Audi Q8 e-tron SUV - Interior & comfort

Although electric cars tend to be fairly quiet by default, we were still surprised just how silently the Q8 e-tron can move. The electric motors are almost completely quiet, and the interior is well insulated against the ruckus of road and wind noise. Even with big 21-inch alloy wheels fitted, the Q8 proved adept at soaking up bumps in the road, too – traits that are aided by its standard-fit air suspension and two-and-a-half tonne weight.

Audi e-tron dashboard

Audi claims that the Q8 e-tron's spacious, comfortable interior 'makes electric mobility a premium experience'. It's certainly well-equipped, and the interior design is full of the top-quality finishes we've come to expect from the brand. It also makes use of the dual-screen layout seen in the Audi A6, A7 and A8, along with a standard 'Virtual Cockpit' configurable digital instrument cluster.

Spec highlights include Audi's top 'MMI navigation plus' infotainment system, which has been tailored to suit EV drivers. It uses 10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower full-HD screens with haptic feedback to register when a command has been input, and offers an 'e-tron route planner' feature. This calculates a route that passes charging points where necessary, taking real-time traffic levels into account. It can also facilitate automated payment via Audi's 'Plug and Charge' system, but its rollout has been slow and it still isn’t available in the UK. MMI is a neat system that’s decently responsive, but we reckon BMW's iDrive infotainment is slightly more intuitive.

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Equipment

Both 50 and 55 quattro versions are available in the usual Audi trims, though the introduction of the Q8 nameplate also saw consolidation of the model range. Now available in Sport, S line, Black Edition and top-of-the-line Vorsprung specs, every version comes well-equipped.

Base Sport cars come with 20-inch wheels, Matrix LED lights front and rear, plus a power-operated boot lid, adaptive air suspension and heated leather seats. The dual-screen MMI infotainment system, wireless phone charging and Virtual Cockpit digital dials are also standard.

S line ups the kit count with the sportier styling synonymous with this trim across the Audi range, plus 21-inch wheels, privacy glass and S-embossed leather sports seats. Black Edition adds black trim and different wheels, while Vorsprung ticks near enough every option box, with bigger wheels, virtual door mirrors (a gimmick, in our view), plus a panoramic roof, four-zone climate control and extra safety kit.

Options

Although there were a raft of extras previously available, the list has been simplified, and most options have been consolidated into the different trim levels or as part of special packs. As mentioned above, Vorsprung cars get virtually everything fitted as standard, so before you add too many extras it might be worth investigating whether the top-spec trim offers better value for money.

If you do opt for the Sport, S line or Black Edition, you can add things like the Technology Pack for around £3,000, which adds the Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, a head-up display and 360-degree cameras, as well multi-colour ambient lighting. The Technology Pack Pro costs another £3,000, but brings four-zone climate control, a panoramic roof and heated rear seats, among other desirable features.

The virtual door mirrors are an extra costing over £1,500, but we think they’re a bit of a gimmick. They aren’t as easy to use as normal mirrors and actually limit your peripheral vision. The improvements to range and refinement are negligible too.

Other options include a 22kW on-board charger for faster AC charging for £1,750, or a tow bar for just under £1,000. The Q8 e-tron remains one of the few electric cars rated for serious towing.