Review of the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback

The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is a fully electric SUV that provides drivers with a sportier alternative to the original Q8 e-tron. Coming with a coupe-like exterior, a luxurious interior, and a smooth drive, the Q8 e-tron Sportback is a great insight into the future of all-electric SUVs.

Rivals to the Q8 e-tron Sportback include the Mercedes EQC, BMW iX, and Jaguar I-Pace.

Our Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback review covers:

• Single frame grille and sloping rear windscreen
• Exquisite interior featuring high-quality materials
• 528-litre boot 
• Two electric engines available
• Four trim levels: Sport, S Line, Black Edition, Vorsprung

Pros:

• High-quality interior
• Eye-catching exterior
• A smooth and relaxing drive

Cons:

• Smaller than the original Q8 e-tron
• Performance is not as good as some of its rivals
• Heavy

As the Q8 e-tron Sportback is like a coupe version of the original Q8 e-tron SUV, the main difference in appearance is the sloping rear windscreen. When accompanied by its slick LED headlights, new design single-frame grille, and stylish alloy wheels, the Q8 e-tron Sportback is undoubtedly eye-catching.

Although the sloping rear windscreen cuts off about two centimetres of headroom, there's still enough room for three adults in the rear. The same goes for anyone in the front, where they'll find no issues with space whatsoever.

Boot space comes in at 528 litres for the Q8 e-tron Sportback, which is 40 litres less than the original Q8 e-tron SUV. If this isn't enough, there's a second storage area at the front of the car. Regardless, this is still pretty generous, and you'll be able to fit enough luggage for a family weekend away.

As we've come to expect with any Audi e-tron, the interior is top-notch. Everywhere you look, you're greeted with high-quality materials that have been expertly crafted into the cabin. Audi also hasn't overdone it with the design, and everything is well-organised and relatively easy to understand.

In terms of technology, the Q8 e-tron Sportback runs a three-screen system. The first is the 12.3-inch digital cockpit which provides crisp graphics and is easy to understand when driving. 

To the right of the steering wheel is the two-screen infotainment system. The screen closer to the windscreen is 10.1 inches and controls the radio, sat-nav, and smartphone mirroring. The lower 8.6-inch screen is for climate control and seat adjustability settings.

Four trim levels are available for the Q8 e-tron Sportback: Sport, S Line, Black Edition, and Vorsprung.

The entry-level Sport comes with 2-inch 't-arm' dynamic grey alloy wheels, adaptive air suspension, matrix LED headlights and LED rear lights, heated front seats which are electrically adjustable, two-zone air conditioning, and a parking plus system with 360 sensors.

S Line adds to this with 21-inch' 15-spoke' grey alloy wheels, S Line exterior styling, privacy glass on the rear and side windows, a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, and operating buttons with haptic feedback.

Black Edition features 21-inch '5-arm aero' black Audi sport alloy wheels, door mirrors in black, a gloss black styling pack, high-tech mesh anthracite inlay, and an e-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel.

The range-topping Vorsprung comes with 22-inch 'six-segment' spoke diamond cut Audi Sport alloy wheels, virtual door mirrors in black, a panoramic sunroof, heated front and rear seats, digital matrix lights that adapt to the environment, and a range of driving assistance packs.

Two electric engines are available for the Q8 e-tron Sportback, the 50 and 55. They're both all-wheel drive and feature an automatic transmission.

The entry-level 50 is certainly no slouch; it produces a power output of 340PS, has a top speed of 124mph, and achieves 0-62mph in just six seconds. Its 95-kWh battery has a combined range of 280-292 miles and can charge from 10-80% using a high-power charger in just 28 minutes.

The range-topping 55 produces an impressive 409PS, has a top speed of 124mph, and achieves 0-62mph in just 5.2 seconds. It features a 114-kWh battery which has a combined range of 330-344 miles, and can charge from 10-80% using a high-power charger in 31 minutes.

When on the road, the Q8 e-tron Sportback is one of the quietest cars on the market. It delivers all of its power with little fuss making for a relaxed experience for the driver and passengers.

Steering is also accurate and nicely weighted, given the Q8 e-tron Sportback's weight of 2.5 tonnes. Although it may feel big when driving through an urban area, the steering should help you manoeuvre your way through. There's also a range of driving modes to choose from, providing excitement when behind the wheel.

However, there's no denying that the Q8 e-tron Sportback could be a bit more engaging on the road, and it falls short of the BMW iX in terms of performance.

Prices for the new Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback start from £69,585.00 OTR* or to lease from £819.61 per month.

Looking to lease the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and has a range of leasing deals available to suit your every need.

Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase thanks to fixed monthly payments, a low initial payment, and a range of benefits included in the lease deal, including road tax and breakdown cover.

*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund licence, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change, always check with your nearest retailer.