Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron 50 quattro

Overview

The Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron 50 quattro is a sleek, all-electric SUV coupe that blends striking looks with everyday usability. As the entry-to-mid point in the Q8 e-tron lineup, the 50 quattro offers a compelling package of performance, luxury, and Audi’s signature tech. It's for those wanting a premium EV experience with a bit more panache than its standard SUV sibling. New, you're looking at around €78,150 in Europe, with used examples from this updated generation (post-2022) hovering near €57,997. It’s a sophisticated choice for the discerning electric driver.

What's New for 2025?

The Q8 e-tron range, including the Sportback 50 quattro, received its major refresh and new name for the 2023/2024 model year, bringing updated styling, improved battery tech, and efficiency. For 2025, expect more subtle refinements. These typically include minor adjustments to standard equipment, potentially new paint options, or slight tweaks to software and infotainment features. Any major powertrain or battery spec changes from the data provided (referencing the 2022-onwards model) are unlikely for the 50 quattro this year, as Audi focuses on rolling out entirely new platforms for other models.

Design & Exterior

The Q8 Sportback e-tron 50 quattro turns heads with its swooping coupe roofline, making it look more athletic than its regular SUV counterpart. Up front, Audi’s signature Singleframe grille, now with a fresh inverted design and integrated light strip, gives it serious presence. Slim Matrix LED headlights are often standard or a popular pick, looking super sharp. The 50 quattro usually rides on stylish alloy wheels, perfectly complementing its dimensions: 4915 mm long, 1937 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and a relatively low 1619 mm height for an SUV, enhancing that sporty stance.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the Q8 Sportback e-tron 50 quattro, it's typical Audi class: premium materials, impeccable build quality, and a tech-laden dashboard. You get dual MMI touchscreens (10.1-inch top, 8.6-inch bottom) for most controls, plus the brilliant Audi Virtual Cockpit. Space is ample for five, though the sloping roofline slightly trims rear headroom versus the standard Q8 e-tron. Cargo is generous: 528 litres in the boot, expanding to 1567 litres with seats down, plus a handy 62-litre frunk for cables. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Q8 Sportback e-tron 50 quattro delivers that lovely, instant EV punch! With its dual induction motors (one front, one rear) serving up 250 kW and a hefty 664 Nm of torque to all four wheels, it’ll whisk you from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 6.0 seconds. Top speed is a respectable 200 km/h. It’s not just quick; it’s smooth and refined, offering a supremely comfortable ride thanks to standard adaptive air suspension. You get multiple regenerative braking modes, selectable via paddles, allowing for efficient coasting or stronger deceleration to recapture energy.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 50 quattro packs an 89 kWh (usable) battery, providing a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 401 km – plenty for most journeys. Efficiency is rated at a solid 4.51 km/kWh. For charging, it uses the standard European CCS Type 2 port and has a 400V architecture. At home, an 11 kW AC on-board charger (standard) will fill it up overnight, with a 22 kW optional upgrade available. On the road, it can accept up to 155 kW DC fast charging, meaning a 10-80% top-up can be done in about 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is top-notch, with the Audi Q8 e-tron range scoring a full 5 stars from Euro NCAP. The 50 quattro comes generously equipped with assistance systems. Standard kit often includes Audi pre sense front (collision warning and braking), lane departure warning, and parking sensors. Many desirable features like adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance, blind-spot monitoring (Audi side assist), and a 360-degree camera system are usually part of optional "Tour" or "City" assist packages, so check the spec sheet of the specific car carefully.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Audi typically offers a 2-year/unlimited mileage vehicle warranty in Europe, with the high-voltage battery covered for a more substantial 8 years or 160,000 km, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. The powertrain itself is covered under the main vehicle warranty. While complimentary maintenance plans vary by country and dealer offers, Audi's reputation for build quality is strong. Regular servicing for EVs primarily involves checks of fluids, brakes, and tyres rather than extensive mechanical work common to combustion engine cars.