Audi Q8 e-tron vs BMW iX
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q8 e-tron starts from $140,600 before on-road costs, while the BMW iX opens at $142,900. That makes the Audi Q8 e-tron the more affordable entry point by $2,300.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $154,660 and $157,190 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q8 e-tron and BMW iX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Audi Q8 e-tron and 91% for the BMW iX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 8 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
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 6 in the BMW iX.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q8 e-tron features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the BMW iX gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q8 e-tron stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the BMW iX. The BMW iX counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi Q8 e-tron gets leather upholstery while the BMW iX offers vernasca leather.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q8 e-tron uses a Electric producing 250kW and 664Nm of torque, sent through a single speed to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.
The BMW iX responds with a Electric making 300kW and 700Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.
The BMW iX has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 250kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW iX is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 95kWh (Audi Q8 e-tron) vs 94.8kWh (BMW iX), giving WLTP ranges of 491km and 578km. DC fast charging peaks at 170kW (Audi Q8 e-tron) vs 200kW (BMW iX).
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q8 e-tron measures 4,915mm long on a 2,928mm wheelbase, 38mm shorter than the BMW iX at 4,953mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW iX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 569L in the Audi Q8 e-tron and 500L in the BMW iX, giving the Audi Q8 e-tron a 69L advantage.
For towing, the BMW iX leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.5m to 12.6m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q8 e-tron) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q8 e-tron if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW iX if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW iX takes 5 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Audi Q8 e-tron has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q8 e-tron and BMW iX?
The Audi Q8 e-tron is the cheapest at $140,600 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW iX by $2,300.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BMW iX has the most range at 602km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW iX accepts the highest DC charging at up to 200kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q8 e-tron and BMW iX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q8 e-tron has the largest boot at 569L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW iX has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW iX makes the most power at 300kW. The BMW iX is quickest to 100km/h in 4.6s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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