As Audi appears in the driveway this week with their EV flagship, the 2024 Audi Q8 E-tron, it’s not necessarily all the hype here. The Q8, RSQ8, Q5 and other recent Audi SUVs that we have tested seem to all have the same great features, excellent safety and security accouterments, sporty exteriors, and but what Audi has recently shown us, is that comfort is not the priority. As Volkswagen owns Audi and other brands like Lamborghini, Bentley and Porsche, we notice that Audi is the “Sporty Family” brand that consumers have come to enjoy in the company. But there is one big problem that is plaguing the brand… lack of comfort.
Similar to VW’s Atlas and other Atlas-like take-offs, their SUVs have a very rough ride, rough for the driver, passenger and all rows of seating, the suspension demands an overhaul. As other brands have accepted that comfort is priority and have swallowed the pill, Audi seems to have run out of water. Wrapped in Plasma Blue Metallic, the color is superb. A 285 mile full-charge is also witnessed on the Q8 e-tron and is reasonably priced compared to the stature of the luxury sport brand.
Aesthetically, the Audi Q8 e-tron quattro offers all-time all-wheel drive, has great exterior appearance while on the inside its typical Audi with its dual center-console screens for infotainment and comfort adjustments. Our tester came with the Prestige package that was just over $10K, the Black optic package and upgraded exterior paint.
In typical Audi fashion, the 2024 Q8 e-tron quattro is a fantastic all-electric SUV that boasts a lot of great features. While warranty/maintenance coverage helps justify the $70K plus base price tag, for a sporty vehicle lovers abound, power such as horsepower and torque are always the craze, but when it comes to loss of comfort, that just makes consumers bring out the t-chart and identifies what is more important in the needs and wants category.
Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Are you in the market for a new car? I would be happy to provide my honest input. All you have to do is email me: marc.grasso@bostonherald.com.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron quattro
MSRP: $74,400
MPGe: 80 city / 83 highway / 81.5 as tested
As Tested: $88,990
