With EVs continuing to develop each year, certain manufacturers have consistently been ahead of the curve, innovating the world of electric cars and setting new standards for everyone to follow moving forward. One of these manufacturers is Audi, with its ever-growing e-tron range becoming more and more popular with each model they release. Despite making strides in the sports sedan category with the e-tron GT, the first e-tron model was an all-electric SUV released in 2019, an area in which Audi has continued to develop.
Now in 2024, Audi offers multiple all-electric SUVs, each focusing on areas such as performance and efficiency. The Audi Q4 e-tron, the e-tron S, and the Q8 e-tron, are all fine-tuned to excel in different areas, with all three EVs providing all the essentials of an SUV. The differences between the models allow more opportunity for buyers to find the right e-tron for them; here’s what makes the three models different from one another.
This article about the differences between the Audi Q4 e-tron, the e-tron S, and the Q8 e-tron was compiled using data from Audi’s website, to give accurate, up-to-date information.
Differences In Range
With electric cars, one of the most important specifications is the car’s range. Providing a solid range that can comfortably handle long journeys is essential in all-electric SUVs especially, with Audi making sure each SUV in the e-tron range delivers just that. The Q4 e-tron, e-tron S, and Q8 e-tron all have different ranges due to the main purpose of each car. The Q4 e-tron and the e-tron S are almost identical in size, with only a few inches between the width and height. The Q4 e-tron comes out on top in terms of range, providing an EPA-estimated range of 265 miles combined with the 55 e-tron powertrain. Audi designed this car specifically for an increase in range and efficiency, making an ideal compact SUV within the e-tron range for buyers who aren’t too bothered about performance.
The e-tron S on the other hand does focus on performance, which ends up sacrificing the amount of range the Q4 provides. The 208-mile estimated range is still nothing to push aside, being more than enough for both city living and longer journeys along with the increased power. The battery charge time is also only around 30 minutes, meaning you won’t have too long of a wait before you’re back on your way. As with the petrol-powered Audi cars, the Q8 is larger than the Q4, consequently providing more range. The Q8 e-tron’s EPA-estimated range is 285 miles with the 50 Quattro powertrain, yet again providing a solid range for an all-electric SUV. This climbs to 306–330 miles with the improved 55 Quattro powertrain, an even more impressive number.
With the increased height and more notably the increased width of the Q8 e-tron, the long haul journeys will be made much easier with more space as well a longer range compared to the Q4. The Q8 also doesn’t focus on performance, with the upgraded SQ8 e-tron models being dedicated to speed and power.
The E-Tron S Is The Most Powerful Of The Lot
As with the differences in range between the three electric SUVs, the performance also differs between the models in a much more prominent manner. Electric motors are known for their unmatched capabilities when it comes to acceleration through the blistering amounts of torque they can produce, taking SUVs to a whole new level in terms of performance. Audi did not waste any time implementing this within the e-tron range, with many models designed to amplify the increase in capability.
Of Audi’s three main e-tron SUVs, the e-tron S is the model with the most power, providing an eye-catching 429 horsepower through its three asynchronous motors in the front and rear. The e-tron S’ purpose is to be a high-performance electric SUV that is also luxurious in comparison to the base model, making the 429 horses (469 with Boost Mode) pretty special. The 717 pound-feet of torque is just another element of the e-tron S that provides how much more power electric motors can provide to SUVs.
