There is so little interest in the Audi Q8 e-tron that the factory in Brussels may have to close. And that while the electric SUV certainly has 4 plus points.
This test of the Audi Q8 e-tron, Kia EV9 and Mercedes EQS is a shortened version of the extensive comparison in Auto Review 9. Buy the magazine now in the supermarket, bookstore or in our webshop.
1. Audi Q8 e-tron but slightly more expensive than a Kia
It comes as no surprise that the Kia EV9 is the cheapest electric SUV of the trio. It has a base price of 71,495 euros. To our surprise, the Audi Q8 e-tron is not even that much more expensive (from 78,990 euros). This is thanks to a shake-up of the delivery program, with the basic version being removed and the 55 e-tron we tested getting a price reduction.
If we look at the prices of our test cars, the price difference between the Audi and the Kia shrinks to less than 4 grand: 82,140 and 78,895 euros respectively. And what does the Mercedes EQS SUV or not? Brace yourself: our test car is a 450 4Matic of 140,066 euros. In short, the Audi Q8 e-tron is the bargain of the week.
Tip
2. Smaller can also be nicer
Yes, of these three large electric SUVs, the Q8 e-tron is the smallest. It is the only one less than 5 meters long and also not available with seven seats. So all the interior space is at the disposal of the five occupants and their luggage. But how much does that minus point weigh when there are only five of you …
The Q8 e-tron is at its best when you’re sitting in the front. The finish of the dashboard is excellent and the operation is quite easy despite the dual screens.
3. The Audi Q8 e-tron drives the best
When you drive a 2.5 ton SUV onto the track, you shouldn’t expect miracles in terms of driving dynamics. Since the Audi is relatively small and light, and has the most powerful drivetrain, we give it the best chance of sporting success.
And it certainly does not disappoint. Before the facelift we were still complaining about its numb steering and strong tendency to understeer, now it drives extremely neutral and the feedback from the steering is much better. In addition, the brakes of the Q8 e-tron are well dosable.
4. Comfort: the Audi is the golden mean
It is really impressive how the steel suspension with level control on the rear axle supports the approximately 2.6 tonne Kia EV9 yet comfortably lifts over bumps. The fact that its German opponents collect more points here is due to their complex suspension with air suspension and adaptive shock absorbers.
Want to read a car test every Friday? Sign up for our newsletter!
The undisputed king of driving comfort is the Mercedes, which gently filters all shocks. Although you have to like the fact that the solid body vibrates slightly. No one can match it in terms of sound insulation either. In addition, you sit on the most comfortable seats, but then you have to expect that if you pay 140,066 euros.
The Audi is the golden mean. It has a supple suspension and unlike the other two, the suspension comfort increases as you load the car more heavily. Also in terms of noise comfort it is between the Kia and the Mercedes.
You can read the full comparative test in Auto Review 9You can buy the magazine in the supermarket, the bookstore or in our webshop.
Source: www.autoreview.nl
