Audi Q8 e-tron vs Audi SQ5 Sportback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi Q8 e-tron at 5 stars (2019) and the Audi SQ5 Sportback at 5 stars (2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2019 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Audi Q8 e-tron and 85% for the Audi SQ5 Sportback, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 10 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi Q8 e-tron, against 6 on the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Audi Q8 e-tron and 9 in the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q8 e-tron features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Audi SQ5 Sportback gets a 14.5-inch display and 11.9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q8 e-tron stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Audi SQ5 Sportback. The Audi SQ5 Sportback counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q8 e-tron uses a Electric producing 250kW and 664Nm of torque, sent through a two-stage planetary gearbox with single gear to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback responds with a Petrol MHEV making 270kW and 550Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 250kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q8 e-tron measures 4,915mm long on a 2,928mm wheelbase, 198mm longer than the Audi SQ5 Sportback at 4,717mm (2,820mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q8 e-tron generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 569L in the Audi Q8 e-tron and 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback, giving the Audi Q8 e-tron a 54L advantage.

For towing, the Audi SQ5 Sportback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Audi SQ5 Sportback's turning circle is 0.7 m tighter, 11.8 m against 12.5 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

We do not hold a like-for-like fuel or energy figure for both cars, so we do not cost them against each other.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q8 e-tron) and 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q8 e-tron: the bigger boot with the seats up (569L against 515L).

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: the lower starting price ($109,900 against $140,600), more power (270kW against 250kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,800kg).

The Verdict

Audi SQ5 Sportback scores higher, 73 vs 71

The Audi SQ5 Sportback scores 73 to the Audi Q8 e-tron's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: technology (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 12 points), performance (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 12 points). Boot space with the seats up: 569L in the Audi Q8 e-tron, 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Common questions