I think you mentioned a lot of the features as being negative and boring, that is exactly why for many individuals this car is a better EV option. The fact that it isn't filled with unfamiliar features and gimmicks means it is familiar and drives like an Audi, which is to say smooth, quiet, and luxurious. Many people hate giant touch screens and crazy technology, so they desire a simple and elegant EV that doesn't feel like they're getting into a space ship. Audi built this car to cater to that market that wants an easy and simple transition from internal combustion to electric.
@@mphuieI can't find anywhere that the Audi isn't cheaper. Starting MSRP for the iX is 87k where the Q8 etron starting MSRP is 74k. That's just from what I found?
If it’s an EV option to a beloved vehicle sure, but if it’s meant to be something new to compete with other EV’s than yes this is very boring. It’s not just the giant screen. The screens and interface on this vehicle are starting to look dated. Reminds me of a 2016 ish MDX.
The fact that it's not exciting is why I love the e-tron/ Q8 e-tron. It's like getting into any other Audi but this one is pretty much dead silent inside with a super smooth ride with the air suspension. It's just the perfect comfortable car to use as a daily or to road trip especially with its pretty flat charging curve meaning you don't need to plan your stops to arrive near 0% for best speeds. You get nearly the same speed no matter when you plug in.
Yeah, the Q8 for me seems like the perfect car for the people who currently drive some standard SUV and now want to get the same, just as an electric, with the least amount of change. Basically the electric SUV for boomers.
Unfortunately the charging curve of the Q8-badged etrons is not anywhere near as flat as it was before they added the “Q8” part. This new pack is bigger, but it doesn’t charge as well. And since you can get a CPO e-tron for basically 1/3rd the price, I’m not sure why anyone would buy a new one unless they had a really compelling reason for the extra initial range.
@@59317 while it's not a flat 150 anymore it goes between 130 and 170 and still charges 10-80% in the same amount of time yet yielding more range. A used one is a much better value but the new ones lease out very well with all of the rebate money available.
@@59317 Do people buy new EVs, especially the expensive ones ? Here in the U.K. I suspect the majority are leased because that is where all the tax advantages are.
The cruise control stock is actually really intuitive once you have it mastered. Makes it easy to adjust up and down quickly without taking up steering wheel real estate
Agree, at first I had the same thought as Doug, but quickly it became so intuitive that I don’t even look down to turn it on/off or adjust speed/distance.
Yeah, surprised he called this out as weird...Toyota has been using this style for FOREVER. And why clutter the steering wheel with even more stupid buttons?
Exactly. I’ve never once had an issue with this design, especially because all the information shows up in the virtual cockpit anyways, you don’t even need to look down at the stalk.
I had the same thought. I have a 2008 Audi A4 and a 2018 Audi A4 and its always been the same. I think its extremely practical compared to other cars. But everyone has their preferences.
The dual charging ports is actually a game changer. I've pulled up to so many chargers where the one that's open doesn't have a charger positioned to easily reach my charging port and the other ones are all taken or I have to do some janky parking to get it to work. Honestly should be standard on all EVs.
Taking this a step further would be even better - 4 charge ports - one on each corner. Also, I remember a past electric car made by a company with a 4 rings logo where it had a central charge port under the front logo. I can’t remember the name of the company but Audi could perhaps do this also negating the need for multiple charge ports.
And not just convenience, the charging ports are doomed to break down due to frequent use, long before the car's useful life comes to an end. When the charging port eventually breaks, it won't leave you stranded.
One important thing to note: at 2:32 notice that one of the charge ports doesn’t have the high voltage DC fast charging pins that you use at fast charging stations. So the 2 ports will be useful for level 1 or level 2 AC charging, but the DC fast chargers like Electrify America will only be able to use the driver’s side port.
Except that only the drivers side has a DC input, which is the one that is most important for having the option of either side. If you have a charger at home you have the ability to move your J1772 plug to wherever is most convenient most of the time. Not so at EA.
In my opinion, it's a good thing that there is no giant screen and why should the interior differ based on the energy source anyway? I would reduce the ac screen to just a screen and restore the normal buttons to control it.
The Audi e-Tron in the models before the Q8 were rated as one of the two cars ever made that have had a 5 star RIDE COMFORT rating in Consumer Reports reviews. This softer ride can make it less "exciting" to drive versus a tighter driving car. For me, it was just what I wanted. That and a "flat" 150KWH charge curve up to 80%, which the Q8 did not inherit because of a battery chemistry change.