2023 e-tron S vs Q4 e-Tron vs. Q8 e-tron Performance Specifications
|
2023 e-tron S |
2024 Q4 e-tron |
2024 Q8 e-tron |
|
|
Engine |
3 Electric Asynchronous 95 kWh Batteries |
Rear Permanently Excited Synchronous 82 kWh Motor |
Dual Electric 114 kWh Motors |
|
Horsepower |
429 HP standard, 469 HP with Boost Engaged |
201 HP Standard, 295 HP With Boost Engaged |
355 HP Standard, 402 HP With Boost Engaged |
|
Torque |
717 LB-FT |
230 LB-FT |
414 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
RWD Standard, AWD Optional |
AWD |
|
Transmission |
Single-Speed Automatic |
Single-Speed Automatic |
Single-Speed Automatic |
|
EPA-Estimated Range |
208 Miles |
265 Miles |
285 miles |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.3 Seconds |
5.4 Seconds |
5.8 Seconds |
(Specs sourced from Audi)
The similar-sized Q4 e-tron expectedly has lesser performance-based stats, being the more affordable model designed for easy driving. The 2024 Q4 e-tron provides up to 295 horsepower with boost engaged, which is still an excellent amount for the cheapest entry into Audi’s e-tron lineup. Keeping ‘Boost Engaged’, the Q4 e-tron can reach 60 MPH in as little as 5.8 seconds, meaning this option will still provide you with plenty of power to navigate any situation on the road.
For the largest model in the e-tron range, the Q8 e-tron, the horsepower crosses the 400 mark; delivering 402 horsepower with Boost Engaged. Larger SUVs don’t tend to have quite the same performance capabilities as smaller models, but the two e-quattro motors allow even the largest model to hold up in terms of speed and power. Reaching 60 MPH in 5.4 seconds with boost engaged, the Q8 e-tron adds the benefit of space and practicality without sacrificing hardly any performance.
Price Differences Between the E-Tron S, Q4 E-Tron and Q8 E-Tron
Due to the differences in both efficiency and performance, the three e-tron SUV models have separate prices that further vary depending on the model you choose. Compared to other all-electric SUVs, Audi’s range does cost more on average, but the increase in overall quality more than justifies the higher price. The e-tron S is the most expensive model, which is more than expected due to the car taking both performance and luxury to a whole new level for an electric SUV. In 2023, a new e-tron S starts at $88,200, with the price increasing depending on the package and further options you choose. For example, the Prestige trim of the e-tron S raises the amount to $95,895.
A 2024 Q4 e-tron takes the price down considerably compared to the e-tron S, starting at $49,800 for the Premium trim. The Q4 also has a Prestige trim, which most notably includes a more luxurious interior with amenities and technology. This trim starts at $63,500, which is still a large sum less than the e-tron S. Of course, the Q4 doesn’t have the same performance, but still stands head above shoulders next to its competition.
Audi Q4 E-Tron, E-Tron S, and Q8 E-Tron Pricing
|
Starting Price |
|
|
2024 Q4 e-Tron |
$49,800 |
|
2023 E-Tron S |
$88,200 |
|
2024 Q8 e-Tron |
$74,400 |
The largest model in the e-tron range with the Q8 once again sits in the middle of the three e-tron SUVs, with a starting price of $74,400 for the Premium trim. The increase in size and competitive performance/range justify the jump in price from the Q4, being priced just below the e-tron S’s starting price of $88,200. For the Prestige trim on the Q8, the starting price rises to $86,650, providing the ultimate driving experience in a larger electric SUV.
Each SUV Comes With Its Own Set Of Advantages
When choosing which e-tron is best for you, the key elements to consider are where you’re going to be driving the all-electric SUV, and the experience you want to have that only electric motors can provide. Luckily, the e-tron SUV range has all the essentials covered for an SUV, while setting a new standard through performance and overall drivability.
For the ultimate blend between performance and luxury, the e-tron S takes both of these elements to a new level. The 469 available horsepower provides the thrill all driving enthusiasts love, all while providing the highest level of luxury Audi has provided over so many years. The Q4 remains the same size as the e-tron S with less performance but more range, making the Q4 e-tron the best choice for efficiency, supported by being notably cheaper out of the three. If you’re looking for the size only SUVs can provide, the Q8 e-tron ticks this box while providing more than 400 horsepower to make the car feel as small as the e-tron S and Q4.
The latest e-tron SUV models are the perfect display of how electric power can enhance the capabilities of SUVs, all while maintaining the practicality that makes SUVs so effective. The price of the e-tron range is higher than others in the electric SUV market, however, very few can provide the cutting-edge experience that Audi has managed to achieve.
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