The Audi Q8 e-tron 50 SUV was a nice car to drive, but it felt like some of the more premium features were intentionally left out. This was done so that Audi Malaysia could more clearly differentiate the 50 variant from the 55 variant. Apart from the higher price tag, the 55 variant actually brings a lot more to the table compared to the 50. After reviewing the 50 variant, I reached out to Audi Malaysia to request the 55 variant for review. In their fleet, they had the 55 variant registered in Sportback form. Since both models come with the same specifications, the comparison remains valid. So, I’ll be spending some time with the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 variant to see just how big the difference is between the two models.

Since this isn’t the first time I’ve reviewed the Q8 e-tron, it felt very familiar the moment I got behind the wheel. Even with the Sportback design, the signature Audi styling carries over beautifully. For this 55 variant, however, Audi has enhanced several features to make the vehicle feel even more modern. At the front, the 55 variant now features more advanced headlights compared to the 50. While they share the same basic design, the 55 is equipped with Matrix LED high beams, allowing for excellent visibility in dark areas without glaring at other road users. Additionally, the headlights can project the Audi logo onto the road or a nearby wall, depending on where the vehicle is facing. Between the headlights, the center section of the grille also lights up, elegantly displaying the Audi logo.

Another prominent update that the 55 variant gets is the wing cameras, which replace the traditional wing mirrors found on the 50. When I first started using them, they did feel a little disorienting, but after a while, I got used to them. I do think the position of the screens on the door panels is a bit low and small for my liking, though they make up for it with a very high-definition display. Compared to the Kia EV9, which also uses wing cameras, the ones on the Q8 are definitely clearer in terms of picture quality. Lastly, the 55 variant comes with slightly larger 21-inch rims—one inch larger than those on the 50. To match the larger rims, the tyres are also slightly wider, measuring 265/45 R21. Behind these massive rims, you’ll also find red brake calipers that enhance the vehicle’s sporty appearance.

Stepping on board, you’ll hardly be able to tell the 55 apart from the 50. But of course, Audi has given the 55 some nice features to make it more pleasant to live with. The most noticeable would be the screens on the front door panels, which display the rear-view camera feed. In my opinion, the screens are positioned a little too low. Mounting them slightly higher would definitely improve visibility, though it might affect the overall aesthetics of the Q8’s interior. Still, once you get used to them, it’s not too much of an issue.

Another upgrade the 55 receives is the Bang & Olufsen sound system. Initially, I thought the B&O system sounded really good, but I couldn’t quite tell how much better it was compared to systems like Bose or Harman Kardon. Fortunately, while I had the Q8 e-tron 55 for review, I also happened to have the Kia EV9 alongside it. The EV9 came equipped with a premium Meridian sound system. But after stepping out of the EV9 and hopping into the Q8 e-tron, I immediately noticed that the audio experience with the B&O was on another level. The additional tuning allowed me to hear more layers, each one more defined and clear. Not to say the EV9’s system is bad, but the B&O is simply better. You really have to compare them side by side to appreciate the difference.

Apart from that, the 55 variant also gets a different seat design to enhance the sportiness of the interior. This mainly applies to the front seats, where the 55 features sport seats instead of the comfort seats found in the 50. The sport seats still offer a wide range of adjustments, making it easy to find your ideal driving position. Despite their sporty design, they remain very comfortable. They’re not full-on bucket seats, yet they provide enough lateral support to keep you in place during spirited driving. Other than that, the interior is largely similar to the 50.

In terms of powertrain, this is where the 55 differs more significantly. While it still features an all-wheel drive setup with two electric motors, the 55 packs more punch. The battery size has also increased — it’s now a 114 kWh unit, offering a theoretical range of 582 km based on the WLTP rating. This powertrain produces a total output of 402 hp and 664 Nm of torque. This allows the Q8 e-tron 55 to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 km/h.

Driving-wise, the 55 feels very similar to the 50 in terms of power delivery. Even with the added power, acceleration in the 55 is only slightly quicker than in the 50. However, due to the strong instant torque, it’s hard to tell the difference with your body alone. A side-by-side comparison would be necessary to really notice the performance gap. What I can clearly notice, though, is the increase in range. On a full charge, the vehicle shows an estimated 414 km of range. But in reality, I feel the SUV can perform better than that. With some careful driving, I was able to achieve an average energy consumption of 22.4 kWh/100 km. Based on that figure, the vehicle could realistically reach close to 500 km of range. That’s pretty impressive.

As for the ride, the Q8 e-tron has quite a sporty feel. This is typical for an Audi, as the brand aims to provide a very stable driving experience even at higher speeds—making the SUV enjoyable to drive. This is further enhanced by the sharp steering, which gives you plenty of confidence when chucking the vehicle through corners. On top of that, the steering provides a good amount of feedback, helping the driver understand what the front wheels are doing. Overall, the ride and handling characteristics of the 55 are very similar to those of the 50. Both are very capable vehicles, no matter the situation.

Just like the 50, the 55 also gets decently strong brakes. Despite being painted red, the brakes are essentially the same as those on the 50. They are very well tuned, and both the regenerative and physical braking feel very natural for an EV. The adaptive regenerative braking also makes for a great driving experience. Similar to the 50, the 55 is equipped with a long list of driver assistance systems. I also appreciate that there’s a physical button to switch off Lane Keep Assist — a detail most Chinese brands tend to overlook. The Q8 e-tron 55 comes standard with 8 airbags, Audi pre sense front and rear, adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, efficiency assist, swerve assist and turn assist, lane departure warning, and front and rear cross traffic assist.

The Q8 e-tron is priced at RM492,790, and it’s certainly not cheap. At the very least, it’s a nice vehicle to drive, and it actually drives like a proper car. That said, the EV market is constantly changing. Right now, many people are looking for more affordable EVs, especially considering concerns about depreciation. However, if you’re looking for an EV that drives like a conventional vehicle, the Q8 e-tron is definitely up your alley. I would actually place it quite high on the list of EVs I enjoy driving. That said, I believe many potential buyers might be put off by the older-looking tech. It may look dated, but to be fair, it still includes all the essential modern-day features you’d expect. The Bang & Olufsen sound system, in particular, is one standout feature that makes me want this car even more. And if you’re evaluating the e-tron as a vehicle, it definitely meets all the criteria that a car enthusiast would appreciate.

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