Something about the drive modes is that it dictates the ride height. Since it's an air suspension it can adjust almost 2" up or down. If you have it set to Dynamic on the highway it'll actually lower the car to provide better driving dynamics and efficiency. If you have it set to All-road you can increase the ride height for speeds under 20 mph. If you go above it, it'll automatically lower the car so it's not so top heavy. Each drive mode will automatically adjust the ride height depending on your speed and where you're driving.
Why does the size of a screen cheapen/age the car more. The screen/tech functionality is the same as rivals for 2023 (maybe worse) so why would size of screen make this seem more modern in the future? I’d get your point if it went full Bugatti Chiron and actively rejected screens as much as possible to preserve a sense of timelessness. But in 2028 we’re not going to look back at the Q8’s aging tech and think “thank god they split the screen in two and made it smaller. That design decision makes it seem so modern!” Don’t get me wrong Tesla screens look un-styled and ungainly. But all 2023 cars with screens will look dated in the future.
@@MrTWICETHEPRESHAI think he’s referring to the iPad style screen stuck on top of the dash, which is what most automakers do nowadays because it’s just easier. Audi integrates the screen into the dash design which looks cleaner and more cohesive.
@@MrTWICETHEPRESHA Look at the new bentleys and how they integrate a screen- its gorgeous and so well done while also not having everything, theres buttons for a lot of other stuff. its really dumb that gluing an ipad to a dash and putting everything into it is "futuristic and better" when its both uglier and harder to use when your focus should be the road
The stalk as cruise control is superior imo. I have it on my 2007 vw, and once you understand it, its muscle memory and so efficient. Thing is, that the position of the stalk shows the status of it, you know that when its in the position away from you, it is off, when it is towards you it is on, so you can almost just push and pull it to activate and deactivate, you dont need to look in the instrument cluster to see what it’s doing
There's a lot of ppl who don't want some of the silly electric car gimmicks or weird designs. They want an electric car that is similar in looks and features as the ice counterpart, which is exactly what this suv offers
I have a similar cruise control. After you remember what receiving does, it is much more convenient. It is located in a very good place, I used it with much less hand movement using my pinky finger without the need to look at the controls at all
Great review. Loved how you described it. I am just making a guess but in my opinion thats what Audi was going for with its Evs. They want there cars to look just as any other regular car not a futuristic weird looking car that is not really cooler for looking like from 2040. In my opinion, thats why they have the best looking evs with that European car touch.
02:35 No that's not right. The passenger side charging port is just type 2 you'd never use that at a public charger. The only CCS charger is on the drivers side you can see because they have a cover for the bottom part of the CCS port the passenger side doesn't have that.
Really disappointed in this review Doug. I think you’ve completely missed the point of Audi’s electric ethos. The whole point is for their EV’s to not really be all that distinguishable from their ICE models to help ease buyers into the new platform. The other big issue I have is the points you choose to emphasize about this model. On looks, the IX is absolutely hideous to look at. Granted it’s interior is nice, but no self-respecting person can stand next to the front of that car and say it’s good looking, while I think that’s quite easy to do with the etron. As for the Model X, they look downright frumpy until you go all out on the spec and then you’re into the six figure range. As for performance and range, we have to remember what this is. It’s a family SUV. 0-60 time is absolutely irrelevant. The car pulls fine off the line and has great passing torque when needed. In regards to range, I admit it could be better, but we must also remember that for >75 of people, they’ll seldom use the longer range capacity of the model on a regular basis. But I can concede that I wish it had a bit more. Overall, I think you need to step back and review this like a family car and not like a sports car.
We've had a previous generation e-tron SUV and frankly it's been a great car. The range has never been a problem since we keep it in the city. The interior and build quality are great and much nicer than a Tesla. We've liked that it's an EV without saying "Hey I'm an EV!", it's just a nice Audi that happens to be electric.
That's the thing, Tesla's don't feel luxurious to me. They are loud, stiff, and hot (glass panel roof)... The Audi Q8 Etron feels like a luxury car and not like you've been nickel and dimed... Talking about cruise control the new Tesla's are controlled on the steering wheel via multiple menu's it's distracting.
