
Audi’s Q8 e-tron, launched as a refreshed version of the e-tron in 2023, is already heading for the exit. Production ended in February 2025 at the Brussels plant, leaving a limited supply of 2024 models on dealer lots.
Range (WLTP): up to 373 miles ·
0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds ·
Starting price (Ireland): €85,000 ·
Battery capacity: 114 kWh gross ·
Max charging speed: 170 kW ·
Towing capacity: 4,400 lbs
Quick snapshot
- Q8 e-tron production ended Feb 28, 2025, at Brussels factory (Car and Driver (automotive news))
- No 2025 model year vehicles will be built (CarsDirect (car buying guide))
- Audi spokesperson Mark Dahncke confirmed the discontinuation (CarsDirect)
- Exact production end date per market (Motor1 (auto industry))
- Whether direct successor will keep the Q8 e-tron name (Car and Driver)
- Residual value impact of early discontinuation (Kelley Blue Book (vehicle valuation))
- Feb 28, 2025 – production ceases at Brussels plant (Car and Driver)
- 2024 final model year; no MY25 cars expected (CarsDirect)
- Audi confirms a successor is in development (Car and Driver)
- Potential production in Mexico after 2026 (Motor1)
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 114 kWh gross (106 kWh usable) |
| WLTP range | Up to 373 miles (Q8 55) (Green Car Reports (EV news)) |
| DC fast charge | 170 kW, 10-80% in 31 min |
| 0-62 mph | 5.6 seconds |
| Towing capacity | 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs) |
| Cargo volume | 569 litres (rear seats up) |
Is Audi discontinuing Q8 e-tron?
Audi confirmed the Q8 e-tron will end production in early 2025, making 2024 the final model year. The Brussels plant stopped building the SUV and Sportback on February 28, 2025, according to Car and Driver. Audi spokesperson Mark Dahncke told CarsDirect that no 2025 model year cars are expected to be built.
Production costs at the Brussels plant and declining EV sales — especially in China — forced the decision, as Motor1 reports. For buyers, this means new inventory will dwindle fast.
What led to the discontinuation?
- High production costs at the Brussels facility, which only built the Q8 e-tron (CarBuzz (car reviews))
- Falling demand, particularly in China; German sales dropped from ~10,000 in 2023 to ~4,200 in first 10 months of 2024 (Motor1)
Will the Q8 e-tron be replaced?
Yes, but not immediately. Audi confirmed a successor is in development, likely larger and pricier than the Q6 e-tron, according to Car and Driver. Production may shift to Mexico after 2026, Motor1 reports. The new model will use Audi’s PPE platform, shared with the Q6 e-tron.
The implication: If you want a proper flagship electric SUV with the Q8 badge, the 2024 model might be the last of its generation — and possibly the most reliable version before the platform change.
Is the Audi Q8 e-tron worth it?
With production ending, the value question splits into two: what you get now vs. what you might lose later. The Q8 e-tron offers exceptional build quality, a smooth ride, and improved range over the original e-tron — up to 300 miles EPA with the Sportback Ultra package, per Green Car Reports. But the discontinuation raises red flags about resale value and parts support.
Pros of the Q8 e-tron
- Superb interior comfort and quiet cabin (CompleteCar.ie (Irish car reviews) notes the ride quality rivals the Mercedes EQS SUV)
- 114 kWh battery enables real-world range well over 280 miles
- Standard dual-motor all-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension
Cons of the Q8 e-tron
- Starting price around €85,000 in Ireland — significantly higher than a Tesla Model Y Performance (Audi Ireland (official site))
- Charging speed capped at 170 kW, slower than the Model Y’s 250 kW
- Discontinuation may soften resale values; Kelley Blue Book warns residual forecasts are uncertain
You’re paying a premium for Audi’s interior craftsmanship and a more serene driving experience. The catch: the same money gets you a newer, faster-charging SUV from Tesla with better long-term support.
How does the Q8 e-tron compare to rivals?
We compared the Q8 e-tron with its two main competitors on dimensions that matter most to buyers.
| Specification | Audi Q8 e-tron | Tesla Model Y Performance | BMW iX xDrive50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLTP range | Up to 373 miles | 514 km (319 mi) | ~380 miles |
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 sec | 3.5 sec | 4.4 sec |
| Max DC charge | 170 kW | 250 kW | 195 kW |
| Starting price (IRL) | €85,000 | ~€63,000 | €95,000+ |
| Interior quality | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
How much is the Audi Q8 e-tron in Ireland?
Irish buyers face a narrowing window. The Q8 e-tron 50 starts at approximately €85,000 on Audi Ireland’s official site, with remaining stock all 2024 models. A SEAI grant of up to €5,000 is available for eligible BEVs, bringing the effective price down to around €80,000. Used examples start from €60,000, according to CompleteCar.ie listings.
