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Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback Test Drive: Electric Elegance at 3,800 Meters

By Raj Hatkar

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As I stood at the foot of the Aiguille du Midi cable car in Chamonix, France, the snow-capped peaks of the Mont Blanc massif towered above me. The air was crisp, the sky impossibly blue, and parked next to me was a behemoth of modern technology, the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback 55 advanced quattro. A facelifted version of Audi’s first electric offering, this car had a lot to prove. With the original e-tron dating back to 2019, the Q8 e-tron Sportback is Audi’s attempt to bring their EV flagship back to the cutting edge.

And what better proving ground than the winding alpine roads leading up to one of Europe’s highest accessible points by cable car? From valley to summit, I’d test its power, range, handling, and comfort. But more than that, I wanted to feel if this car still had the soul Audi promised when they first went electric.

First Impressions: Subtle Sophistication

At first glance, the Q8 e-tron Sportback doesn’t scream for attention. The changes are subtle, a new, flatter Audi logo, a more aerodynamic honeycomb grille, and optional digital rearview mirrors. The silhouette remains unmistakably Q8, with a sloping roofline that adds a sporty touch without compromising too much on space.

The cabin, however, is pure luxury. Sliding into the driver’s seat feels like stepping into a high-tech lounge. Three screens dominate the dashboard, and materials are top-notch. The haptic feedback on the touch controls takes a bit of finger pressure but is intuitive once you get the hang of it. The seats are plush, and the view from the high driving position is commanding, ideal for the narrow, winding roads ahead.

Technical Overview

All technical details provided are taken from the Audi’s official manufacturer site.

SpecificationValue
ModelAudi Q8 Sportback e-tron 55 advanced quattro
Engine TypeDual Electric Motors
Max System Power300 kW / 408 hp
Max Torque664 Nm
0-100 km/h Acceleration5.6 seconds
Top Speed200 km/h
Range (WLTP)595 km
ADAC Real-World Range500 km
Battery Capacity (Gross/Net)114 kWh / 106 kWh
Charging Power (AC/DC)11-22 kW / 170 kW
Charging Time (170 kW to 80%)~30 minutes
Consumption (WLTP)20.1 kWh/100 km
Real-World Consumption (ADAC)24.0 kWh/100 km
Trunk Volume (Normal/Folded)528 L / 1,285 L
Curb Weight2,585 kg
Base Price€89,550

The Climb: Aiguille du Midi Bound

Leaving Chamonix, the road winds gently at first, then begins to coil tightly as we ascend towards the Aiguille du Midi base station. The Q8 e-tron’s dual-motor setup sends immediate torque to all four wheels. Despite weighing over 2.5 tons, the car launches with a grace that belies its size. In boost mode, it surges forward like a much lighter machine.

The steering has been notably improved over the original e-tron. It’s tighter, more responsive, and has a more defined center feel. The suspension feels firm yet forgiving over cracks in the road, Audi’s adaptive air suspension doing its job flawlessly.

At every switchback, the EV’s low center of gravity, thanks to the floor-mounted battery, provides stability. There’s some understeer when pushed hard, but for a luxury SUV, it remains impressively composed. The regenerative braking system is subtle and adjustable, giving me enough control for one-pedal driving through the steeper sections.

Real-World Efficiency: Climbing Without Range Anxiety

I kept an eye on the energy consumption as we climbed nearly 1,000 meters in elevation. The average consumption hovered around 28 kWh/100 km during the ascent, higher than the claimed WLTP figures, but understandable given the terrain. On the descent, however, the regen system reclaimed over 15 km of range in just 20 minutes.

At a quick DC charging stop in Sallanches, the Q8 accepted 149 kW, short of the claimed 170 kW, but still enough to gain over 300 km of range in half an hour. The charging curve is impressively flat, maintaining peak power up to 69% state-of-charge.

Back on flat ground, I averaged 21.5 kWh/100 km, which matches Audi’s efficiency claims more closely. With a real-world range of about 500 km, the Q8 e-tron Sportback proves it can be both a long-distance cruiser and a mountain conqueror.

Cabin Comfort: Tranquility on Four Wheels

What truly impressed me was the silence. Even at 130 km/h on the autoroute, cabin noise was measured at just 65.1 dB(A), quieter than some luxury sedans. The digital mirrors help reduce drag but take some getting used to. The image is small and low in your field of vision, reminding you that modern tech sometimes has a learning curve.

The seats are supportive during long drives, and rear-seat space is generous despite the sloping roofline. The trunk swallows my gear effortlessly, and the frunk, though small, is perfect for storing charging cables.

Handling and Dynamics: More Agile Than Expected

On the twisty descent from the mountain back to Chamonix, I switched to Dynamic mode. The steering weighted up, the suspension firmed, and the throttle became more sensitive. For a vehicle of this size, the Q8 e-tron Sportback is remarkably agile. The ADAC evasive maneuver test results confirm it, it passed with poise, though it couldn’t quite mask its heft completely.

Still, the car’s composure is confidence-inspiring. Whether dodging cyclists, hugging hairpins, or sprinting through tunnels, it feels planted and secure. You’re reminded constantly that this is a premium car designed for real-world driving, not just headline figures.

Conclusion: Still a Contender, Still Worth It

The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback may not be the newest kid on the electric block, but this facelift has given it a second wind. With a larger battery, better handling, and more refined tech, it stands tall, both literally and metaphorically, against newer rivals like the BMW iX, Mercedes EQE SUV, and Volvo EX90.

What sticks with me most from this trip isn’t just the spec sheet. It’s the way the car handled the climb, the comfort it provided on the descent, and the serenity I felt cruising through the Alps in near silence. It’s a car that doesn’t shout about its capabilities, it simply delivers.

If you’re looking for an electric SUV that blends performance, luxury, and real-world usability, the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback 55 advanced quattro is well worth a test drive, preferably somewhere scenic.

How far can the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback 55 go on a full charge?

Official WLTP range is 595 km, but real-world testing by ADAC showed a reliable 500 km under mixed conditions.

How does it compare to competitors?

It’s more refined than the Tesla Model X, more traditional than the BMW iX, and more efficient than the Mercedes EQE SUV. It holds its own in a competitive segment.

Is it a practical family car?

Absolutely. With plenty of space, comfort, and range, it’s ideal for road trips, school runs, and everything in between.

I am Raj Hatkar, Automobile Engineer with a degree in Automobile Engineering and over 5 years of hands-on experience in the automotive industry. I possess a strong technical foundation and a deep passion for innovation and vehicle technology. My expertise spans the entire vehicle development lifecycle from concept design and CAD modeling to prototyping, dynamic testing, and production integration. I bring a practical, solutions-oriented approach to real-world engineering challenges, consistently aiming to enhance performance, efficiency, and user experience in every project I undertake. To share this knowledge beyond the workshop and test tracks, I actively write detailed, experience-based automotive blogs.

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