Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron: running costs & insurance

The Q8 Sportback e-tron is a pretty expensive car to buy, though newer rivals are pricier still – the Mercedes EQE SUV starts from around an eye-watering £90,000. Make full use of an off-peak energy tariff and it could cost drastically less than a petrol SUV to run. If you’re lucky enough to be able to claim the Q8 Sportback as a company car – all EVs are currently liable for the lowest 2% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rate. Just beware, though – insuring your Q8 e-tron is a bit of a sting in the tail.

Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron insurance group

Whichever way you look at it, the Q8 Sportback e-tron occupies some of the most expensive insurance groupings. Base models span groups 48-49, while all other versions sit in the highest insurance group, 50. That said, all of the Audi’s rivals suffer the same problem, however, a petrol or diesel-powered equivalent is likely to be cheaper to cover regardless.

Warranty

Every Q8 Sportback e-tron gets a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, which is little more than par for the course. Some rivals top this with unlimited-mileage cover during the first three years, while more mainstream electric-car manufacturers like Kia back their cars for up to seven years/100,000 miles.

Still, like many electric cars, the Q8 Sportback e-tron's battery is covered separately for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. That should give owners peace of mind – especially if they plan to use the car’s 150-170kW rapid-charging capability on a regular basis.

Servicing

The Q8 Sportback e-tron will need servicing every two years or 18,000 miles – whichever comes soonest. There are several service plans to choose from, which should at least provide you with some savings.

Road tax

Like all fully electric vehicles for the time being, the Q8 Sportback e-tron is zero-rated for road tax (VED) until 2025. It’s exempt from the London Congestion Charge as well, also until 2025.