@@ronald4life1the Tesla autopilot is controlled by a double pull on a stalk. For the new model 3 with no stalks, it is controlled by a single press of a button on a steering wheel. No menus. You really should sit in one, it will help you compare.
Correct me if I’m wrong. I think this and the regular Q8 e-tron are the only EV’s with a standard spare tire. That’s a nice an important feature to have.
I owned an etron, and "it's fine", is about the right way to describe it. It was a stop gap moving from a Model S that was out of warranty, eventually to an R1S. We traded it once our R1S was ready. The fit and finish was very good (much better than our Model S). It was comfortable. Not very exciting. It didn't have 1 pedal driving, which was a bummer (Not sure if that's changed, ours was a 2019). It's definitely a good option for someone easing their way into electrification, but still wants a quality product...
I rented several Teslas (Model S, Y, 3) and they all felt like I was being nickel and dimed in terms of ride quality, isolation, interior buttons/switches, and roof panel. The Etron as a package is generally a better car. 1 pedal driving isn't more efficient then crusing, what the Audi does though if you let it is automatically apply regen as you get closer to a car in front of you. after a while it feels very appropriate and comfortable.
About the dual charging ports: at 2:32 notice that one of the charge ports doesn’t have the high voltage DC fast charging pins that you use at fast charging stations. So the 2 ports will be useful for level 1 or level 2 AC charging, but the DC fast chargers like Electrify America will only be able to use the driver’s side port.
Yesss!!! Glad to see a normal doug demuro car review again. The channel changes are fine, but most of us come to see his reviews since they truly are the very best!!!
The non coupe version of the q8 etron looks way better. I don’t really know who in the right mind would look at the coupe and choose it over the regular.
@@jonlosito2004the cayenne coupe is.. weird. Looks like a bloated 911. but I guess you could say it’s better looking if that’s your taste. IMO Porsches all look like frogs to me
Doug I understand your point about the screen situation but you, consumers and car industry should understand that you are not sitting in a theater or iron mans helmet you are sitting in a car so you don't have to be surrounded by 10 fifty inch TVs around you to be distracted by what is happening in TikTok and Instagram reels. It is fine don't need more screens
I went to our '22 Etron from a Mercedes Gl 550 and mostly love it! Mine has the charge ports on both sides, but the DC is only on the drivers side. . The range doesnt suck as much as finding a working or available charging station!
A car does not need a full sized 27" tv screen in their dashboard. I have a similar screen in my A3 & it's great. Fits well into the console & won't look outdated in 4 years when the electronics inevitably will be.
1. Doug said the Q8 e-tron Sportback gets about 300 miles of range in its “top” configuration. It is actually the entry-level model that gets that EPA range, and only when equipped with the “ultra package” option. The top range Q8-e-tron is the “Launch Edition” Sportback with 22 inch wheels that have about a 30 mile range deficiency compared to the ‘ultra package’ edition. 2. The extra charging port on the passenger side is part of the AC charging package, which is only available as a $1,850 additional charge on the Premium Plus and higher trim models. Doug also neglected to mention that the additional port lacks DC fast charging pins and can only be used at L2 or L1 chargers. 3. Doug said he was reviewing a “Prestige” trim version, but he was actually reviewing a “Launch Edition” version, which is one rung higher. This was obvious to me based on the body-colored grille and light gray leather with orange accents. Speaking of... Doug waxed poetically about the new front end. That body-color grille is only available on the Launch Edition. Every other version gets a silver or black grille, depending on if they get the Black Optic package. 4. The cruise control stalk has been there on Audis for over 20 years. This is neither a 'quirk' nor 'feature'. 5. Doug complains about too many drive modes. The car offers 7. He would be complaining if there wasn’t more. 6. Interior - Doug said there were cheap plastics. Where? I own this car and there are literally zero cheap plastics to be found. If he's talking about the dash inlay on the Launch Edition that he drove, it's literally rock (anthracite). 7. The S-line badging is not the same as the S model. This badging has been used for more than 20 years and is actually an homage to the early S models Audi released. 8. The trunk space difference between the Sportback and the regular Q8 e-tron isn’t that crazy, yet Doug makes it sound unusable. It’s 2 cubic feet according to Car & Driver, and most people aren't stacking things above the seat backs anyways. Encore: Doug makes the perfectly usable LCD displays seem like they're literally Kryptonite compared to the massive LCD screens in tech-heavy EV's. The whole point of Audi's EV initiative is to make it feel like their other cars, not some futuristic tablet that a 80 year old won't drive. Honestly, one of the worst Doug reviews I've ever watched.