Incentives and grants in Ireland
- SEAI grant: up to €5,000 (subject to eligibility)
- VRT relief of €5,000 for BEVs (as of 2024)
- Low benefit-in-kind rate for company car users (3% for 2024/25)
The pattern: Irish incentives knock roughly €10,000 off the price, making the Q8 e-tron more competitive — but the limited availability means you’ll need to move quickly.
Is Q8 e-tron bigger than Q7?
The Q8 e-tron and Q7 are similar in footprint but diverge on utility. The electric Q8 e-tron is slightly shorter overall but wider, while the Q7 offers more cargo space and an optional third row.
| Measurement | Audi Q8 e-tron | Audi Q7 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,915 mm | 5,063 mm |
| Width (ex. mirrors) | 1,938 mm | 1,968 mm |
| Height | 1,633 mm | 1,741 mm |
| Cargo (behind row 2) | 569 litres | 865 litres |
| Third row | No | Optional |
What this means: If you need maximum passenger space or the occasional third row, the Q7 — though not electric — is the better family hauler. The Q8 e-tron is a five-seat luxury cruiser with less storage.
Is the Audi e-tron better than the Tesla?
The Q8 e-tron competes most directly with the Tesla Model Y and Model X. On paper, the Tesla wins on range, charging speed, and price. In practice, the Audi delivers a quieter, more refined cabin and better ride quality, as CompleteCar.ie observed.
Audi Q8 e-tron vs Tesla Model Y
- Range: Model Y Long Range offers 331 miles EPA vs Q8’s 300 EPA (with Ultra Package)
- Charging: Tesla Supercharger network vs CCS — a clear advantage in Europe
- Interior: Audi’s materials and fit-and-finish easily surpass the minimalist Tesla
- Price: Model Y Performance starts ~€63,000 in Ireland vs Q8’s €85,000
The pattern: The Tesla is the rational choice for efficiency and charging convenience. The Audi is the enthusiast’s choice for comfort and brand cachet. With the Q8 discontinued, the Tesla’s long-term support edge grows.
Timeline: Q8 e-tron life cycle
- Early 2023: Audi launches Q8 e-tron as a facelift of the original e-tron (Car and Driver)
- Late 2024: Discontinuation announced; Brussels plant named (Motor1)
- Feb 28, 2025: Production ends (Car and Driver)
- TBD: Successor expected on PPE platform, possibly from Mexico (Motor1)
Clarity: What’s confirmed, what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Audi Q8 e-tron production ends in 2025 (CarsDirect)
- Starting price in Ireland approx €85,000 (Audi Ireland)
- WLTP range up to 373 miles (Green Car Reports)
- Q8 e-tron is wider but shorter than Q7 (data from Audi official specs)
What’s unclear
- Exact production end date per market (Motor1)
- Whether successor will carry Q8 e-tron name (Car and Driver)
- Residual value impact of early discontinuation (Kelley Blue Book)
Perspectives
“The Q8 e-tron is being discontinued and we expect only 2024 MY cars to be available. No 25 MY cars are expected to be built.”
— Mark Dahncke, Audi spokesperson, via CarsDirect
“Audi’s Q8 e-tron is a thoroughly luxurious SUV with a ride quality that rivals the Mercedes EQS SUV, but its charging speed and price put it at a disadvantage against the Tesla Model Y.”
— CompleteCar.ie review
For Irish buyers still considering a new luxury EV, the Q8 e-tron represents a last chance at Audi’s most refined electric SUV before it disappears. The decision is clear: if you value comfort and build quality above charging speed and long-term resale confidence, act on the remaining 2024 inventory. If you prefer a less risky long-term ownership experience, the Tesla Model Y or the upcoming Q6 e-tron are more pragmatic paths.
För den som vill fördjupa sig i modellens bakgrund finns en detaljerad genomgång av Audi e-tron (Q8 e-tron) som täcker specifikationer, räckvidd och priser.
Frequently asked questions
What is the range of the Audi Q8 e-tron?
The WLTP range reaches up to 373 miles for the Q8 55 version. EPA range for the Sportback with Ultra Package is up to 300 miles (Green Car Reports).
Does Audi have a replacement for the Q8 e-tron?
Yes, a successor is in development, likely on the PPE platform. Production may start in Mexico after 2026 (Motor1).
How much does the Audi Q8 e-tron cost in the US?
2024 models start around $74,000 in the US before tax credits. No 2025 models are expected.
Is the Audi Q8 e-tron all-wheel drive?
Yes, it comes standard with dual-motor all-wheel drive (quattro).
What is the battery warranty on the Q8 e-tron?
Audi offers an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery, covering 70% capacity retention.
Can I still buy a new Audi Q8 e-tron in 2025?
Only if dealers have remaining 2024 inventory. Audi is not building any 2025 model year cars (CarsDirect).
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