Audi Q8 e-tron 55 quattro

Overview

The 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron 55 quattro is a seriously plush electric SUV, slotting right into the premium end of the market. It’s all about blending stonking performance with a comfy ride and that classic Audi luxury. This 55 quattro trim, with its dual motors and confident all-wheel drive, hits the sweet spot for range and power. New prices in Europe hover around €87,300, while a nearly-new one might set you back about €62,890. It’s a compelling package for those wanting a sophisticated, high-tech family wagon with zero tailpipe emissions.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Q8 e-tron 55 quattro largely carries over the significant upgrades introduced with its recent rebranding. This means it benefits from the larger battery and improved aerodynamics that boosted its range and appeal over the original e-tron. Audi has refined the software for potentially smoother infotainment and tweaked some equipment packages. Expect the same slick styling, now with a more distinct model identity, and a continued focus on efficiency and luxury tech. It’s more evolution than revolution this year, keeping it fresh against rivals.

Design & Exterior

The Q8 e-tron 55 quattro looks sharp and unmistakably Audi, but with a modern EV twist. Up front, you've got the signature inverted Singleframe grille, flanked by trick digital Matrix LED headlights on many models, giving it a proper futuristic stare. The side profile is sleek for an SUV, and it rolls on stylish alloy wheels, often 20-inchers or bigger. Dimension-wise, it's a sizeable beast: 4915 mm long, 1937 mm wide (mirrors tucked), and 1633 mm tall, giving it serious road presence. Subtle 'e-tron' badging completes the premium electric look.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Q8 e-tron 55 quattro is pure Audi class – think top-notch materials, impeccable build quality, and a super modern vibe. There's ample room for five adults to get comfy. Tech-wise, you’re sorted with Audi's slick MMI dual-screen setup (10.1-inch upper, 8.6-inch lower) and the brilliant Virtual Cockpit display, plus standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For your luggage, there's a generous 569 litres in the boot, expanding to a massive 1637 litres with the rear seats dropped. Don't forget the handy 62-litre frunk up front for charging cables!

Performance & Driving Experience

The Q8 e-tron 55 quattro delivers a proper shove in the back, hitting 0-100 km/h in a brisk 5.6 seconds thanks to its twin electric motor setup (IM front, IM rear) churning out a healthy 300 kW and 664 Nm of torque. Being all-wheel drive, traction is immense. It’s not just quick; it’s incredibly smooth and refined, making motorway cruising an absolute doddle. The ride is generally plush, soaking up bumps well, and the regenerative braking is effective, allowing for significant energy recuperation with adjustable levels for one-pedal driving feel.

Range, Battery & Charging

Packing a hefty 106 kWh (usable) battery, the Q8 e-tron 55 quattro offers a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of around 455 km, with an efficiency of 4.29 km/kWh. For AC charging via its CCS Type 2 port, it handles 11 kW as standard (a full charge taking roughly 9-10 hours), with a 22 kW optional upgrade cutting that time considerably. Hook it up to a DC fast charger, and it can suck down electrons at up to 170 kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up can be done in about 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is top-tier in the Q8 e-tron 55 quattro, backed by a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Audi loads it with standard kit like 'Audi Pre Sense front' which includes autonomous emergency braking. You'll typically find lane departure warning and parking sensors too. For the full suite of semi-autonomous driving goodies, you’ll often look to optional packs like the 'Tour' pack, which usually adds adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance, traffic jam assist, and emergency assist, making long drives a doddle and keeping you well-protected.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, Audi typically offers a 2-year, unlimited kilometre warranty on the Q8 e-tron 55 quattro, though this can sometimes be extended by local importers. Crucially, the high-voltage battery gets its own robust cover: 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first, with a guarantee it'll retain at least 70% of its usable capacity. Scheduled maintenance for EVs is generally less intensive than petrol cars, focusing on brakes, tyres, and software. Reliability is in line with other premium German marques, with Audi's EV tech proving dependable.