Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron S

Overview

The 2025 Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron S is a proper head-turner, blending sleek SUV-coupe looks with some serious electric punch thanks to its unique tri-motor setup. It’s Audi’s flagship electric S model, designed for those wanting electrifying performance without sacrificing luxury or that all-important badge appeal. Expect to shell out around €98,050 new for this beast in Europe, with used examples hovering near €84,970. This S variant really dials up the aggression and driving dynamics over the standard Q8 e-tron, making it a truly special bit of kit for the discerning EV enthusiast.

What's New for 2025?

For the 2025 model year, the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron S is essentially a carry-over model, building on the significant updates introduced when it was refreshed from the original e-tron. So, don't expect any massive overhauls! You're still getting the enhanced battery, tweaked styling, and improved tech from that recent update. Any changes for 2025 are likely to be subtle, perhaps new paint options, minor adjustments to equipment packages, or the latest software iteration for its infotainment system. It’s still fresh and very much competitive in the premium electric SUV game.

Design & Exterior

This Q8 Sportback e-tron S looks absolutely menacing on the road! That sloping roofline gives it a far sportier silhouette than its standard SUV sibling. The 'S' treatment adds wider wheel arches, an aggressive front bumper, a distinctive rear diffuser, and those signature Audi S model silver mirror caps. Standard Digital Matrix LED headlights can do some clever tricks, and the wheels are typically large and imposing. Dimension-wise, it stretches 4915 mm long, spans 1976 mm wide (no mirrors), and stands 1617 mm tall, giving it a planted, purposeful stance.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Q8 Sportback e-tron S is pure Audi class – think plush materials, impeccable build quality, and a super modern vibe with Valcona leather S sport seats. The twin-screen MMI touch response system (10.1-inch upper, 8.6-inch lower) looks slick and works well with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, naturally. There's seating for five, and while that swoopy roofline looks great, rear headroom is still decent. Cargo? You get a useful 528 litres in the boot, expanding to 1567 litres with seats down, plus a handy 62-litre frunk!

Performance & Driving Experience

Hold on tight! The Q8 Sportback e-tron S rockets from 0-100 km/h in a blistering 4.5 seconds. This electrifying shove comes from three electric motors – one induction motor at the front and two at the rear – unleashing a combined 370 kW and a colossal 973 Nm of torque through its AWD system. This setup allows for incredible traction and clever torque vectoring for super agile handling. The standard adaptive air suspension, S-specifically tuned, provides a brilliant mix of sporty firmness when you're hooning it and cosseting comfort for cruising. Regen braking is nicely tunable too.

Range, Battery & Charging

Juice-wise, the Q8 Sportback e-tron S packs a hefty 106 kWh usable battery. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of around 390 km, which is respectable for a performance beast like this, translating to an efficiency of about 3.68 km/kWh. For top-ups, it handles AC charging at 11 kW standard (full in about 9.5 hours), with a 22 kW optional upgrade halving that. Hooked up to a DC fast charger via its CCS Type 2 port, it can gulp electricity at up to 170 kW, getting you from 10-80% in roughly 31 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is top-notch, with the Q8 e-tron range scoring a full 5 stars from Euro NCAP. The S model comes loaded with a good suite of standard kit, including Audi Pre Sense Front which can warn of and help mitigate collisions, plus lane departure warning. For the full robo-chauffeur experience, you’ll want to spec optional packs like ‘Tour’ which adds adaptive cruise assist with active lane guidance, and ‘City’ with features like cross-traffic assist and exit warning. A 360-degree camera system is also a very handy option for parking this big machine.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Audi typically offers a 2-year/unlimited kilometre manufacturer warranty in Europe, though this can be extended or vary by specific market. The crucial high-voltage battery is covered for a more reassuring 8 years or 160,000 kilometres, whichever comes first, with a guarantee against excessive degradation (usually to 70% capacity). Powertrain components often align with this. While complimentary maintenance isn't a widespread standard in the EU, some dealers or national importers might offer service packages. Overall reliability for Audi’s e-tron line has been solid, with fewer moving parts meaning potentially less to go wrong.