Audi

Premium quattro

Premium Plus quattro

Prestige quattro

Q8 e-tron

The Audi Q8 e-tron is a luxury midsize electric SUV competing directly against the Mercedes EQS SUV and BMW iX. Rebranded from the e-tron in 2023, it carries forward a refined, quieter cabin and improved range while maintaining Audi's characteristic build quality. Reviewers consistently praise its exceptional interior refinement and composed highway ride, though its efficiency and real-world range figures draw scrutiny relative to rivals at this price point.

Interior quality and material fit-and-finish rank among the best in the electric SUV segment, with Edmunds and Car and Driver both citing it as a benchmark for luxury feel

Exceptionally hushed cabin at highway speeds, aided by acoustic glass and extensive sound insulation

Dual-motor AWD delivers confident, predictable handling with 402 hp across all three trims

Large 115 kWh gross battery pack and improved aerodynamics over the original e-tron contribute to a 285-mile EPA range

MMI infotainment system is praised for its logical layout and physical shortcut controls that reduce touchscreen dependence

285-mile EPA range trails key competitors at similar price points, including the BMW iX xDrive50 which exceeds 300 miles

Maximum DC fast-charging speed of 170 kW is slower than rivals like the Hyundai EQ90 or Kia EV9, meaning longer charging stops on road trips

Starting price of $75,600 for the base Premium quattro is high for a vehicle that does 0-60 in 5.4 seconds, a figure that feels modest against peers in this segment

Cargo space is limited relative to its exterior dimensions, with the sloping roofline reducing rear headroom and practicality compared to more upright electric SUVs

Mercedes-Benz

EQE 350+ SUV

EQE 350 4MATIC SUV

EQE 500 4MATIC SUV

EQE SUV

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV slots between the smaller EQA/EQB crossovers and the flagship EQS SUV, targeting luxury buyers who want a practical five-seat footprint without stepping up to the larger model's price. Built on the same dedicated EVA2 platform as the EQS, it carries over much of that car's technology and interior craftsmanship. Reviewers consistently highlight the available Hyperscreen dashboard and the genuinely premium cabin quality, while also noting that its real-world range and charging speeds trail rivals like the BMW iX and Cadillac LYRIQ at this price point.

Cabin materials and fit-and-finish are broadly praised as class-appropriate, with soft-touch surfaces and Mercedes-typical attention to detail throughout

The optional MBUX Hyperscreen spans the entire dashboard and draws consistent attention from reviewers for its visual impact and functionality

EQE 500 4MATIC trims reach 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, providing strong real-world passing and merging performance for a mid-size luxury SUV

Ride quality is repeatedly described as smooth and well-composed on the standard air suspension, absorbing highway imperfections without harshness

At 279 miles EPA-rated, the rear-wheel-drive 350+ trim leads the lineup in range and represents the most efficient entry point into the EQE SUV family

DC fast charging is capped at 170 kW, which lags behind rivals like the Cadillac LYRIQ (190 kW) and BMW iX xDrive50 (195 kW) and results in longer stops on road trips

The 4MATIC variants drop EPA range to 253 miles, a meaningful reduction that reviewers at InsideEVs and Car and Driver flag as below average for the segment and price

The MBUX infotainment system draws repeated criticism for burying common climate and audio functions in submenus, requiring multiple taps for tasks that physical controls would handle immediately

Starting at $79,050 before options, and with popular packages adding thousands quickly, the EQE SUV is expensive relative to rivals that offer comparable or greater range for less money

	Audi Q8 e-tron	Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
Body type	SUV	SUV
Trims	3	3
Starting price	$75,600	$79,050
Max EPA range	285 mi	279 mi
Max power	402 hp	402 hp
Quickest 0–60	5.4 s	4.6 s
Federal tax credit	Not eligible	$7,500 eligible
Drive options	Dual-Motor AWD	Single-Motor RWD Dual-Motor AWD
	Full Audi Q8 e-tron specs →	Full Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV specs →

Audi Q8 e-tron vs. Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV