In this review…
The Audi Q8 e-Tron is the ultimate introduction to EV technology family SUV form.
True to their brand, the original Audi Q8 is one of the German automaker’s most multi-faceted SUVs. It’s equal parts comfortable, technologically-advanced, practical and dynamic if you so wish. Now there is a new EV version – the Audi Q8 e-Tron, which carries over many benefits from electric power while retaining what made the original Q8 so beloved.
However, if you want to be the best luxury family electric SUV, you’ve got to compete with the Jaguar i-Pace and Mercedes EQC. Does an Audi Q8 lease deal do the trick?
Design
What’s intriguing about the Audi Q8 e-Tron is that its EV makeup is kept fairly incognito on the outside. The typical electric features you’d expect – a redesigned front grille, a set of future-forward wheels that don’t look like car wheels – aren’t here. That being said, there is a lot to like about the bodywork, from the 20-inch rims to its amazing air suspension, and its side bumper flairs and captivating gated tail lights with a full light bar across the boot that look like something out of Blade Runner. It’s futuristic in subtle ways.
There’s a grand purpose to how Audi have designed the Q8 e-Tron. With its contemporary design cues, it presents the SUV as a bridge for those who like the idea of an electric car but turned off its looks as too un-car-like. This idea to ease drivers into the world of electric cars rather than being thrust into the future all at once informs every part of the Q8’s design.
Interior
Inside is a banquet of technological treats for you to continually experience astonishing convenience with. The Audi Q8 e-Tron comes with electric heated seats, electric boot opening and 360-degree advanced parking sensors to name just a few amenities. In the driver’s seat lies a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit that does away with all the faff of the many gauges and simplifies it all into one place that gives you a HUD-like display of information clearly. There’s also an 8.6-inch touchscreen in the centre that connects to your phone to have a portable update of your car’s vitals and lock controls at any time.
Performance and Drive
Audi have made great strides to compete on the EV front. The Audi Q8 e-Tron base model has a theoretical range of 290 miles, while the 106kWh motor version increases this to a whopping 343 miles. A home wallbox can charge the car up fully in 15 hours, but a high-power petrol station charger can get from 0-70% charge in half an hour.
As a vehicle to command on the roads, it’s best to keep in mind that this is a 2.5 tonne SUV. Set expectations accordingly, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how the Q8 e-Tron deals with the roads. Thanks to the air suspension, it’s a smooth drive that won’t let you feel a bump unless it’s a particularly large one, and the acceleration will whip you out of even the tightest slip-road, as 0-60mph takes less than six seconds.
Practicality
The best part of the Audi Q8 e-Tron is how it functions as a family SUV. You have acres of space in the front and back, to the point where you’re likely never going to struggle for legroom or headspace. What’s more, the boot space is enough to hold eight carry-on suitcase, which is more than most SUVs in its category.
This lends itself further to the idea that this is a family car built to handle all occasions – taking the golf clubs, driving the kids’ football team and equipment to an away game, handling the annual trip to Ikea, and so on. The Audi Q8 e-Tron takes it all in its stride.
If you’re convinced to go out and find the best Audi Q8 lease deals out there, be aware that you’re already at the right place. cars2buy is the UK’s most comprehensive selection of online lease deals. Our transparent service captures the very best Audi Q8 lease offers from across the web and allows you to search, filter and compare them in one place. Browse our collection of Audi Q8 lease offers today and get your hands on a brand new model quicker than you think.
