The Audi Q8 e-tron, once a symbol of prestige and technological advancement, is saying goodbye. The model, which is characterized by high-quality construction, powerful electric motors and a luxurious interior, will leave the production lines at the factory in Brussels in February 2025. Despite solid sales in European markets, Chinese buyers turned to more modern solutions, which is why Audi is discontinuing this model. What does this mean for the future of Audi's electric SUVs?
In 2019, Audi introduced its first all-electric SUV, simply called the e-tron. This model marked a turning point for the brand, as it marked Audi's transition to electric mobility. After four years, in November 2022, the e-tron underwent a facelift and received the name Q8 e-tron, making it the flagship of Audi's electric fleet.
With a length of 4.92 meters, the Q8 e-tron ranks among the luxury SUVs competing with models such as the BMW iX, Mercedes EQE SUV, Polestar 3 and Volvo EX90. Its design is classically elegant, and the interior is equipped with all the luxury accessories we expect from Audi. Technology such as adaptive energy recovery and asynchronous motors gave the model a technical advantage over some competitors.
Capabilities that impressed
The Audi Q8 e-tron was available with two battery options:
- 95 kWh battery (89 kWh net) with a range of up to 491 km (WLTP).
- 106 kWh battery with improved NCA chemistry, which allowed a range of up to 582 km.
The propulsion system consisted of two or three engines that together produced up to 300 kW (408 hp). The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h was only 6.8 seconds, which is more than decent for an SUV of this size. A fast charging system of up to 170 kW allowed the battery to be charged from 10 % to 80 % in approximately 31 minutes – ideal for long journeys.
Nevertheless Q8 e-tron it never switched to the more modern 800-volt architecture, which allows for even faster charging and greater energy efficiency. This architecture, which is used by the Porsche Macan EV, Audi Q6 e-tron and some other luxury electric models, would have given the Q8 e-tron a competitive edge, but due to the outdated MLB Evo platform, it remained on the traditional 400-volt architecture. As a result, its charging time was longer and its energy efficiency was poorer compared to more modern rivals.
Why is Audi saying goodbye to the Q8 e-tron?
Although the Audi Q8 e-tron has enjoyed considerable demand in Europe, especially in Germany, where they have sold almost 10,000 units in 2022, the Chinese market has told a different story. Chinese buyers expected more technologically advanced platforms such as the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) or SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) used by the younger Audi Q6 e-tron.
The Audi Q8 e-tron was designed on the MLB Evo platform, which was originally developed for internal combustion vehicles. Although the adaptations allowed for solid electrical performance, over the years the platform began to fall behind the more modern solutions of the competition.
Audi has confirmed that the Q8 e-tron will get a successor, but the details of this model are not yet known. According to rumors, the successor will be based on a more advanced platform and production may be moving to Mexico, but not until after 2026.
Conclusion: Say goodbye to the icon
The Audi Q8 e-tron was a pioneer in the electric luxury SUV segment. Its elegance, performance and prestige set standards that were difficult to surpass. But the high price, limitations of the old platform and energy inefficiency have taken some of the model's luster, especially with the rise of younger and more advanced rivals.
Nevertheless, the Audi Q8 e-tron will go down in history as the model that paved the way for the electric future. Although it will soon be replaced by new generations of SUVs, this model will long be admired as a symbol of a turning point for Audi.
