If you’re waiting at a DC charger, at least Audi’s cabin is a perfectly lovely place to spend some time. In keeping with the e-tron’s “Don’t Startle Anybody” strategy, the dashboard doesn’t stray too far from what you’ll find in most other high-end Audi models. There’s none of the glitter and for-its-own-sake gadgetry that we’ve seen some electric cars throw in.
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In fact, the Q8 e-tron’s twin touchscreens feel positively restrained compared to, say, the vast MBUX Hyperscreen in a Mercedes, or the curved swathe of glass atop a BMW i7‘s dashboard. The lower panel handles the standard quad-zone climate control (which has a heat pump for boosted efficiency) as well as the heating for the front seats and steering wheel, as well as showing a virtual keyboard for text entry.
Above it, a larger touchscreen handles navigation, multimedia, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver gets a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display.
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A panoramic sunroof is also standard, while a head-up display and ventilated front massage seats are optional. Upgrading the base trim’s leather seats to fancier hide is available, too. Adaptive cruise control with lane guidance, blind spot warnings, and front and rear emergency braking support are all standard; Premium Plus trim adds a 360-degree camera, while Prestige trim throws in Intelligent Park Assist to help pull the EV in and out of parking spots.
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It all feels spacious, front and rear. While the Q8 e-tron SUV can hold 29 cu-ft in its trunk, or 57 cu-ft with the rear seats folded, the Sportback sees that drop slightly to 27 cu-ft and 55 cu-ft, respectively.