@@VisualAFMediathat's always been one of the things that I think is a negative compared to a gas powered car. It takes a long time to refill/recharge compared to filling a gas tank.
On screens: just saw the carwow review of the new Volvo EX30 with a similar screen arrangement to the Tesla Model 3, i.e. only one huge center screen. When in "autopilot" mode, the autopilot would constantly threaten to shut down when the attention sensor (a camera) detected that the driver was looking over to that screen and not at the road. As these systems become more and more common, maybe Audi is on to something, focusing the view at least forward rather than down and to the side to these ever larger screens?
yeah I'm gonna miss that hopefully he'll keep doing it but if it's something near his house I'm sure it comes with tons of benefits especially with a kid now
Nah this is way easier, for one it’s way quieter, he doesn’t have to worry about some random person walking up and ruining a take, he doesn’t have to worry about weather or daylight, safer, etc
Doug! You have to review that RS4 B7 on Cars & Bids! A V8 with 6-speed manual and one of the greatest Audis ever. And sure way more soul than the one here in this video lol
I’ve always wondered why more manufacturers don’t include two charging ports. Seems like a small price added with good convenience with non-standard chargers. Especially with trucks that might be towing
It has only DC charging on one side, taking to a lot of Customers the only use the one, its only Nice if you installed a charger on the wrong side of your garage.
I currently drive a 2020 E-tron and what you described is the reason why I like it. It's super quiet, comfortable and just looks like an Audi. IMO the best looking EV SUV. It doesn't have any gimmicks like fart noises in the tesla, this appeals to a lot of people that just want a good and elegant daily. But I respectfully disagrees that the model x have more tech than this car, apart from teslas autopilot. Like: matrix laser lights, 360 camera, ultrasonic sensors, trunk "kick" sensor, softclose doors, ambient lighting, nightvision assist camera, apple carplay, HUD, ++. The charging curve on this car and more so on the new Q8 e-tron is also great, it'll give you the max output no matter if you're at 20% or 60%, most other EV's only charge as fast as stated when you're almost empty.
It's funny how many people in the comments are basically telling Doug he missed the mark on this one. The Q8 Etron is special in that it's an EV that feels well built and put together without the BS gimmicks that feel like a one hit wonder song after a while.
Maybe a hot take, but I believe that EVs trending towards just being regular gas powered cars with less "exciting" interiors will lead to more widespread adoption. Yes, enthusiasts like all of us here want the flash and excitement to signify new innovation but everyday regular Joe wants everyday regular car
@@Tschacki_Quacki I mean that sounds good but digging into the numbers it’s not true. Something like 420k Tesla Y to 720k Toyota Corolla sales figures for the first quarter. Yeah it was reported for a minute that Tesla was “the best selling car worldwide” but if recent history tells us anything it’s that not everything printed is correct.
Don’t mess with the Audi cruise control stalk. It’s way more intuitive than multiple buttons on the steering wheel. …unless you also own a Porsche 911, I which case everything is the same, except opposite.
If I were to buy an EV I’d buy this one for all the reasons you state as downsides. I don’t need or want gimmicks like huge grilles, fart mode or gull wing door. Just a good looking SUV, well made with a comfortable and high quality interior. Sounds basic but surprisingly hard to find those attributes across other brands. Also, Audi is offering pretty aggressive lease deals and discounts so the actually price is very competitive
@@thefunkydeep446 Yeah- as I said there's no need to spend that much even on a brand new Q8. A premium plus version (has everything you'd ever need) has an MSRP of around 80k then Audi offers $12500 of credits. On top of that most dealers will easily knock another 6k off. So you're talking low 60s. At that price it compares favorably to other midsize luxury SUVs (actually cheaper than even a base X5 or Q7)
Audi has the BEST cruise control i've ever used. You can pre-select a speed that you want cruise to be set at. then just hit resume and it does it. I love it.
The main argument for this car is the looks (specifically the regular Q8 E Tron)… it looks the best out of its competition (iX, Model X, EQE/EQS). I would also argue that this is a car for people that want something electric but feels and looks like a regular combustion car.
I think the Cadillac Lyriq looks so much better. But I guess some folks find it weird. I just find this so bland, uninspired and copy and paste. It's a "clean design" sure but it is definitely very unloved and passionless by the design team behind it.
