2023 Audi Q8 e-tron S line 55 quattro Review

In the mid-to-large pure electric SUV market in Malaysia, family users and buyers who value luxury are increasingly inclined towards models with ample space and full features. The 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron S line 55 quattro is a new option in this segment. Not only has it upgraded its battery capacity and range, but it also retains Audi's iconic luxury features. The core purpose of our test this time is to see if its actual performance in daily use can match its positioning as a "luxury pure electric flagship".

The exterior of the Q8 e-tron S line 55 quattro continues Audi's stable family style but shows more electrification characteristics in the details. The front face adopts a closed octagonal grille with chrome trim around the edges and inside, paired with sharp matrix LED headlights on both sides, making it highly recognizable. The side profile of the car is sleek, with the roof slightly sloping down from the B-pillar, complemented by 21-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. It strikes a balance between the grandeur of an SUV and a touch of sportiness. The highlight at the rear is the through-type LED taillight, which has a uniform light strip when illuminated and supports dynamic turn indicators, offering high visibility at night. In terms of dimensions, the length, width, and height measure 4915mm, 1935mm, and 1616mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2928mm, meeting the standard size of a mid-to-large SUV.

Stepping inside, a sense of luxury is apparent. The interior theme is predominantly black, with large areas of soft-touch leather on the door panels and dashboard, complemented by aluminum trims and piano black accents, giving a refined touch. The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel and the 10.1-inch central touch screen are the focal points, offering high resolution and smooth responsiveness. Below the central screen, there’s an 8.6-inch touch panel for controlling the air conditioning and vehicle settings, reducing physical buttons and making the layout appear sleek. The seats are made of genuine leather, supporting electric adjustment and lumbar support, with a heating function for the front seats, ensuring comfort even on long journeys.

The space performance fully meets family needs. Once the front seat is adjusted to a proper driving position, a 175cm tall passenger still has a headroom clearance of one fist and two fingers. The rear legroom exceeds two fists, with headroom of about one fist, ensuring that three adults can sit comfortably without feeling crowded. In terms of storage, there is a compartment with wireless charging functionality beneath the central console, the door storage slots can accommodate two large bottles of mineral water, and the trunk has a regular capacity of 569L, which can be expanded to 1725L by folding down the rear seats, making it sufficient to carry large items. The rear row is also equipped with independent air conditioning vents and two USB-C ports, adding to its practicality.

In terms of power, it is equipped with dual electric motors at the front and rear, delivering a combined maximum power of 300kW and maximum torque of 664N·m. It officially accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds. During actual driving, it starts very promptly, with immediate power output upon pressing the accelerator pedal. There’s also power in reserve for mid-to-late acceleration, making overtaking a confident experience. There are three driving modes: comfort, auto, and dynamic. In dynamic mode, the power response is more aggressive, catering to drivers who enjoy a sporty feel.

The handling and suspension performance are steady. The steering wheel is precise with minimal lag, feeling light at low speeds and stable at high speeds. The suspension system is air suspension, which can automatically adjust the height according to road conditions. It effectively absorbs vibrations when passing speed bumps or rough roads, making bumps almost unnoticeable inside the vehicle. When cornering, body roll is controlled well, and with the quattro all-wheel drive system, grip is strong, providing excellent stability.

Range and energy consumption are key factors for electric vehicles. It is equipped with a 114kWh battery pack and has a WLTP range of 600km. During our test, with 60% city roads and 40% highways, and the air conditioning on the entire time, the range reached about 85%, with an actual driving range of approximately 510km, which is fully sufficient for daily commuting and weekend trips. In fast-charging mode, it takes only 30 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%, while slow charging takes 11 hours. As for energy consumption, it’s about 22kWh/100km in urban conditions and 26kWh/100km on the highway, performing fairly standard.

The driving and riding comfort are commendable. The vehicle has excellent noise control, with little wind and tire noise at high speeds. Only during rapid acceleration does the motor's sound slightly penetrate the cabin. The air suspension is tuned for comfort, filtering out most road bumps, ensuring passengers are not uncomfortable even on rough roads. There are three adjustable levels for regenerative braking. At the highest level, releasing the accelerator pedal creates a noticeable drag, suitable for one-pedal driving, while the lowest level feels closer to the coasting experience of a fuel car.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron S line 55 quattro are evident: luxurious interiors, spaciousness, robust performance, and a decent range. Compared to its peers like the Mercedes EQC and BMW iX3, it offers more space, richer features, and better value for money.

Who is this car suitable for? First, families who value luxury and space, as it can meet the needs of daily commuting and family trips; second, young buyers who pursue tech features, as the combination of a fully digital instrument cluster and dual touchscreens is very appealing; finally, buyers with range demands, as the actual range of over 500km effectively reduces range anxiety.

In summary, the 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron S line 55 quattro is a well-rounded mid-to-large pure electric SUV, excelling in luxury, space, performance, and range with no significant shortcomings. If you're looking for an electric car that balances family use and luxury experience, it's worth considering.