Is the Audi Q8 e-tron a formidable opponent for that other image maker, the BMW iX?
Largest electric SUVs Audi and BMW
In 2018, the E-tron was the first electric Audi, and therefore a ‘big deal’. There are now more electric Audis, so the ‘original model’ is getting a new name. Is the Q8 e-tron a formidable opponent for that other image maker, the BMW iX?
It is not becoming clearer at Audi in terms of naming, why is the E-tron now called Q8 e-tron?
‘Traditional’ car manufacturers that focus on EVs are almost guaranteed to create special situations. Almost without exception, the transition begins with the introduction of a special label, such as Audi’s ‘E-Tron’ and BMW’s ‘i’. Five years ago, Audi even chose to elevate that label to the model name of its first real EV, although that was guaranteed to lead to problems in the future. There is now a Q4 e-tron and Ingolstadt is working on a Q6 e-tron, so where is that ‘old’ E-tron still? Above it, apparently, because Audi chooses to let the model live on as a ‘Q8 e-tron’ after a facelift.
But the Audi Q8 then?
A fair question, because Audi’s choice is indeed remarkable. The regular, non-electric Q8 is bigger on all sides. The solution will undoubtedly present itself in the form of an expanded second generation in the future, but until then we have to make do with it.
Is BMW doing better than Audi?
Instead of learning from its competitor’s name-related struggles, BMW opted in 2021 to launch an electric flagship with a name that is difficult to place. The iX combines the ‘i’ of electric with the ‘X’ of SUV, but there’s no number that tells us where to put it.
Are the Audi Q8 e-tron and the BMW iX built on an EV platform?
No, that does not apply to both. The dimensions give the BMW iX a place in the range close to the X5, with which it also shares its CLAR platform. With that we immediately have another similarity between the Q8 e-tron and the iX: although they are both only available with electric powertrains, they are both on a platform that is also used in traditional models. The Q8 e-tron is on the platform of the Q7 and Q8. That is almost by definition not optimal when it comes to aspects such as weight and use of space, but it does not – of course – make them bad by definition either.
Is the Audi Q8 e-tron just a rebranded E-tron?
The name is not the most important change in the Audi, because we find it on a technical level. Audi tackles the electric motors and battery packs so thoroughly that the entry-level version now performs better than the top version of the past. The most modest ’50’ comes with lower consumption and a net battery capacity of 89 kWh (was 65) in theory 491 kilometers away on a full charge. This makes it suddenly recommended, where the previous 50 with a practical range of usually less than 300 kilometers fell seriously short. Power and torque also improved, so that the car now sprints from 0 to 100 in a nice 6 seconds. Four-wheel drive is and will remain standard on the Audi, so there is no lack of grip. Although we came considerably less far on asphalt than on paper, the progress compared to the predecessor remains enormous.
Well, the Q8 e-tron goes further, but does it still drive the same?
Fortunately, the air suspension that Audi installs as standard has remained. As a result, the car remains nicely balanced and comfortable, despite the weight of almost 2,500 kilos. It feels heavy, but it never gets boring. Things are calibrated a bit differently and that results in a firmer chassis, while we think we feel a bit more counterpressure in the steering. A matter of taste, but comfort still predominates. Traveling with the Q8 is a wonderfully relaxing experience and the air suspension takes that experience – sometimes literally – to the next level.
And how does the BMW iX drive?
This becomes even more apparent after a ride in the iX, which has to miss this provision as xDrive40. The iX is certainly not uncomfortable, but it is firmer than we would like with such a living room on wheels. Out of necessity, of course, because a softer tuning with traditional springs and dampers almost guarantees unwanted rocking at this weight. Still, the iX in this form is a nice driving thing. It sends a bit more directly than the Audi and offers more feeling, although it is also mainly about comfort. Important to note is that the BMW is not only bigger, it actually feels bigger. It is quite a beast to be on the road with, especially compared to the more compact-looking Audi.