When you buy an Audi SUV, you have the choice of either a traditional SUV bodystyle, or as a trendy coupe-SUV. The car featured here is a Q8 e-tron 50 Sportback, which happens to take the shape of the latter.

The regular and Sportback versions of their cars are similar mechanically. Changes are usually strictly cosmetic only. There are some practical differences that is a consequence of the change in overall body shape.

How Different is this to the Regular Audi Q8 e-tron 50?

I had the opportunity to sample the regular Q8 e-tron 50 on the same week as the SB variant. And the cars felt identical from behind the wheel. That should come as no surprise, as both featured cars are the ‘50’ versions of the new Q8 e-tron. This means the same power output and battery size, and interiors that are largely identical too. 

You’ll notice the obvious and significant differences after the B-pillar. A sloping roofline does reduce the amount of headroom available. It brings about another benefit that probably isn’t obvious immediately. The lower rear end minimises the risk of you damaging its tailgate, especially when compared to its SUV sibling’s more upright boot lid.

That S-Line Kit

If you hopped onto Audi Singapore’s Q8 e-tron configurator now (which you can access here), you’d realise that the Sportback can only be ordered with the S-Line kit. This gives you more aggressive front corner vents, and a rear diffuser with greater definition.

Differences in the cabin are limited to the S-Line steering wheel, which I feel is probably worth the premium itself over the standard steering wheel.

How Does it Drive?

There’s a satisfying sense of quality to the overall driving experience. A lot of this is down to its agility, which it balances really well with general ride comfort. As was the case with the standard SUV, this isn’t the most rapid off-the-line EV I’ve had the chance to sample.

Still, it definitely has enough power to land you in some legal hot water if you aren’t paying attention to the Audi Virtual Cockpit. That’s because this has a higher output than the pre-facelift 50 it replaces – output has risen from 308 bhp to 335 bhp (456 bhp is available on ‘Boost’ mode).

Battery size has also increased, from the 71 kWh of the original car, to the 95 kWh (89 kWh usable) in the Q8. As a result, range has also increased, from about a real-world 300 kilometres, to about a smidge under 400 when driven sensibly.

A Stylish Coupe SUV

Audi’s Sportback SUVs have always managed to look sleek and stylish. And without falling into any of the design pitfalls that plague some offerings from other manufacturers. And the Q8 e-tron Sportback is no exception.

All of the goodies that you get in the standard SUV are preserved. You gain not only more curvaceous looks, but increased efficiency and range as well. The marginal decrease in head room is a very small trade-off!

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