Head-to-head
Audi Q8 e-tron vs BMW iX
Two suvs priced within $6,100 of each other. Here's where each pulls ahead on range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · SUV
Audi Q8 e-tron
Audi's flagship electric SUV is a refresh of the original e-tron, with a bigger 114 kWh battery and 600 km WLTP range. The 55 Sportback variant trades practicality for a coupe-SUV roofline.
- From
- $149,000
- Range
- 600 km
- Battery
- 114 kWh
Option B · SUV
BMW iX
BMW's electric flagship SUV — a polarising design with a cavernous, well-resolved cabin. Large 94.8 kWh battery, 602 km WLTP range, and one of the more pleasant premium EVs to drive.
- From
- $142,900
- Range
- 602 km
- Battery
- 94.8 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Audi Q8 e-tron and BMW iX, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Battery · advantage Audi Q8 e-tron
The Audi Q8 e-tron carries a 19.2 kWh larger battery (114 vs 94.8 kWh).
- 2
DC charging · advantage BMW iX
The BMW iX accepts 30 kW more DC peak charging (200 vs 170 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 3
Boot · advantage Audi Q8 e-tron
The Audi Q8 e-tron swallows 69 L more cargo with the rear seats up (569 vs 500 L).
- 4
Price · advantage BMW iX
The BMW iX undercuts the Audi Q8 e-tron by $6,100 (4%) on starting price.
- 5
0–100 km/h · advantage BMW iX
The BMW iX is 0.5 s quicker to 100 km/h (5.1 s vs 5.6 s).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Audi Q8 e-tron wins
Trails the BMW iX on the core specs we measure.
Where the BMW iX wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $6,100
- ▸ 2 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (5.1s vs 5.6s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (200 kW vs 170 kW)
Audi Q8 e-tron
What we like
- ✓ Large 114 kWh battery delivers 600 km WLTP
- ✓ Quattro AWD as standard
- ✓ Premium Audi cabin and brand cachet
What we don't
- ✕ DC charging peak (170 kW) trails newer 800V rivals
- ✕ ANCAP rating inherited from 2019 e-tron testing
- ✕ Premium pricing in a segment with newer alternatives
BMW iX
What we like
- ✓ Strong real-world range and refinement
- ✓ Spacious, lounge-like cabin
- ✓ 5-star ANCAP rating
What we don't
- ✕ Divisive exterior styling (the grille)
- ✕ Heavy kerb weight hurts efficiency
- ✕ Premium pricing for top trims
Frequently asked: Audi Q8 e-tron vs BMW iX
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Audi Q8 e-tron or the BMW iX?
- The BMW iX is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $142,900 versus $149,000 for the Audi Q8 e-tron, a $6,100 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The BMW iX has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 602 km, 2 km further than the Audi Q8 e-tron's 600 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The BMW iX accepts a peak DC charging rate of 200 kW versus 170 kW for the Audi Q8 e-tron. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The BMW iX does 0–100 km/h in 5.1 seconds — 0.5 s quicker than the Audi Q8 e-tron's 5.6 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the BMW iX better value than the Audi Q8 e-tron?
- On paper the BMW iX is $6,100 cheaper AND beats the Audi Q8 e-tron on most of the headline specs we measure — meaning by spec-sheet logic it's the stronger value play. What a spec sheet can't capture: brand prestige, dealer network depth, build feel, software polish, and likely resale.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
BMW iX
if…
- ✓ you want to save $6,100 on the sticker
- ✓ you match the profile: premium suv buyers
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.