron interior space & storage

Along with lots of passenger space, the e-tron provides plenty of interior storage, including a large box between the front seats. And with no third row of seats in the boot, the second row is as accommodating as it can be – helped by the Q8’s completely flat floor – so even taller adults won't feel cramped in the back. Headroom, legroom and visibility are impressive all round.

Boot space

For some reason, the updated Q8 e-tron has a slightly smaller on-paper boot capacity than its e-tron predecessor. That car’s generous 660-litre boot has shrunk to a still substantial 569 litres – almost identical to what you’ll find in a Jaguar I-Pace. 

Thankfully, the Q8 retains the old car’s ‘frunk’ – or front trunk – meaning there is space to store the charge cables away from any luggage or shopping. At 62 litres, it’s a good size, too.

For carrying large loads, the Q8’s rear seats can be dropped to free up a total load area of 1,637 litres – again, down on its predecessor (1,725 litres). Ultimately, the Audi is still one of the most practical cars in its class, even if it isn’t as outright roomy as the old car.

Towing

Notably for an electric car, the Audi Q8 e-tron is rated for towing. An optional tow hitch can be specified, and a maximum braked weight of 1,800kg can be pulled. That's not quite as good as the Model X's 2,250kg maximum, but many other rivals aren't rated for towing at all.