Audi Q8 e-tron range, battery and charging
Extensive updates to the e-tron include bigger batteries and faster charging; but the Q8 is still heavy and not very efficient
| Model | Range | Wallbox charge time | Rapid charge time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 e-tron | 261-281 miles | 9hrs 15mins (0-100%, 11kW) | 28mins (10-80%, 150kW) |
| 55 e-tron | 306-330 miles | 11hrs 30mins (0-100%, 11kW) | 31mins (10-80%, 170kW) |
| SQ8 | 269-276 miles | 11hrs 30mins (0-100%, 11kW) | 31mins (10-80%, 170kW) |
The Audi Q8 e-tron is a large and luxurious SUV, so even though it uses big batteries – 95kWh for the 50 e-tron, and 114kWh in the 55 e-tron and SQ8 – its size and weight means it isn’t particularly efficient.
If you want to get maximum range out of the Q8 e-tron, you need to go for the larger-battery 55 model, but in a lower trim level; the smaller wheels count for a lot when it comes to efficiency. The sleeker Sportback coupe-SUV is also a little bit more aerodynamic, if maximum mileage is what matters most to you.
Those new big batteries mean the Q8 trounces most of its rivals when it comes to range. For example, the Mercedes EQC has a smaller 80kWh battery and will only (officially) manage 259 miles, while the Jaguar I-Pace can travel up to 292 miles on a charge. The Audi will charge faster than most of its competitors, too; 150kW rapid-charging is standard on the e-tron 50, while the more expensive 55 e-tron and SQ8 top out at 170kW. A charge at this speed will top up the battery to 80% capacity in just over half an hour, which is great for longer trips.
Audi e-tron range
The exact range figures for each version of the e-tron aren’t concrete, and in fact they change quite often as Audi updates its cars software and equipment offerings. At the time of writing, the updated Q8 50 e-tron model has around 261 and 281 miles of range depending on spec, with the Sportback managing a little more. These figures actually surpass those of the pre-facelift 55 e-tron, which had a smaller battery than the new entry-level car.
The new 55 model can go even further; Audi quotes between 306 and 330 miles, while the performance-focused SQ8 version offers 269-276 miles of range on a full charge depending on the model you go for.
These are official figures, however, and in reality, you’re unlikely to match them in real-world driving. Our experience with the 55 e-tron in mid-spec S line trim saw us averaging around 2.4-2.5mi/kWh in relatively warm weather. This equates to a range of 254 to 265 miles on a single charge – substantially less than we’d hoped.
Charge time
The Q8 e-tron has the potential to charge very quickly indeed, as it's capable of up to 170kW – much faster than the EQC's maximum capacity of 110kW and the I-Pace's 100kW v-max. That'll take the battery from 10-80% capacity in 31 minutes depending on which version you go for. Note: the entry-level e-tron 50 is capped at 150kW, but the smaller battery capacity means it can charge to 80% in less than half an hour.
You can also charge the e-tron at home; all cars get an 11kW on-board charger as standard, while a 22kW charger is extra. Charging this way could top up the 55 e-tron’s 106kWh usable battery in as little as six hours. However, a standard 7kW wallbox will fill the battery in around 15 hours.
