INDIANAPOLIS — German automakers seem to be going through an identity crisis as they embrace electric vehicles. Mercedes don’t really look like Mercedes and BMWs are beyond hideous, but Audi has somehow introduced tech-forward models that still respect generations of heritage. Even with glass cockpits and ethereal powertrains, familiarity remains. A great example is the 2024 Q8 Sportback S e-tron.
That’s quite a word salad of a name, but it means this is Audi’s flagship crossover with a hatchback and electric powertrain. It’s big, easily swallowing five passengers in high-German comfort. But it is also athletic, looking ready to zap miles from the clutches of the Autobahn or a twisty sweep through the Bavarian Alps.
I used to think crossover coupes were stupid. I mean, if you want an SUV, buy an SUV. But I get it now. One gets all of the style and exclusivity of a luxury coupe, but with the practicality of four doors, hatch, and fold-down rear seats for recreational pursuits. Sure, rear legroom and headroom are a little dearer, but that’s just part of living for form over function.
This one in S trim looks like somebody provoked it. It’s showing anger through its wide trapezoidal grille, slashed air intakes, and seething headlamps above. It seems like a lot of grillage for an EV, but the look connects it to other angry Audis. Chiseled muscular shoulders, winged lower body flares, and wrap-around LED taillamps wrap around 20” wheels. It’s a big car that doesn’t look big - an Audi that’s refined and elegant.
Slipping inside, drivers face what pilots would call a glass cockpit…or what Audi calls its “Virtual Cockpit." Imagine flatscreen gauges, large infotainment touchscreen, and lower screen for climate controls. Drivers can grab a stylish bar across the console. Gears are selected by grabbing said bar and flipping a switch at the end with one’s thumb. Sleek forms caress natural wood, wrapped dash, and panoramic roof. Settle into heated seats and caress a heated steering wheel. It’s all radically new, but somehow familiar.
As you might imagine, passengers are well protected. Safety systems start with adaptive cruise and automatic emergency braking, but extend to lane keep assist, blind spot warning, and rear cross path detection systems. It’s all helpful in a vehicle that makes considerable haste.
Batteries and motors only make the Q8 a smoother, quieter, and quicker Audi. All that conjures a solid 496 horsepower, and when matched with electric all-wheel-drive, shoves this big and heavy crossover 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Range for the S version is rated 253 miles, but Q8’s lower on the hierarchy can manage nearly 300 miles. Recharge times aren’t bad, either. Fast charge 10-80% in 31 minutes or a full drink on a 240-volt home charger in 16 hours.
No matter where you drive the Q8, it’s a big and heavy vehicle. An adaptive air suspension does a commendable job of controlling all of this mass, and gives drivers options for how tight or wafty they want their driving experience, but it always feels hefty to the hand. Fine, it’s not a sports car. It’s a sporty conveyance that will serenely whiff your family to wherever it wishes – as long as it isn’t too far away.
All of this electric luxury comes at a price. A base Q8 costs $77,800, but our S Sportback came to a lofty $95,990. Competitors include the Mercedes-EQS SUV, BMW XM SUV, and Cadillac Escalade IQ.
Second Thought: 2025 Genesis Electrified GV70
If you like the idea of an electric luxury crossover that doesn’t seem sci-fi, here’s another one you might consider: The 2025 Genesis Electrified GV70.
The gas-powered GV70 was already debonair with its big grille, flowing forms, deep arching swage line in the bodysides, and rear window treatment that echoes the Porsche 928. The only clue this one is electric is the mesh-molded silver insert with a hidden door for the plug where a grille normally resides. The long hood, quad front light strips, and equally thin taillamps continue. It looks especially fetching over 20” wheels
Large screens for gauges, infotainment, and dual-zone automatic climate control glass up the cabin, but Nappa leather seats, sueded headliner, wrapped dash, and lush door panels dish deep class. Indulge in heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Wireless phone charging and Lexicon audio add delights. Safety is enhanced by a head-up display, adaptive cruise, blind-spot intervention, and safe exit assist.
On-road, its electric drive dishes 429 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque through all-wheel-drive. Boost Mode allows 10 seconds of up to 483 horsepower, running 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Range is limited to 236 miles, but drivers can fast charge 10-80% in just 18 minutes. Adding tech, the adaptive suspension system pre-reads the road to anticipate and adjust for rough pavement. Adjust drive modes from comfy to sporty.
While gasoline GV70s start at $45,700, Electrified versions rise from $66,950 to our vehicle’s $75,750 sticker. Also consider the Tesla Model Y, Cadillac Lyriq, Mercedes-Benz EQB, BMW iX, and Audi Q4 e-tron.
Storm Forward!
Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.
Audi Q8
Likes
- Familiar style
- Glass cockpit
- Ethereal performance
Dislikes
- Limited utility
- Shorter range
- Whew…price
2024 Audi Q8 Sportback S e-tron
Five-passenger, AWD Crossover
Powertrain: Li-ion batteries/motors
Output: 496 hp
Suspension f/r: Air Ind/Ind
Wheels f/r: 20”/20” alloy
Brakes f/r: regen disc/disc
Driving range: 253 miles
0-60 mph: 4.2s
Fast charge (10-80%): 31m
Assembly: Brussels, Belgium
Base/As-tested price: $77,800/95,990
