Audi Q8 50 e-tron quattro – Audi has recently added an entry level Q8 E-tron to its range. The Q8 50 e-tron quattro joins the Q8 55 e-tron variant that was released last year.
While the Q8 55 e-tron model has been available in both SUV and Sportback since its launch in 2023, the introduction of the new models sees the farewell for the Q8 55 e-tron in the SUV body style, now available in only the Sportback body style.
With the introduction of the Audi Q8 50 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron models, (launched at the same time), the full suite of the Q8 e-tron model range is now available in Australia, offering customers a comprehensive lineup of electric luxury SUVs to choose from.
From the sophisticated elegance of the Q8 50 e-tron to the exhilarating performance of the SQ8 e-tron, Audi continues to lead the way in electric mobility, delivering sustainable solutions without compromising on style or performance.
A new entry point: the Audi Q8 50 e-tron quattro
What does it look like?
Well just like all the other Audi Q8s.
Its style belies its size. Meaning it looks smaller than it actually is.
For an SUV it sits low and squat at the front, like a panther ready to pounce.
I particularly like the front grill, sloping headlights and bonnet details. They add zing to the styling.
From the profile it has that coupe-like back with a forward leaning stance.
With 20-inch alloy wheels in a 5-arm ‘aero” style that fill out the wheel arches, it has a purposeful look.
What is the Q8 50 e-tron like inside?
For an entry model its well-equipped, as you would expect from Audi.
The front leather seats are heated, which was appreciated on the cold brisk morning of the launch drive. They are especially comfortable as well.
The layout is the same as all other Q8’s. Features I like are the twin central screens, with haptic touch as well as the 12.3-inch virtual cockpit for the driver.
Other highlight features include:
- Comfort pre-air conditioning system,
- Head-up display,
- 360-degree cameras including kerb view function,
- Active lane assist,
- Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter and
- traffic jam assist
The Q8 50 e-tron also has available a Sport Package with:
- 21″ Audi Sport alloy wheels in 10-spoke rotor style, Anthracite Black, diamond turned,
- Sport front seats,
- Valcona leather upholstery,
- Black exterior styling package,
- Exterior mirror caps in high-gloss black,
- Roof rails in black,
- Colour ambient lighting Package.
- Price: $5,400
Motor and drivetrain
Audi Q8 50 e-tron comes with a 95-kWh battery pack that fuels two electric motors—one on each axle. These deliver a combined peak output of 250 kW and an impressive torque of 664 Nm. The continuous power output is 100Kw.
It comes with a 2-stage ratio planetary gearbox with a single gear and selective regenerative braking.
The WLTP range is estimated at 386km, which is on the low side unfortunately. The consumption rate is also rated at 25.3kWh/100km.
Obviously, there is zero localised driving emissions.
What about Charging?
Q8 50 e-tron offers convenience with its DC charging performance of up to 150 kW, enabling a charging time of approximately 28 minutes from 10 to 80 percent. This means that Audi drivers can spend more time on the road and less time waiting for their vehicle to charge.
22kW AC Charging Package – There is an additional 2nd Onboard charger for (up to 22kW AC). To take advantage of this you can purchase an Audi connect charger (up to 22kW AC). Package Price is $6,900
What’s it like to drive?
This powertrain propels the Q8 50 e-tron from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and just 6.0 seconds in boost mode. That’s not a sports SUV, but it’s still dam quick. Top speed is capped at 200km/h.
What is impressive is the way it drives. Instant torque and responsiveness at any speed.
For a large and heavy SUV, its nimbleness and responsiveness is engaging. The Q8 50 e-tron benefits from an improved steering ration of 14:1, which promotes more direct responsiveness to driver direction. It definitely feels lighter at speed.
Q8 50 e-tron benefits from a combination of its sophisticated suspension system, precise steering, and the all-wheel drive with quattro.
It displays a level of ride and handling that is quiet, smooth, and predictable.
Peace-of-mind for Audi owners.
All models within the Audi Q8 e-tron range come with six years Audi scheduled servicing, six years Audi roadside assist, and a six-year public charging subscription to the Chargefox network – Australia’s largest EV charging network of which Audi Australia is a founding partner.
The Q8 e-tron models also come with the peace-of-mind of a five-year warranty and twelve years manufacturing warranty for bodywork against corrosion perforation for new vehicles, as well as an eight-year battery warranty.
Audi owners also receive a complementary membership during their warranty period to Audi Experience, Audi Australia’s bespoke loyalty program that offers access to exclusive national events, intimate Audi Ambassador experiences and premium partner offers.
Further information on the program can be found at https://myaudi.com.au/experience.
Audi SQ8 e-tron last thoughts
Audi has quite the range in Q8 vehicles. The Q8 50 e-tron SUV helps to round out that range.
It is labelled as an entry model, but it is anything but that.
Luxurious, comfortable, and safe, it is also a driver’s car.
With a 7.0 second time for 0-100km/h and instant torque availability, there is enough there to engage most drivers.
Pricing details for Q8 e-tron models
The new Audi Q8 50 e-tron and Audi SQ8 e-tron are available in Australian showrooms now.
| Pricing* | |
| Audi Q8 50 e-tron quattro | $140,600 |
| Audi Q8 55 e-tron Sportback | $166,600 |
| Audi SQ8 e-tron | $173,600 |
| Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback | $180,600 |
More thoughts and details Q8 50 e-tron
What is good? |
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What is not so good? |
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Some other Audi Q8 e-tron articles
- Audi SQ8 e-tron Quattro – everything you need to know
- Audi Q8 e-tron 55 quattro Launch Edition driven 2024
- Audi Q8 PHEV 60 TFSI e quattro S Line driven 2024
- We drive the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron 55 Quattro.
- Audi Q8 55 e-tron coming later this year
- Audi e-tron S Sportback 2022 Review
- Audi SQ8 Quattro SUV 2023 Review
Audi Q8 |
|
Model |
Q8 50 e-tron |
| Model Price | $140,600 MLP* |
| Engine | Twin motor , One rear one front. |
| Drivetrain | 2-stage ratio planetary gearbox with a single gear Quattro |
| Battery Capacity / type | 95kWh / Lithium Ion |
| Voltage / Capacity | 100kW |
| Power | 250kW |
| Torque | 664Nm |
| Range (WLTP) / ADR | 386km max / |
| Economy / efficiency | 25.3kWh/100km claimed |
| Fast Charge**/ Home | DC Fast charge 10-80% 150 kW charger 28 mins |
| Safety | TBC |
| CO2 Emissions | Zero driving emissions |
| 0-100kmh/Top Speed | 7.0secs / 200km/h governed |
| Servicing | 24mth / 30,000km Capped price service plan |
| Warranty | 5yr/ Unlimited km 160,000km/ 8 years high voltage components |
| Roadside Assist | 6Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
Overall Rating |
86/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 9 |
| Comfort | 8 |
| Equipment | 9 |
| Performance | 8 |
| Ride and Handling | 9 |
| Practicality | 8 |
| Fit for Purpose | 9 |
| Style / Appeal | 9 |
| Technology/connectivity | 9 |
| Value for Money | 8 |
Dimensions |
|
| Overall Length | 4915mm |
| Wheelbase | 2928mm |
| Width | 1937mm |
| Height | 1633mm |
| Wheels | 20-inch Alloys |
| Tyres | 255/50 R20 |
| Max ground clearance | TBC |
| Wading Depth | N/A |
| Approach | TBC |
| Rampover | N/A |
| Departure angle | TBC |
| Turning Circle KTK | 12.2m |
| Boot Min | 569L |
| Boot Max | 1637L |
| Kerb Weight | 2510kg |
| Battery weight | TBC |
| Payload (kg) | 660kg |
| GVM (kg) | 3170kg |
| GCM | 4970kg |
| Towing Capacity | 1800kg |
| Tow Ball rating | 170kg |
Overall Rating
Summary
Audi has quite the range in Q8 vehicles. The Q8 50 e-tron SUV helps to round out that range.
It is labelled as an entry model, but it is anything but that.
Luxurious, comfortable, and safe, it is also a driver’s car.
With a 7.0 second time for 0-100km/h and instant torque availability, there is enough there to engage most drivers.