It's fair to say it's not terrible when you compare it to the weird BMW or blob of a Mercedes that it competes with. The Cadillac is interesting and hopefully objectively good looking for most but will definitely have critics. Those two cars are just so weird and frankly ugly. This car definitely will appeal to a buyer who wants a German car that hasn't lost its marbles.
@@baronvonjo1929I saw the lyriq in person and it looks so ugly from the side and back, this is way better looking and it’s not even close. This is also a lot more expensive though.
I have the 22 e-tron S SUV and absolutely love it! e-trons are definitely the best-looking EV’s on the market. The only thing I don’t like about the new q8 etron is the name on the door pillars that makes no sense to me.
Suggested video: There are AAA type trucks that carry large batteries for recharging EV's on the road when they get stuck with low batteries. Might be interesting.
It's funny how Tesla has convinced everyone that a PC monitor stuck to the dashboard and Mitsubishi build quality is now what makes a luxury car. Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche know how to build luxury cars.
@@bwofficial1776 yup, in my country the tesla model s had the same price as the Porsche Taycan a year ago. You be absolutely crazy if you pick the model s imo. Tesla figured out thats true cause they had to lower the price of the model s dramatically.
The pricing is where this will fall, imo. I was seriously expecting it to start in the 60s and top out at high 70s. Instead it's 10-15 more. At that point I might as well look at what I really want in the first place, which is the E-Tron GT, for just a bit more. Hell, maybe that's what Audi's counting on.
probably decides to only run on one of the ports, or stops charging and gives an error in the dash, or what would be cool is if it took it in both at once, but they probably didn't do that
I have had a Tesla Y for 2 years and we are in the market for a car to replace our other car. I am seriously considering the Audi e Tron Sportback. I like the exterior of the Audi and expect that I will like the interior as well. The easy thing for us to do is just buy another Tesla Y but I like the looks of the Audi. Sure it is not as fast or have the range of the Y but for us, that’s fine.
I’m always surprised how people insist on having prominent controls for the AC, and how Audi is providing them in Q8. I mean, the AC is automatic. You set the temperature once and you don’t have to touch it afterwards. I think I adjust my AC temperature maybe once or twice a year. Only thing you might have to adjust occasionally is things like seat heaters or windshield defrosting. But even those could be automated.
I'm glad you mentioned windshields. More of the messing around I do with AC controls is to do with keeping the windshield defogged. On Tuesday night we got in my car and within seconds the screen had fogged up on the inside.
nothing is stopping you from doing that, or even whining about it. You don't have to use seat heaters, or navigation, or anything else you can still drive it
This move to putting everything on the screen is a mistake. In my 2001 car I could blindly reach out and hit the physical button I wanted. In my 2022 car with almost everything on the touchscreen I have to look to make sure I'm hitting the right spot. Turning on the heated seats takes at least two taps and then several more to turn them off. Turning on the brake hold and going back to the radio is four taps. Some cars are even putting the mirror controls in the screen. Hard buttons are safer and are preferable for quick-access functions like the radio and climate control.
Excellent review Doug but there is no mystery behind the make and model etching on the glass. That is for the Chinese market. That is why all these other brands are changing their rear emblem to simply writing out the brand name. Chinese automakers routinely steal and copy designs from other automakers, including their logo. OEMs don't want their logo to be confused with a cheap, Chinese knock-off vehicle. So how do they counter that? Simply write the name out in English. Honestly, I hate this trend. It looks stupid and it shows just how far these automakers will go to pander to the Chinese market. SUck it up guys, you don't need China.
the only foreign EV brand that sells well in china is Tesla, otherwise its all domestic brands which frankly are more competitive than their german counterparts
One of the best features of the Audi Q8 eTron is the charging curve. It will hold its charge to 175 kWh or sometimes higher up to 80%. It takes me about 12 mins to get from 20% to 70% at a fast charger. I have seen it go up to 200 kWh and hold that charge.
My e90 bmw had a very similar cruise control. I thought it was so goofy at first. But after I got used to it, I loved it. You don’t need to look for it with your eyes, because you know exact where it is. Like you do a turn signal. Adjusting it is as easy as a turn signal. So you don’t have to reach your hand onto the face of the wheel to find a button. I’ve owned many different cars, and personally. It is my favourite style of cruise control.
