Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron 55 quattro

Overview

The Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron 55 quattro is a seriously swanky all-electric SUV coupe, blending head-turning style with proper luxury and Audi's legendary quattro grip. This specific trim is a sweet spot, offering a potent punch and a generous battery for real-world adventures. It’s a premium player, ready to take on rivals with its sophisticated tech and refined driving manners. In Europe, expect new prices around €89,550, with used examples appearing near €66,445. It’s for those wanting an EV that’s both practical and properly posh, with that desirable sloping roofline adding extra kerb appeal.

What's New for 2025?

For the 2025 model year, the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron 55 quattro largely builds upon its recent major update, which introduced the 'Q8' name, a larger battery, and enhanced aerodynamics. Significant mechanical changes for 2025 are not widely anticipated. Instead, expect Audi to potentially offer refined trim packages, new alloy wheel designs, or expanded exterior colour palettes for the European market. The core tech, performance, and design that define this sophisticated electric SUV coupe remain its strong suit, ensuring it stays fresh and competitive in the premium EV segment.

Design & Exterior

The Q8 Sportback e-tron 55 quattro rocks a seriously sleek, coupe-SUV silhouette that’s pure Audi – sharp, modern, and undeniably upmarket. Its athletic stance is accentuated by the signature Singleframe grille, now with a cool inverted design, and striking LED headlights, with optional Digital Matrix LEDs for extra wow-factor. This trim often gets S line styling for a sportier vibe. Dimensionally, it’s substantial at 4915 mm long, 1937 mm wide (without mirrors), and 1619 mm tall, giving it impressive road presence while maintaining those swoopy, aerodynamic lines.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the 55 quattro and you’re greeted by a cabin oozing quality, with plush materials and Audi’s typically flawless fit and finish. The twin-screen MMI touch response system and the brilliant Virtual Cockpit Plus keep things tech-forward and easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto usually standard. There’s ample room for five, though the Sportback’s sloping roof slightly trims rear headroom. Luggage? No problem! You get a practical 528-litre boot, expanding to a massive 1567 litres with seats down, plus a handy 62-litre frunk for cables.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Q8 Sportback e-tron 55 quattro delivers a proper kick, thanks to its dual-motor setup (IM front, IM rear) churning out a hefty 300 kW and 664 Nm of torque. Naught to 100 km/h? A brisk 5.6 seconds, with a top speed of 200 km/h. The standard all-wheel drive ensures superb traction, while the adaptive air suspension provides a sublime ride – comfy for cruising, yet composed when you fancy a spirited drive. It’s whisper-quiet and effortlessly smooth, with multiple regenerative braking modes to claw back energy like a pro.

Range, Battery & Charging

This EV means business with its substantial 106 kWh usable battery, translating to a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of around 467 km – plenty for most journeys. Efficiency is rated at a decent 4.41 km/kWh. For charging, it juices up via a CCS Type 2 port. AC charging is standard at 11 kW (a full top-up takes around 9-10 hours), with a zippier 22 kW optional upgrade halving that. Hooked up to a DC fast charger, it can guzzle electrons at up to 170 kW, meaning a 10-80% boost in about 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is top-notch, with the Q8 e-tron family boasting a full 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The 55 quattro comes loaded with Audi Pre Sense systems as standard, keeping an eye out for potential hazards. You can expect features like adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance, traffic sign recognition, and advanced parking aids, though some of the most cutting-edge tech like night vision or a full 360-degree camera system might be on the options list. It’s all designed to make every journey as stress-free and secure as possible.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, Audi typically backs the Q8 Sportback e-tron 55 quattro with a 2-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty. Crucially, the high-voltage battery gets a more extensive 8-year or 160,000 km warranty, covering against excessive degradation (usually guaranteeing at least 70% capacity). Powertrain components are covered under the main vehicle warranty. Maintenance is generally simpler than petrol cars, with fewer moving parts, focusing on brakes, tyres, and software checks. Audi service plans may be available to cover routine checks, enhancing peace of mind.